Armenia will grant visa-free entry to residents of the United Arab Emirates, starting from July 1.
Updated Article:
Yo, listen up! Armenia's got some fantastic news for UAE residents — starting July 1, 2025, you won't need a visa to enter the landlocked country! That's right, no more hassle with paperwork, just pack your bags and go. But remember, your residency visa gotta be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Before, only UAE nationals could travel visa-free, while residents had to deal with a visa on arrival. Now, this new visa-free policy allows travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes. It's open to all passport holders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and to individuals holding a valid residency permit issued by any of the six Gulf countries. This move, according to Armenia's Tourism Committee, opens up travel for a substantial segment of the GCC expatriate communities.
The GCC includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
So, if you're bored and want a change of scenery, Armenia's got you covered. Plenty to explore—ancient monasteries, a vibrant food scene, and immersive cultural festivals, all just a three-hour flight from the UAE. Airlines like flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air operate direct flights, making it convenient to jet off.
Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy, Armenia, said, "This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers. We're excited to welcome more guests from the GCC seeking meaningful travel experiences."
Armenia's already a popular destination for UAE residents, especially among expatriates. And with this new visa-free policy, the Armenian government aims to strengthen economic relations, boost tourism, and facilitate business opportunities between Armenia and the GCC member states.
This change is part of a larger initiative by the Armenian government. They plan to expand the visa-free policy to travelers holding residency permits from countries like the GCC, EU, Schengen Area, or the United States. As long as your permit is valid for at least six months, you're good to go!
So, mark your calendars for July 1, 2025, and get ready for an adventure worth traveling for.
Sources:
- Armenia Note, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, https://mofaic.gov.ae/ar/ForeignPolicy/MinisterialForecasts/Armenia
- Armenia Extends Visa-Free Policy to UAE Residents, Arabian Business, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/news-analysis/34472-armenia-extends-visa-free-policy-to-uae-residents
- Armenia Introduces Visa-Free Travel for UAE Nationals, Gulf News, https://gulfnews.com/uae/armenia-introduces-visa-free-travel-for-uae-nationals-1.13030482
- Armenia's Latest Move to Boost Tourism, Khaleej Times, https://www.khaleejtimes.com/life/travel/armenia-latest-move-to-boost-tourism-cp-15_4607100
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- With the new visa-free policy effective from July 1, 2025, one can travel to Armenia for health, business, or lifestyle purposes, including tourism and leisure, making it an exciting destination for UAE residents.
- As reported by the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy, Armenia, this visa-free policy not only amplifies tourism but also aims to strengthen economic relations, boost business opportunities, and enhance food experiences for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
- For those who seek a change of scenery, Armenia's vibrant food scene, ancient monasteries, and immersive cultural festivals, accessible with direct flights from the UAE, offer a worthy travel adventure.
- The Armenian government plans to extend the visa-free policy for travelers holding residency permits from countries like the GCC, EU, Schengen Area, or the United States to further extend its reach and promote a healthy lifestyle, news, and lifestyle experiences to a broader audience.
