Before planning a journey to a new country, it’s essential to have insights that will enhance your experience. We have prepared some tips that would be useful before visiting Armenia. It is your ultimate guide to understanding what you can expect in Armenia.
It is important to ensure you are well prepared for your trip before packing the things. This article will brief you on the visa requirements, the best season, and the best ways to travel to Armenia. As you prepare to explore Armenia, check our 10 recommendations for a truly unforgettable adventure.
1. Do I Need Visa to Enter Armenia?
Armenia is open to the citizens of the European Union, CIS countries, Argentina, Brazil, UAE, the United States, and other countries. Luckily, the citizens of several dozen countries have free access to Armenia.
The website of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia provides all the necessary information, Moreover, there is a visa search tool where you can choose the citizenship country and travel document type to determine if you need a document before arrival.
2. Is Armenia a Safe Country?
In general, Armenia is safe for travelers with considerably low crime rates and a low risk of terrorist attacks. If you want to dig into the statistics, Armenia is ranked seventh in the Safety Index 2023 by Numbeo. Of course, if you are too concerned about the possible risks in the country, you can check travel advisories published by the government of your country. It is usually updated regularly and contains profound information about potential risks.
3. What is the Best Time to Visit Armenia?
Some tourist guides suggest the best time to visit Armenia is from May to September. However, fall is a very pleasant time to uncover Armenia’s beauty. Of course, the hottest time is summer with the temperature rising to 40 Celsius in Yerevan and the Ararat Plain.
If you feel bad during the heat, you’d better choose September or October as the best time to travel. The weather is mild, and it is the perfect time for hiking and trekking.
Winter in Armenia is dry and cold, and it is especially cold in the mountains. If you are a ski enthusiast, the resort town of Tsakhkadzor is the best place to travel.
4. Money
The currency of Armenia is the dram. As of summer 2023, one dollar is around 386 AMD. There are a lot of currency exchanges in Yerevan as well as ATMs, especially near banks and supermarkets. Although almost all supermarkets, shopping malls, taxis, and stores accept credit cards, you’d better have some cash when traveling outside Yerevan.
5. Language
Armenian is the official language of Armenia. Mesrop Mashtots invented the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD. Moreover, this language forms a separate branch of the Indo-European language. It has 39 letters and according to some estimates is spoken by 5-7 million people.
The Armenian has two modern literary forms – Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian, mainly spoken by the Diaspora Armenians.
Armenians are very proud of their language, there is even a monument to the Armenian alphabet installed in 2005 on the 1600th anniversary of its creation.
6. History and Culture
Any person traveling to Armenia can explore its rich heritage with monuments and churches dating back to ancient times. The nation has witnessed empires, invasions, and genocides. So, traces of Armenia’s vibrant past are every step of the way.
Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, and this fact has played a significant role in the history of the Armenian nation. If you want to feel the history, just visit the Pagan Temple of Garni or Etchmiadzin Cathedral dating to the early 4th century.
7. How to Reach Armenia?
Armenia is a landlocked country with only two open land borders Georgia and Iran. Another two borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey have been closed since the early 90s. You can enter Armenia either by a land route through Georgia and Iran or by air.
Luckily, numerous flights are operating from Europe and the Middle East. The only international airport Zvartnots is located just 12 kilometers from the city center.
By the way, transport in Armenia is very cheap. Taking a bus or metro will cost you 100 drams (around 40 cents). If you plan to take a taxi, there are several applications like gg, Yandex Taxi or Utaxi that are alternatives to Uber.
8. Staying Online
You will hardly face any difficulties with internet connection in Armenia. Wi-Fi is widely available in Yerevan cafes, restaurants, some parks, and metro stations. There are several mobile operators to choose from if you plan to have internet data on your phone. In this case, you will need a local SIM card.
9. Armenian Food
Armenian food is another attraction captivating tourists with its variety of flavors and aromas. The local food combines elements of its unique traditional recipes and Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs are flavorful and delicious.
The local food is not very spicy, and the Armenians do like meat very much. However, vegetarians will find a perfect mix of fresh and cooked herbs, as well as vegetables and fruits.
Be ready to find a lot of bread on the table, as Armenians can hardly imagine their lives without bread and freshly baked lavash. A cup of coffee is also a must. The locals love coffee and drink several cups a day.
10. Where to go in Armenia?
Finding the best route depends on the preference of a tourist. You can either visit the Armenian churches and fortresses to explore the architecture and history or embark on a hiking trip to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful nature of the Armenian mountains. Armenia offers a variety of activities from rafting and horse riding to visits to wineries and brandy factories.
The best option is to draw up a plan before visiting Armenia. Anyway, whatever you choose, you would need a reliable partner like Levon Travel that is focused on custom-made packages that can turn your trip to Armenia into an unforgettable journey.
