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Western Asia

ArmeniaTravel guide

Explore Armenia visa rulesCommon scams in Armenia

Armenia is a landlocked country in the Caucasus, between Europe and Asia. Its capital is Yerevan. It is known for ancient churches, mountain scenery and being the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion.

Why go

  1. Explore ancient churches and monasteries, including Geghard and Etchmiadzin.

  2. See Mount Ararat from Khor Virap when the weather is clear.

  3. Visit Lake Sevan for summer beaches, camping and resort stays.

  4. Walk through Debed Canyon and the valleys of southern Armenia.

  5. Enjoy Yerevan's museums, markets, theatre and modern art.

Getting there

By air

  • Zvartnots International Airport is Armenia's main airport. It is 10 km west of Yerevan.
  • Yerevan has flights from several European countries and countries in the former Soviet Union.
  • Shirak Airport in Gyumri has a few flights from Russia.

By land

  • You can enter Armenia by road from Georgia or Iran.
  • The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. Train links with both countries are also cut.
  • An overnight train connects Tbilisi and Yerevan every second day in autumn, winter and spring. In summer, a daily overnight train runs from Batumi through Tbilisi to Yerevan.

Customs

  • Yerevan airport has a currency exchange and a cash machine before customs and immigration.
  • Bring Armenian dram and small notes for land border payments. Border staff may accept other currencies at poor rates and may be unable to change a US$100 note.
  • Drivers who cannot complete border forms in Armenian may need a translator. The source lists a fee of 2,000 dram for this service.

Getting around

  • Buses and shared minibuses

    Shared minibuses are called marshrutkas. Most travel between cities uses these minibuses or buses. Yerevan has several bus stations serving different areas. Find out which station serves your destination before setting out. Some longer journeys require a ticket from a ticket office. Otherwise, ask the driver when to pay. Carry smaller notes. A 20,000 dram note may be difficult to use for a 1,000 dram ride. Buses are often crowded and usually have no air conditioning in summer. Transport for Armenia is a journey planning website available in English and Russian. It also lists prices for many routes. Remote sights outside towns and villages can be difficult to reach by public transport.

  • Trains

    Most trains are old and slow, but very cheap. The Yerevan–Gyumri route has newer, faster trains on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check www.railway.am for the official timetable. Vanadzor is the only station north of Gyumri officially open to passengers. Other stops farther north are technical stops where tickets cannot be bought.

  • Taxis

    Using the GG or Yandex taxi apps can help avoid dishonest drivers. If you cannot use an app, agree on the price before entering the taxi. Do not take the ride if the driver will not agree on a price. If a driver demands more than agreed, refuse the extra charge. Ask local people or police for help if needed.

  • Flights

    There are no domestic flights between Armenia's two working airports.

What to see and do

  • Geghard and Garni Temple

    Geghard monastery is carved into a mountain slope in the Azat river gorge. Garni's Roman temple is a short trip downriver.

  • Etchmiadzin Cathedral

    This cathedral in Vagharshapat is the headquarters of the Armenian Church. Parts date from the 5th century.

  • Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries

    These 10th-century monasteries stand on opposite sides of Debed Canyon. The surrounding area has many hiking trails.

  • Zvartnots Cathedral ruins

    The remains of this 7th-century cathedral have great archaeological value.

  • Noravank, Tatev and Tatevi Anapat

    Noravank stands in the red Amaghu Canyon. Tatev and Tatevi Anapat are in the scenic Vorotan Valley, among churches and abandoned cliffside villages.

  • Khor Virap

    This monastery offers views of Mount Ararat, which lies across the border in Turkey.

Food and drink

  • Harissa

    A dish named in the source, without further details.

  • Khorovats

    Sold at roadside stands. The source describes food from these stands as generally safe.

  • Armenian wine

    Local wines include Karas, Karasi, Kataro and Armenia. Areni is a popular grape used for red wine, and some wines are made from pomegranates.

  • Local beer

    Brands include Kilikia, Kotayk and Gyumri.

  • Fruit vodka

    Try tutti oghi made from mulberries, honi oghi made from cornelian cherries, or Tsirani oghi made from apricots.

  • Brandy

    Armenian brandy is a local drink and a popular purchase to take home.

Money

Armenian dram (AMD)

  • Use dram for everyday payments. It is the only legal currency for trade, although US dollars are occasionally accepted for larger purchases.
  • US dollars, euros and Russian rubles are easy to exchange. Banks and exchange booths generally offer competitive rates without commission.
  • Cash machines are widely available in larger towns. Outside Yerevan, a Visa or Mastercard card is more likely to work.
  • Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Yerevan.

Tipping: Tips are not expected on public transport.

