The ancient history and culture of Armenia attracts many foreign tourists, including Russian citizens. They often come to this country to visit monasteries, taste national cuisine, and get acquainted with historical monuments. Also, Russians often come to Armenia to study, work, do business, and visit relatives. Before setting off on a journey or embassy, you need to carefully study customs rules, features of entry and exit, and residence.
Armenia without a visa - conditions of entry and stay for Russians
Visa-free travel allows Russian citizens to live in the country for no more than 180 days within six months. Staying in Armenia for more than 30 days will require foreigners to contact the passport office at their place of residence and register. To register you must present the following documents:
- A valid foreign passport.
- Internal ID.
- Application from a foreigner.
How long can you stay in the country without a visa?
No more than 180 days every six months.
Passport requirements
Entry is permitted either with a Russian passport or with a foreign one. The validity of the passport (both foreign and domestic) must be valid for at least the entire period of stay in Armenia.
Important! To visit Armenia with an internal Russian passport, you must arrive in the country by direct air flight. If traveling by land, you must have a foreign passport!
What other documents will you be asked to present at the border?
The list of documents depends on the length of stay, the purpose of the visit and the characteristics of your stay in Armenia.
At the border, official and diplomatic passports and a seafarer's certificate are accepted, which must be submitted along with the ship's list or an extract from it.
A health insurance policy is not required, but traveling to Armenia without health insurance is irresponsible. The policy allows you to receive qualified medical care at the expense of the insurance company.
By the way, you can take out an insurance policy without leaving your home. The online service will compare offers from the most popular insurance companies for you, and you will be able to choose the one that suits you.
Road travelers must make separate preparations for their trip in order to successfully pass the border at the checkpoint. In this case, you will need the following documents:
- International driving license.
- A document confirming the official registration of the vehicle.
- A power of attorney for the use of a car, which is certified by a notary. Such paper is necessary only for those who are traveling to Armenia without their own car.
- Road tax for a passenger car, the amount of which is determined by the number of days spent in the country.
You can enter the country from Georgia. It is prohibited to cross the border from Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Separately, it is worth mentioning car insurance. Armenia has not signed the Green Card car insurance agreement and does not recognize the Russian compulsory motor liability insurance. Therefore, when entering the country, you need to take out local MTPL insurance. The price of the policy depends on engine power, length of stay in the country and other factors.
The cost of an Armenian MTPL is from 4 thousand to 6 thousand drams.
Border guards may refuse entry in the following cases:
- Lack of a foreign passport for autotourists.
- The travel document was expired.
- Being on the black list.
- An attempt to smuggle prohibited goods, things or objects across the border.
Documents for children
The child needs his own foreign or regular passport, as well as a birth certificate. For minors who travel without parents, accompanied by third parties, a power of attorney is required, which is certified by a notary. Without it, the child will not be allowed to leave the country without his parents.
Armenia: important information for Russian citizens planning to stay in the country
Dear Colleagues!
We are pleased to announce great news - we are opening Armenia! Holidays in Armenia invite you to enjoy the excursion program of the country, rich in cultural and natural monuments, excellent cuisine and hospitality.
Start of the program with direct flights of Nord Wind airline to Yerevan:
- from Nizhny Novgorod 04/09/2021 – 10/26/2021 weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays;
- from Kazan 04/11/21-04/25/21 on Sundays and then 05/03/2021 – 10/18/2021 weekly on Mondays.
Tours are now available for booking!
View tours
Memo for Russian citizens planning a trip to the Republic of Armenia
Travel preparation and safety precautions
Visa:
For Russian citizens, entry into Armenia is visa-free. Citizens of countries for which a visa-free regime has been established may remain on the territory of the Republic of Armenia for no more than 180 days within one year.
Air travel:
In accordance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor and airline regulations, passengers without masks will not be accepted for transportation. Passengers must wear a mask at all times while on board the aircraft and have a sufficient number of masks for the entire duration of the flight at the rate of 1 mask per 3 hours of flight.
