Armenia lifts visa requirements for several Gulf states, Western residents

Armenia has introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, as well as for residents of a number of countries, including the United States, EU member states, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

Under the new policy, individuals holding valid residence permits in the US, EU countries (including those in the Schengen Area), and select Gulf nations will now be allowed to enter Armenia without requiring a visa, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

The decision was approved by the Armenian government on May 22.

Foreign nationals holding a valid residence status—effective for at least six months from the date of entry into Armenia—from US, EU member states, Schengen area countries, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, will be allowed to enter and stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a year without the need for an entry visa, for monitoring purposes, until December 31, 2025.

The aforementioned countries are characterised by advanced economies and populations with high income levels.

Foreign nationals who hold residency status in these states likewise demonstrate significant economic activity, business engagement, and financial capacity. In this context, the liberalisation of the entry visa regime is anticipated to enhance the investment attractiveness of Armenia by facilitating a greater influx of investors, entrepreneurs, and business delegations from this group of countries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev