Armenia Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

One of the most common visas, a tourist visa is a type of visa that is issued for the travellers who are looking forward to visiting the country for tourism. A Armenia tourist visa will allow you to stay in the country for three to six months, depending on the requirement. The visa also permits multiple entries to the country on one visa on the condition that you will have to keep a gap of at least two months between two entries. Another advantage to a tourist visa to Armenia has is that it can even be extended by applying online.

The process to apply Armenia tourist visa online can be carried out by visiting the official website. The online procedure for the visa application form is given as follows:

1. Fill out the Armenia visa online application form on the official website.
2. Make the payment of fee online.
3. Attach two to four recent passport size photos to the application form.
4. Submit the form along with the scanned copies of the supporting documents.

The embassy will process the documents after the completion of the above procedure. After which the electronic visa will be sent in the form of a PDF file to you on your registered email ID.

At the time of filling the form, you must assure that you provide the correct information. There are chances that with wrong or incorrect data, you may have to go through visa rejection. Such an incidence can even affect your further visa applications.

When applying for the tourist visa, there are certain parameters that you need to consider to be able to obtain the Armenia tourist visa. The eligibility criteria for the visa is mentioned as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit
  1. If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Armenia.
  2. You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements
  1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Armenia.
  2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
  3. You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements
  1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Armenia.
  2. You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
  1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Armenia.
  2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are several documents required at the time of issuance of the tourist visa to Armenia. The list is mentioned in the following:

• Completely filled tourist visa application form.

• Two recent passport size photographs, not older than three months.

• Copies of confirmed air tickets 

• Hotel bookings, as proof of accommodation.

• Proof of financial status in the form of a bank statement of last six months.

• Coloured photos
• Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
• White background
• Neutral expressions on the face
• Photo should have no shadows
• Head must be square to the camera
• Any kind of glasses are not allowed
• Headgears are prohibited except for religious reasons
• Sharply focussed face with appropriate contrast

The time taken for the processing of documents and the visa depends upon several factors. These include the type of visa, the number of entries, the workload at the embassy, and others. The Armenia tourist visa is generally processed within the next 3 business days. The time span may increase or decrease depending upon the factors previously mentioned.

The visa fee paid to the embassy or the visa services depends on several factors such as the type of the visa, the number of entries, delivery charges, service charges, and others. The fee will differ and is generally to be paid after filling out the online visa application form. Armenia embassy also accepts the fee in cash. 

When the documents are submitted, there are certain procedures that unfold. There are some things that you need to know  -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

The visa to Armenia is an e-visa which makes it easy to track the status online. In order to check the status, all you have to do is visit the official website with your visa application number or the verification code and check the status by feeding the numbers. You can even check the status offline by calling the embassy with your visa application number which is generally not necessary because of the automation of the process.

After the completion of all the process and obtaining the online visa, there are few things that you need to keep in mind. 

• Before you travel
1. Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Armenia within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

• When you enter Armenia
1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
2. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
3. Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.