Travel Guide to Armenia – How to plan a Trip from Dubai
Armenia is sometimes overshadowed by its bigger Eurasian neighbours. It is a tiny nation in the Caucasus area, surrounded by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, and Azerbaijan to the east. This is an excellent destination for cultural travellers because tourism has mainly avoided the rural towns and mountain villages. Armenia and its neighbours share a rich religious and cultural legacy. The friendly locals, rich traditions, good food, low costs, and lack of visitors make it a superb location. So, if you’re one of the numerous people planning a trip from the UAE to Armenia, this guide will tell you all you need to know.
The best time to visit the country
Armenia has a continental climate, although located in the subtropical climatic zone. This means that summers are extremely hot, while winters linger months and temperatures are well below freezing.
The best season to visit Armenia is from May through September when the weather is warmer and more pleasant and flowers blossom throughout the nation. This makes late spring ideal for mountain trekking and visiting the country’s many monasteries.
Armenia’s low season is winter. Temperatures drop drastically in certain areas beginning in December, and heavy snow is anticipated in hilly regions; several sites, like Amberd Fortress, may be closed throughout the winter.
The Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Armenia. If you are a resident but do not have a UAE passport, your nationality determines your eligibility.
Visa Requirements
If you are visiting Armenia for vacation and want to remain for up to 180 days, you do not need an Armenia visa from the UAE. The Armenian government waives the visa requirement for Emirati nationals.
For UAE residents (Non-Nationals)
Residents of the UAE who do not have an Emirati passport but are from one of the nations eligible for the Armenia visa can apply through Byevisa. You must also satisfy the following requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you want to leave Armenia.
- You must enter the nation through one of the authorised checkpoints listed below:
- The railroad station in Ayrum.
- Bagratashen
- Bavra.
- The land border with Georgia at Gogavan.
- The land border with Iran at Meghri.
- Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport.
- You must submit a digital scan of the following papers:
- The picture page of your passport.
- Your passport’s bio page.
- You should also provide additional supporting papers with your application, such as aircraft tickets, hotel room confirmation, and bank records, to demonstrate that you have sufficient finances to cover your trip.
How to apply for Armenian E- Visa
This only applies to people visiting the nation for tourism, business, education, medical treatment, or to see a friend or relative.
You can apply for two types of e-Visas:
- A 21-day pass is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.
- A 180-day pass is valid for 120 days.
Application Process
- Click on the “Apply now” button and input your passport and personal information, including your passport number and expiration date.
- Enter your contact information for your stay in Armenia and a valid email address to receive your visa.
- Use a debit or credit card, or your PayPal account, to pay for your application.
- You must upload the supporting documents once you have paid.
Is it safe for travellers?
Armenia and Azerbaijan have reached a cease-fire deal, putting an end to their armed war. Travelling within 5 kilometres of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not recommended for travellers. But, it’s safer to travel inside Armenia.
Top places to visit in Armenia
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, and one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. The location of Yerevan itself is an inspirational motive for visitors to visit the city, with locations such as the Republic Square dancing fountains, the State Opera House, the Cascade complex, the remains of the Urartian city of Erebuni, the historical site of Karmir Blur, and so on.
Many ancient landmarks, cathedrals, and citadels surround Yerevan, including Garni Temple, Zvartnots Cathedral, and the monasteries of Khor Virap and Geghard. The city has luxurious hotels, best restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs.
Lake Sevan
Another interesting destination to visit during your Armenian vacation, Lake Sevan is the largest and most beautiful body of water in Armenia, often known as the “Pearl of Armenian Nature.” Lake Sevan contains the only beaches in Armenia, which are quite popular among the locals.
Garni Temple
Visit the Classic Temple in Garni, Armenia’s sole remaining Greco-Roman collonaded temple, it is the most well-known structure and emblem of pre-Christian Armenia. Explore Garni village, which is located in Armenia’s Kotayk Province. Garni is a renowned tourist destination with classical temples and other notable sights such as the wrecked Khumarazham Church, Mashtots Hayrapet Church, The Havuts Tar Monastic Complex, and many more.
Shikahog state Reserve
Shikahogh State Reserve is ideal for those who enjoy nature and animals. Shikahogh State Reserve is Armenia’s second-largest forest reserve and remains undiscovered due to deep woods comprising 1,100 plant species. The forest is home to a variety of animals, including wild goats, bears, leopards, bezoars, snowcocks, vipers, and hedgehogs.
Mount Aragats
Mount Aragats is a popular tourist destination in Armenia. Mount Aragats, Armenia’s tallest peak, has a wealth of rock art dating back around 100 years, including human-like drawings, animal paintings, and so on. It is the greatest hiking location, with the trip up the peak beginning at Lake Kari at an elevation of 3200 metres. The hiking track is roughly 5 kilometres long, and it takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, the trail is moderate in difficulty, and it is not essential to be a professional to climb the Southern peak.
Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery entices visitors with its spectacular alpine beauty and pleasant surroundings. Tatev Monastery, along with Noravank in the region of Vayots Dzor, is recognised as one of Armenia’s two most well-known monasteries. Getting to the monastery is a fun experience that you should try. You can traverse winding roads or take the “Wings of Tatev” cable car.