Certificate of negative coronavirus test result and other requirements upon arrival
- When entering the territory of Armenia at air and land border checkpoints, a certificate confirming a negative PCR diagnostic result for coronavirus (COVID-19) carried out no later than 72 hours before entry is presented.
- The certificate must be in Armenian, Russian or English, containing all contact information of the organization that carried out the research on official letterhead with the name of the director of the institution, the first and last name of the person examined, the number of the identity document, year of birth, the result of the study, certified by the signature of the director and the seal of the organization .
- The labor and health inspection body immediately carries out a medical examination (remote temperature measurement, external examination, additional examination in the event of the presence of clinical symptoms characteristic of the virus) of the arriving person for the presence of infection or symptoms of infection, and checks for the presence of a certificate.
- Based on the results of the examination, hospitalization is applied to the person if the latter has the corresponding symptoms.
- If a foreign citizen does not have a negative test for COVID-19, he must undergo testing at the airport or sampling points located at the land border crossing point and must self-isolate until he receives a negative test result. Self-isolation is carried out at the address indicated in the unified electronic health information system ARMED (in hotels, apartments, etc. booked by tourists).
- Sampling points take samples and enter personal data and register self-isolation in the ARMED system based on an identity document, verifying the authenticity of the contact number by calling the specified number. After sampling, the sampling point must provide appropriate documentation indicating sampling and registration for self-isolation.
- The results of the PCR examination are registered in the ARMED system and provided to the examinee no later than within 48 hours.
- Self-isolation for 14 calendar days is required if a tourist is diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19), but there is no need for hospitalization. Self-isolation is carried out at the address indicated in the unified electronic health information system ARMED (in hotels, apartments, etc. booked by tourists). Self-isolation is extended until the tourist is cured and the absence of the virus is confirmed. In case of a negative PCR test result, the tourist leaves self-isolation.
- The PCR test is carried out at the expense of the arrival. In case of hospitalization, treatment for COVID-19 is covered by the medical policy.
On a rest:
- Individual protection measures must be applied throughout the territory of Armenia, and when moving, it is mandatory to have a document or a copy of it (including electronic) identifying yourself.
- Wearing a mask in enclosed spaces and in transport is mandatory for everyone except: children under 5 years old, in personal cars, while smoking, drinking, or eating.
- Wearing a mask in public open places is mandatory, except for the following cases: - age: from 0 to 5 years inclusive - presence of chronic respiratory diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or bronchitis, severe respiratory failure, chronic functional heart failure 3, 4 functional class, if these persons have a document confirming the relevant disease - when playing sports and riding a bicycle - in specially designated places for outdoor recreation, beaches, mountains, forests and similar open areas, but not in parks, city parks, botanical parks and zoos, historical and cultural sites, pilgrimages, and when participating in individual or group excursions, hikes, and other similar events - deafness (people suffering from deafness who perceive speech through lip movements) - mental disorders - facial trauma or maxillofacial intervention oral cavity - during smoking, drinking, eating
Violation of the rules for using personal protective equipment during quarantine will result in a fine of 10,000 drams (approx. $20). Violation of the rule on the presence of an identity document or its copy (including an electronic one) entails a fine of 10,000 drams. Violation of the rules of isolation or self-isolation during quarantine entails a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 drams.
Payment for medical services
If during a vacation the Insured suddenly discovers similar symptoms of illness (high temperature, cough, runny nose, etc.), then he needs to call the Service Center at the phone number specified in the insurance policy and follow the operator’s instructions. Based on the results of treatment, if the period of stay in Armenia exceeds the number of days of rest on the paid voucher, the flight to Russia is paid for by the insurance company ERV or the tour operator PEGAS Touristik. Upon returning home, all expenses incurred will be reimbursed under the ERV health insurance policy, including medications, necessary tests as prescribed by the doctor, hotel accommodation (USD 300) and return tickets. Therefore, you must be prepared for additional expenses and keep all receipts and receipts for payment for services provided. The insurance policy covers the necessary treatment, tests/examinations/medicines prescribed by the doctor for the sick insured. The policy also covers the stay of the sick insured in a hospital/observatory/observatory for inpatient treatment. If the insured does not have an identified disease, then he bears all expenses independently. If a tourist finds himself in a difficult situation, including related to coronavirus infection, the tour operator PEGAS Touristik will provide assistance in resolving issues and the necessary support.
