Armenia Travel Guide | Tourist4Tourist

Local time: 00:09
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD)
Capital: Yerevan
Calling code: +374
Drive on the: right

Overview

A small, mountainous country in the Caucasus with medieval monasteries in dramatic canyons, Lake Sevan, Mount Ararat on the horizon and a lively café culture in Yerevan. Very hospitable and inexpensive.

Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, and churches and monasteries, some of them up to 1,700 years old, stand in gorges and on cliffs all over the country: Geghard, Tatev, Noravank, Haghpat and Sanahin are among the best known, and several are on the UNESCO list. Yerevan, the capital and by far the largest city, has museums, opera and theatre, the Cascade stairway and Mount Ararat, across the border in Turkey, on clear days.

It is a landlocked country of mountain passes, canyons, forests and alpine lakes, with Lake Sevan covering five percent of its surface. People are known for their hospitality, many road signs are in English, and public transport is cheap. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed, so you arrive by air or from Georgia or Iran.

Yerevan: The capital: museums, the Cascade, the Vernissage market and sidewalk cafés.
Geghard and Garni: A monastery carved into a cliff and a Roman-style temple just down the Azat gorge.
Etchmiadzin: Seat of the Armenian Church, with a cathedral that has parts from the 5th century.
Debed Canyon: The UNESCO-listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, with hiking trails between them.
Tatev: A monastery above the Vorotan valley, near Goris and its abandoned cliff villages.
Lake Sevan: A large high-altitude lake with summer beaches, cottages and hotels.

Places to visit

City
Historic site
Area

Cities

Yerevan: The capital and cultural centre, with Mount Ararat in view on clear days.
Gyumri: Second city, whose old town still shows damage from the 1988 earthquake but is reviving.
Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin): Spiritual capital of Armenia and seat of the Catholicos, a UNESCO site.
Dilijan: A forest resort called the "Little Switzerland" of Armenia, a base for the northeast.
Alaverdi: Town in the Debed Canyon, near the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat.
Goris: Southern town near old cave dwellings and the Tatev monastery.
Jermuk: Spa town known for its hot mineral water.
Tsaghkadzor: Armenia's main ski resort, popular all year.

Beyond the cities

Geghard Monastery (site): A monastery carved out of the mountainside above the Azat gorge, a UNESCO site.
Garni Temple (site): A Roman temple a short way down the gorge from Geghard.
Tatev Monastery (site): A 9th-century monastery above the Vorotan valley, near Goris.
Noravank (site): A monastery in the red-rock Amaghu canyon.
Khor Virap (site): A monastery with great views of Mount Ararat.
Haghpat Monastery (site): A 10th-century UNESCO monastery facing Sanahin across the Debed Canyon.
Lake Sevan (area): The largest lake in the Lesser Caucasus, with beaches and resorts in summer.

Regions

Central Armenia: Yerevan, Etchmiadzin, Garni and Geghard.
Lake Sevan Region: The lake, its beaches and cottages, and the hills to the south.
Northern Armenia: Gyumri, Vanadzor, Dilijan and the Debed Canyon with its monasteries.
Southern Armenia: Noravank, Jermuk, Goris and Tatev, on the road to Iran.

Things to do

See

Geghard and Garni Kotayk: A cliff-carved monastery and a Roman temple in the Azat gorge, an easy trip from Yerevan.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral Vagharshapat: Headquarters of the Armenian Church, with parts dating back to the 5th century.
Tatev and the Vorotan valley Goris: Monasteries, churches and abandoned cliff-side villages in the south.
Yerevan's museums Yerevan: The Museum of Armenian History, the Matenadaran manuscripts and the Genocide Memorial and Museum.
The Cascade Yerevan: A huge hillside stairway lined with modern art.

Do

Hiking: Trails around Garni, south of Lake Sevan, along the Debed Canyon and in the south.
Lake Sevan in summer: Beaches, campsites and resorts on the high-altitude lake.

Eat

Khorovats: Armenian barbecue with grilled tomatoes, aubergines and peppers.

Drink

Armenian brandy and Areni wine: Brandy, fruit vodkas and red wines from local grapes such as Areni.

Shop

Vernissage market Yerevan: Weekend craft and flea market near Republic Square: carpets, wood carving, Soviet memorabilia.

Tours and tickets in Armenia PartnerGuided tours, day trips and attraction ticketsSee activities

Itineraries

Yerevan and its day trips in 5 days (5 days)

Yerevan (5 nights): Day trips to Geghard and Garni, Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap, on organised tours.

The north and Lake Sevan in 5 days (5 days)

Lake Sevan (1 night): On the way north from Yerevan.
Dilijan (2 nights): Forests and old churches in Tavush.
Alaverdi (2 nights): Haghpat and Sanahin, and hikes in the Debed Canyon. Do not take the M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan, which the UK and Canada advise against.

The south in 4 days (4 days)

Noravank (0 nights): A stop on the road south.
Jermuk (1 night): Spa town with hot mineral water.
Goris (3 nights): Tatev and the cliff villages of the Vorotan valley. The UK advises against all travel within 5 km of the border with Azerbaijan, east and south-east of Goris: check side trips and roads on a map.