Typical costs

  • Public transport costs about 100 dram per 10 km.
  • A slow train between Gyumri and Yerevan costs about 1,000 dram.
  • A cottage near Lake Sevan with electricity starts at about US$10 per day.
  • Vehicle insurance bought at the border costs 3,000–5,000 dram.
  • The temporary vehicle import fee is 14,000 dram for 1–15 days or 25,000 dram for 16–30 days.

Language

  • Armenian is the official language and uses its own alphabet.
  • Russian is widely spoken as a second language.
  • English is becoming more common among younger people. It is less widely spoken outside Yerevan.
  • French is taught in schools, and you may find French speakers in Yerevan.

Staying safe

  • Armenia is described as very safe overall. Theft and pickpocketing still happen in Yerevan, including theft targeting foreigners.
  • Take usual care when walking at night, especially after drinking.
  • Women walking alone after dark may attract attention, particularly on the outskirts of the city.
  • Use GG or Yandex for taxis where possible. Otherwise, agree on a price before the ride.
2 common scams in Armenia, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Dress modestly in churches: cover your shoulders and avoid shorts and miniskirts.
  • Men should remove hats in churches. Women should cover their hair with a shawl or veil.
  • Give your seat to someone much older than you on buses and trains.
  • Begin conversations with small talk, such as asking about someone's health or family.
  • Understand that staring often shows curiosity about a foreign visitor.
  • Expect direct questions about your life, salary or education. These are not generally considered rude locally.
  • Be aware that traditional courtesies, including letting women go first, are important.
  • Understand that family matters may take priority and cause someone to arrive late.

Don't

  • Do not say or do things that make an older person or an authority figure feel challenged.
  • Do not assume someone's warmth towards Russian people means support for the Russian government. Avoid that discussion unless you know the person well enough.
  • Do not feel obliged to light a candle in a church. It is an optional gesture.

Staying healthy

  • Food is generally safe, including food from roadside khorovats stands.
  • Tap water is generally safe and comes from the mountains.
  • Tap and spring water are widely available, especially at churches and monasteries.
  • Hosts may offer food until you cannot eat any more.

Phone and internet

  • Many cafes in Yerevan offer free wireless internet. It is also becoming available in cafes in other towns.
  • Many hotels provide wireless internet for guests.
  • Some phone offices use the internet for cheaper international calls.

Where to stay

  • Bed and breakfasts are available across Armenia. In rural areas, an Armenian or Russian phrasebook can help with the language barrier.
  • Yerevan has a couple of hostels.
  • Lake Sevan has cottages, hotels and higher-end accommodation. Basic cottages with electricity start at about US$10 per day within walking distance of the lake.
  • Dilijan and Ijevan are bases for trips to ancient churches in Tavush province. Dilijan also has a large restaurant scene.

Outdoor adventures in Armenia

Armenia has mountain trails, deep gorges and forest walks, with routes around Dilijan, Debed Canyon and southern Armenia. Lake Sevan offers summer beaches, camping and windsurfing, while local guides and hotels arrange horse riding.

  • Lake Sevan beaches

    BeacheLake Sevan Region

    Day trip or a longer stay Summer

    Visit for the day or stay at a campsite or resort by the lake.

  • Sanahin to Haghpat

    HikeDebed Canyon, Northern Armenianear Alaverdi

    2–3 hours for the shortest, 9 km route

    Follow the paths between Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries. The shortest route passes through Akner village, steep gorges and a small mountain river.

    • A leaking water pipe makes the steep descent to the river very slippery.
    • Near Haghpat, the longer option stays at a similar height and avoids a steep climb.

  • Debed Canyon and Alaverdi countryside trails

    HikeNorthern Armenianear Alaverdi

    Walk trails linking villages and monasteries, or arrange a walk with Alaverdi Guides, based at the Mikoyan brothers museum in Sanahin village.

    • Some paths have signs or appear on OpenStreetMap, but others do not.

  • Old Khndzoresk Cave Village

    HikeSouthern Armenianear Goris

    Less than 2 hours exploring; about 30 minutes each way by bus

    Take a bus from 14 Mashtots Street in Goris to Khndzoresk. From the last stop, walk downhill to the old village and swinging bridge. Ask the driver for directions if needed. The Khndzoresk Revival Foundation at Mina Hotel also arranges guided walks.

    • Cost: Bus: 300 AMD, listed in June 2025. The old house visit is free.

  • Bike Armenia Tour Route

    Cycling

    Follow the mapped Bike Armenia Tour Route to explore the country by bicycle.

  • Matosavank forest walk

    HikeDilijan areanear Dilijan

    25-minute walk from the mineral water plant

    Follow the marked trail from the Dilijan Mineral Water plant to Matosavank.

  • Jukhtak Vank walk

    HikeDilijan areanear Dilijan

    10-minute walk from the mineral water plant

    Walk from the Dilijan Mineral Water plant to Jukhtak Vank on the edge of town.

  • Goris Wildlife Sanctuary

    WildlifeSouthern Armenianear Goris

    The sanctuary lies southeast of Goris. Check current border safety information before heading there.

    • The sanctuary is close to Azerbaijan and extends across the border. Get up-to-date border safety information before visiting.

  • Lake Sevan windsurfing

    More to doLake Sevan Region

    Windsurfing is offered at Lake Sevan, but booking and equipment arrangements are not specified.

  • Lake Sevan camping

    More to doLake Sevan Region

    Summer

    Stay at a campsite along Lake Sevan's shore.

  • Garni area hiking

    HikeCentral Armenia

    Explore trails around Garni using OpenStreetMap or a map app such as OsmAnd or MAPS.ME.

  • Hiking south of Lake Sevan

    HikeSouth of Lake Sevan Region

    Use OpenStreetMap, OsmAnd or MAPS.ME to find trails south of the Lake Sevan Region.

  • Southern Armenia hiking

    HikeSouthern Armenia

    Use OpenStreetMap or a map app such as OsmAnd or MAPS.ME to explore the region's hiking trails.

  • Guided Lori walks with Saro Ohanyan

    HikeLori, Northern Armenianear Alaverdi

    Arrange a hiking tour with local guide Saro Ohanyan, who speaks Armenian and English.

  • Lori horse-riding tours

    More to doLori, Northern Armenianear Alaverdi

    Arrange a horse-riding tour with local guide Saro Ohanyan.

  • Dilijan horse riding and beginner lessons

    More to doDilijan areanear Dilijan

    Tours last 1.5–6 hours

    Arrange a local riding tour or beginner lesson through hotels such as Getap or Tufenkian.

  • Dilijan horse sleigh ride

    More to doDilijan areanear Dilijan

    Snow season

    Arrange a horse sleigh ride through Tufenkian Hotel.

  • Ecokayan Ponds horse riding

    More to doDilijan areanear Dilijan

    Visit Ecokayan Ponds at 50 Hovq Street in Dilijan for horse riding.

  • Ecokayan Ponds fishing

    More to doDilijan areanear Dilijan

    Visit Ecokayan Ponds at 50 Hovq Street in Dilijan to fish in the ponds.

  • Ecokayan Ponds archery

    More to doDilijan areanear Dilijan

    Visit Ecokayan Ponds at 50 Hovq Street in Dilijan to try archery.

Airports, metros and trains in Armenia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • LWNShirak International AirportGyumriMain international airport
  • EVNZvartnots International AirportYerevanMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • YerevanYerevan Metro10 stations12.1 kmsince 1981

Trains

Rail network
703 km
Electrified
703 km

People and safety in Armenia

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian99%
  • No religion1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #56 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

79% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 102 of 198 countries can visit Armenia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required67
  • Visa on arrival35
  • eVisa37
  • Visa required58
  • Entry permit required1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe45 of 46 countries
  • Americas25 of 35 countries
  • Asia25 of 49 countries
  • Oceania6 of 14 countries
  • Africa1 of 54 countries

Questions

How can I reach Armenia from a neighbouring country?

You can enter by road from Georgia or Iran, and overnight trains connect Georgia with Yerevan. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed.

Can I pay by card everywhere?

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Yerevan. Carry Armenian dram; cash machines are widely available in larger towns.

How do I pay for a shared minibus?

Some longer journeys require a ticket from a ticket office. Otherwise, pay the driver and ask when payment is due.

Will people understand English?

English is becoming more common among younger people but is less widely spoken outside Yerevan. Russian is widely spoken as a second language.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Tap water is generally safe. Tap and spring water are widely available, especially at churches and monasteries.

How can I avoid being overcharged by a taxi driver?

Use GG or Yandex where possible. If you cannot, agree on the price before entering and do not take a ride if the driver refuses.

What should I wear when visiting a church?

Cover your shoulders and avoid shorts and miniskirts. Men should remove hats, and women should cover their hair with a shawl or veil.

Can I find accommodation without using an online booking site?

A travel agent can help find hotel deals in Tsaghkadzor. Bed and breakfasts are available across Armenia, though rural hosts may not speak English.

Where can I go hiking?

Walking areas include Garni, Debed Canyon, southern Armenia and areas south of Lake Sevan. OpenStreetMap, OsmAnd and MAPS.ME provide map information.

Is wireless internet easy to find?

Many cafes in Yerevan offer free wireless internet, and many hotels provide it for guests. Cafes in other towns are beginning to offer it too.

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