Starting July 1, Armenia will welcome UAE residents with visa-free access, marking a major shift in the country’s travel policy. The update means that residents, regardless of nationality, can now enter Armenia without a visa—provided their UAE residency is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Previously, only UAE passport holders enjoyed visa-free access, while residents were limited to visas on arrival. Now, the new policy allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or leisure purposes.
According to a Khaleej Times report, the move applies not only to UAE residents but also to anyone holding valid residency permits from any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The Armenian Tourism Committee highlighted that this expansion “broadens the accessibility for a substantial segment of the GCC expatriate communities.”
Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, described the decision as a key milestone. “This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming more guests from the GCC who seek meaningful travel experiences — whether through our ancient monasteries, vibrant food scene, or immersive cultural festivals.”
The change is part of a wider initiative to simplify entry requirements for residents of the GCC, EU, Schengen Area, and the United States. It aims to enhance Armenia’s appeal as a travel hub while boosting economic and tourism ties with neighboring regions.
Only a short three-hour flight from the UAE, Armenia has grown in popularity among expatriates for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and rich cultural offerings. Major carriers including flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air operate regular flights from the UAE to Armenia.