Climate and best time to visit

Yerevan
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max °C	1	4	11	19	24	29	33	32	28	21	12	4
Min °C	-8	-6	0	6	10	14	17	17	12	7	1	-4
Rain mm	22	25	30	37	44	21	9	8	8	27	23	23

Armenia has a continental climate. In Yerevan, July and August average highs of about 33 °C with almost no rain, while January has average lows of about -8 °C. Spring brings most of the rain, with May the wettest month.

May, June, September and October have the most comfortable temperatures in Yerevan. Winter suits skiing in Tsaghkadzor, but rural roads are at their worst from November to February.

Holidays and events

1 January 2026 · New Year's Day
2 January 2026 · New Year's Day (second day)
5 January 2026 · Christmas Day
6 January 2026 · Christmas Day (second day)
28 January 2026 · Army Day
8 March 2026 · Women's Day
5 April 2026 · Easter Sunday
24 April 2026 · Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
1 May 2026 · Labour Day
9 May 2026 · Victory and Peace Day
28 May 2026 · Republic Day
5 July 2026 · Constitution Day
21 September 2026 · Independence Day
31 December 2026 · New Year's Eve

Getting there and around

Main airports	EVN, LWN
International driving permit	Required

Getting there

By air: Zvartnots International Airport, 10 km west of Yerevan, is the main gateway, with frequent flights from the former Soviet countries and some European and Middle Eastern airlines. Shirak Airport in Gyumri has a few flights from Russia. There are direct flights from Istanbul.

Overland, you can only enter from Georgia or Iran: the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. An overnight train runs from Tbilisi to Yerevan (from Batumi in summer), and minibuses (marshrutkas) run from Tbilisi.

Getting around

Minibuses and buses link Yerevan with every town, and each town with its villages; they are cheap but crowded, and most are paid to the driver. Canada advises against marshrutkas outside Yerevan because of reckless driving. Trains are slow and cheap, except the newer ones to Gyumri and Tbilisi. In cities, use the GG or Yandex taxi apps to avoid overcharging, or agree a price first.

Driving: UK drivers need a 1968 International Driving Permit with their licence, and Canada says you need an international driving permit or an Armenian licence. Main roads around Yerevan are fair, but rural roads have potholes and little lighting, and driving can be reckless: avoid driving at night. Carry a warning triangle. Car insurance is mandatory. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%, and a conviction for drunk driving can mean jail. Do not use the M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan, which the UK advises against.

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Where to stay

Bed and breakfasts: Found across the country, a good way to meet Armenian families.
Hostels: A few in Yerevan.
Lakeside cottages and hotels: Many around Lake Sevan, from simple cottages to hotels.
Spa and ski hotels: In Jermuk and Tsaghkadzor.

Outside Yerevan, rural accommodation is simple. Dilijan and Ijevan make good bases for the northeast, and Stepanavan, Odzun and Tumanyan have small hotels and B&Bs near the Debed Canyon. The language barrier is real in the countryside if you speak no Armenian or Russian.

Eat and drink

Dishes to try

Khorovats: Barbecued pork, lamb, chicken or beef with grilled vegetables.
Harissa: A porridge of wheat and chicken or lamb, a traditional national dish.
Dolma: Vine leaves, cabbage, peppers or aubergines stuffed with meat and rice.
Khash: A winter dish from the Shirak region, made from less common cuts; an acquired taste.
Lavash: Thin, soft flatbread baked in a tonir oven.
Gata: A flaky pastry with a sweet filling.

Drinks

Brandy: Made in Armenia and sold under names such as Ararat.
Wine: Made from local grapes such as Areni, the name of Armenia's wine country.
Fruit vodkas: Mulberry (tutti oghi), cornelian cherry and apricot vodka.
Tan: Yoghurt mixed with water and salt.

Tipping	Rounding up or leaving 10% is common in cafés and restaurants; many restaurants add a 10% service fee, so ask.

Café culture is strong, especially around the Opera in Yerevan. If you eat with an Armenian family, expect to be fed until you cannot eat any more: leave a little on your plate to show you have had enough. Smoking is banned indoors in restaurants and bars.

Entry requirements and visas

Passport validity	UK: valid for the length of your stay. Canada: valid at least 6 months beyond departure

Passport	Entry	Max stay	Notes
United Kingdom	Visa free	180 days	Up to 180 days in a year, for tourism or business.
Canada	Evisa		Canada says you must get a visa before you leave, online from Armenia's foreign ministry or from an embassy.

Other nationalities: check the official source below.

Visitors from the UK can stay up to 180 days a year without a visa. Canadians need a visa obtained before departure, usually the e-visa from Armenia's foreign ministry. Some other nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Yerevan airport, but not at every land crossing: if in doubt, get the e-visa in advance.

You can enter overland only from Georgia or Iran. The UK says the border with Iran is open to foreign nationals coming from Iran, but this can change at short notice. Declare foreign currency over USD 10,000, and anything that may be prohibited or taxed. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check the official link before you book.