Upon arrival in the Russian Federation
Citizens of the Russian Federation arriving on the territory of the Russian Federation by air will be required to ensure that the arrival form is completed on board and the form is filled out on the Unified Portal of State and Municipal Services in electronic form before departure to the Russian Federation (when purchasing a ticket, but no later than check-in for the flight) . Within three calendar days from the date of arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation, Russian citizens must undergo a laboratory test for COVID-19 using the PCR method and post information about the result of the test in a special form on the Unified Portal of State Services. Until the results of a laboratory test for COVID-19 using the PCR method are obtained, it is necessary to comply with the isolation regime at the place of residence (registration). If any deterioration in health occurs within fourteen calendar days from the date of arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation, citizens must immediately seek medical help without visiting medical organizations. More details: https://www.rospotrebnadzor.ru/about/info/news/news_details.php?ELEMENT_ID=15064
Sources:
https://tourism.gov.ru/news/16803/ https://www.gov.am/ru/covid-travel-restrictions/
Conditions will be updated as official information becomes available.
Best regards, PEGAS Touristik
Published:
15.02.2021
Updated:
When is a visa to Armenia needed?
A visa is required for Russians who will work, study, or conduct business in Armenia. Citizens of the Russian Federation who often visit their relatives and friends can also apply for a visa. This type of guest visa is valid for a year and often provides for multiple entries into the territory of Armenia.
Where to get a visa
There are two ways to obtain permission for long-term residence in Armenia:
- Visa Center.
- Through the embassy.
- Through the website evisa.mfa.am.
The Embassy of Armenia in Moscow is located at:
- Armenian lane, 2.
Consulates General:
- In St. Petersburg - Dekabristov Street, 22.
- In Rostov-on-Don - Yerevanskaya street, house No. 1a.
Consulate in Sochi:
- Kurortny Avenue, house No. 8.
Extension and receipt of various types of visas is carried out only through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Sometimes visas can be issued by the Passport and Visa Department of the country's Police.
Required documents
The full list of papers required to obtain an Armenian visa depends on the purpose of your trip to the country. Before collecting documents, you need to go to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic and study the list of documents that will be needed to open a guest, work, entrepreneur, or study visa.
A standard package of papers looks like this:
- A valid passport, which must have blank pages.
- A completed and signed application form, a sample of which can be downloaded from the link.
- One photo.
- A receipt indicating that the visa applicant has paid the consular fee.
- Tickets.
- Housing reservation.
- Health insurance policy.
The photograph must be “fresh” at the time of contacting the consulate. Photos taken no later than six months before the planned trip to Armenia are accepted.
The background of the photo should be light, the face should be open with clear contours. You cannot smile or frown in the photo. Facial expression is neutral.
Armenian visa cost and processing time
Russians pay a consular fee for opening a visa to Armenia only when opening a multiple or single-entry visa, which implies study, work, or entrepreneurship in the country.
A visitor visa, which is most often requested by Russians, will cost $83. The e-visa costs the same.
Payment of the consular fee takes place either on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia or at the diplomatic mission where the visa is issued. If the applicant applies to a visa center, then a service fee must be paid.
In case of refusal, fees are not refunded.
The visa processing time is 3 days. Sometimes this period is extended if Russians are asked to provide additional documents to the Embassy or Consulate.
Features of entry using an internal passport
If a Russian is going to visit Armenia for tourism purposes, then when crossing the border he will only need to present a passport.
The arrival point must be the air terminal in Gyumri (“Shirak”) or in Yerevan (“Zvartnots”).
At other airports in Armenia, a Russian who does not have a foreign passport can be sent back.
Find out from the video: when will Russia’s borders with Armenia and other CIS countries open?
Passport requirements
The internal passport must be valid for the entire trip plus 3 months after returning home.
Do not damage its cover or pages containing important information.
Watch the video: rules for entry into Armenia for Russians in 2021.
Additional papers
Additionally, with an internal passport when crossing the border, you can provide:
- diplomatic passport;
- a document confirming that the person intends to return to his homeland;
- service passport.
The tourist must have return air tickets and a hotel room reservation. But this is not a mandatory requirement. Usually Russians are not asked to provide additional documents.
Traveling with children
Children under 14 years of age can enter Armenia only with a foreign passport. It is not possible to enter the country using a birth certificate.
Persons over 14 can cross the border using an internal passport. Like adults, they can only do this if they travel by plane.
If the child is accompanied only by his father or mother, in addition to his passport, to cross the border, he will need a notarized power of attorney from one of the parents.
Violation of the period of stay - penalties and consequences
The visa-free regime between Armenia and Russia is quite loyal to Russians, but neither customs rules nor the length of stay in the country can be violated.
If a situation arises when a citizen of the Russian Federation violates the visa-free rules, then the country’s authorities have a rule to apply sanctions, fines or deport the foreigner from the country.
The amount of fines and types of punishment depend on the specific case. You can be expelled from Armenia for an expired passport, for lack of registration in case of long-term stay, for carrying out labor activities, for selling drugs or weapons.
How to get to Armenia?
By plane
The most convenient way to get to Armenia from Russia is by air. Direct flights are operated by Pobeda, Aeroflot, S7, UTAir, Ural Airlines, VIM, Georgian Airways from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Sochi and other major Russian cities.
From Pobeda you can get tickets from Moscow to Gyumri for 999 rubles one way and for 2000 round trip - this is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to Armenia. You can take 10 kg of luggage with you. Of course, prices are higher in summer, but still cheaper than others.
For other airlines, the cost of tickets from Moscow to Armenia in winter and summer differs little; in the low season you can find them for 8,000 rubles round trip, and in summer tickets cost about 11 thousand rubles.
There are also direct flights from Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
Find cheap flights to Armenia:
Secrets of finding inexpensive air tickets
How to use airline ticket search engines
By train
It is impossible to get from Russia to Armenia by train. During the time of the union, a branch line operated through Adler-Abkhazia-Georgia, but now, due to the Abkhaz conflict, this line is not functioning along its entire length.
It is possible to get to Armenia by train from Georgia: Yerevan and Tbilisi are connected by one train, it takes a long time, but at night, so you can use it. In summer there is a flight from Yerevan to Georgian Batumi.
By car or bus
Land borders are open only with Georgia and Iran. Armenia’s relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, to put it mildly, are not very good, which is why all checkpoints are closed. The only way to Armenia from Russia is through Georgia.
There are three crossings between these countries in total, if you are traveling from Tbilisi to Yerevan, use the Sadakhlo/Bagratashen checkpoint, and if from Akhaltsikhe to Gyumri, then use the Ninotsminda-Bavra checkpoint.
To enter Armenia by car you will need the following documents:
- rights
- registration certificate
- rental agreement if the car is rental
- upon entry and exit, a customs fee of 2000 drams is charged.
There are buses from many cities in southern Russia and Moscow to Yerevan, theoretically you can get there, but physically it is difficult: the journey from Moscow takes about 40 hours.
When will the borders with Armenia and Russia open in 2021?
In March 2021, Armenia, Russia, like many other countries, announced the closure of their borders. This was done to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent the spread of coronavirus. The borders remained open only for those who wanted to return to their homeland, for drivers of land and air transport, for ambassadors and members of their families. It was also possible to obtain permission to enter and leave upon presentation of a certificate of illness of a close relative living in another country and the need for assistance in treatment.
Despite the fact that the situation with COVID-19 remains very tense, in January 2021 the Armenian authorities started talking about easing quarantine measures. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Head of the Ministry of Health Anahit Avanesyan said that from February 1 to March 1, Armenian citizens will be able to fly to and travel to Russia. It is difficult to say when the borders with Armenia will be opened on a permanent basis due to the coronavirus.
On a note!
At the beginning of 2021, there is a ban on the departure or exit from Armenia of males of military age. This is due to the introduction of martial law.