Money and payments

Currency	Armenian Dram (AMD)
Cards	Limited

The currency is the dram (AMD), the only legal tender, though US dollars are sometimes taken for big purchases. Dollars, euros and roubles are easy to exchange, usually without commission. ATMs are common in towns, but outside Yerevan use a Visa or Mastercard, and some ATMs reject foreign cards; banks can give cash against your passport. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Yerevan. Bargaining is normal in markets, not in shops.

Health

Recommended vaccines	Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, for some travellers: rabid dogs are common, Mpox, for travellers at risk of sexual exposure
Malaria	None
Tap water	Safe

Rabid dogs are common in Armenia, and rabies vaccine may only be available in larger towns: ask a travel health professional about vaccination before you go. Altitude sickness is a risk on Mount Aragats (4,090 m) and at its lakes.

Public hospitals in Yerevan are adequate for minor problems; outside the capital care is basic, and private hospitals are good but expensive, so take insurance. Wikivoyage says tap water is generally safe, as it comes from the mountains. Call 911 and ask for an ambulance with an English speaker. Canada lists 102 for the police, 103 for medical help, 101 for firefighters and 112 for emergencies.

This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.

Safety

United States: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (2026-10-20)
Canada: Take normal security precautions (2026-10-20)
United Kingdom: Advises against all travel to parts of the country (2026-10-20)

The border with Azerbaijan is closed. The UK advises against all travel within 5 km of the whole eastern border with Azerbaijan, and Canada against all travel within 1 km of it, and both advise against the M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan. Landmine accidents have happened in border areas. The land border with Turkey is closed.

Elsewhere crime is low; pickpocketing and theft from cars happen. The main nuisance is taxi drivers who overcharge: use the GG or Yandex apps. Demonstrations take place in central Yerevan: avoid them. Earthquakes are a risk. Drug laws are strict, including on CBD products, and drunken behaviour can lead to arrest.

Customs and etiquette

Armenians are very hospitable and family comes first. Make small talk before getting to the point, give your seat to older people, and bring a small gift such as chocolates or flowers if invited to a home. Personal questions about work and family are normal, and staring is curiosity, not hostility.

In churches, dress modestly: no shorts or sleeveless tops; men remove hats and women cover their hair. Treat the Armenian Genocide and relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan as sensitive subjects. It is illegal to photograph military sites, and visitors have been detained for it. Canada says this also covers videos and drones near sensitive areas along the border. Same-sex relationships are legal, but many Armenians disapprove, and LGBT+ people tend to be discreet.

Language

Official languages	Armenian
English	Limited

Hello	Բարև ձեզ (Barev dzez) bah-REV DZEZ
Good morning	Բարի լույս (Bari luys) bah-REE LOOYS
Please	Խնդրեմ (Khndrem) khen-TREM
Thank you	Շնորհակալություն (Shnorhakalutyun) shno-ra-ka-loo-TYOON
Excuse me	Կներեք (Knerek) ke-neh-REHQ
Goodbye	Ցտեսություն (Tstesutyun) tse-teh-soo-TYOON

What to pack

International Driving Permit: Needed with your licence to drive in Armenia.
Cash in dram: Cards are not widely accepted outside Yerevan.
Modest clothes and a scarf: Churches expect covered shoulders and legs, and women cover their hair.
Taxi app: GG or Yandex avoid overcharging by street taxis.
Small gift: Expected if you are invited to an Armenian home.

Quick reference

Country facts

Capital	Yerevan
Population	3,086,700 (2025)
Area	28,199 km²
Time zone	Asia/Yerevan (UTC+4)
Calling code	+374
Driving side	right

Staying connected

SIM and eSIM	Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and easy to get; VivaCell MTS has booths at the airport and the best coverage outside Yerevan. Ucom and Team (Telecom Armenia) also sell prepaid cards.
Roaming	Armenia is outside the EU: check your provider's roaming rates, or buy a local SIM.
Wi-Fi	Cafés in Yerevan, and more and more in other towns, have free Wi-Fi, as do many hotels.

Useful apps

GG: Taxis with fixed fares
Yandex Taxi: Taxis

Staying connected in Armenia PartnerMobile data on your phone, without a local SIM cardGet an eSIM

Emergency numbers

Emergency	911

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Armenia?

Not with a UK passport: you can stay 180 days a year. Canadians need a visa before departure, usually the e-visa. Check the official rules before you book.

Can I enter Armenia from Turkey or Azerbaijan?

No, both land borders are closed. Arrive by air or overland from Georgia or Iran.

Can I drink the tap water in Armenia?

Wikivoyage says it is generally safe, as it comes from the mountains, and there are drinking fountains at many churches and monasteries.

Can I pay by card in Armenia?

In Yerevan, often; outside the capital cards are not widely accepted, so carry dram.

How do I avoid taxi scams?

Use the GG or Yandex apps, or agree the price for the whole car in dram before you set off.

What should I wear to visit a church?

Cover shoulders and legs; men take off hats, and women cover their hair with a scarf.

Suggest an update

Travel rules, prices and timetables change. If something in this guide is out of date, tell us: we check every suggestion against an official source before changing the page.