Visit Armenia - Travel Guide

Geographical position and Climate of Armenia

Armenia is a landlocked country situated in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. The precise geographical coordinates of Armenia are approximately 40 degrees north latitude and 45 degrees east longitude.

Armenia’s climate can be classified as highland continental, which means that the country experiences hot summers and cold winters. Due to its mountainous terrain, there is a wide variation in climate across different areas.

Summers are typically warm with the average temperature ranging between 22°C to 36°C (71.6°F to 96.8°F).
Winters bring colder weather with temperatures often falling below freezing, ranging from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F).
The country receives varying amounts of precipitation depending on the region; however, most rainfall occurs during the spring and early summer.
Autumn is known for being particularly pleasant, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall.

The altitude plays a significant role in the climate variations seen across Armenia, with some regions experiencing more temperate conditions while others face harsher cold or hotter arid conditions.

Brief History of Armenia

Armenia, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Historically, Armenia was located within the large region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea known as the Armenian Highlands.

Ancient History

The Kingdom of Urartu is considered an early Armenian state, which flourished in the region from around the 9th to 6th centuries BCE. Following its decline, the Armenian Orontid Dynasty laid the foundation for the Kingdom of Armenia.

Kingdom of Armenia

At its zenith under King Tigranes the Great in the 1st century BCE, the Kingdom of Armenia extended its borders across a vast territory. It became one of the most powerful states in the Near East during this period.

Christianity and Middle Ages

Armenia has the distinction of being the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD under King Tiridates III. The subsequent centuries saw Armenia facing invasions and partial occupations by Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Mongols, and Turks.

Ottoman and Persian Rule

From the 16th century onwards, control over Armenia was contested between the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia until the 19th century when Eastern Armenia was ceded to the Russian Empire.

20th Century and Genocide

The most tragic event in Armenian history occurred during World War I when the Ottoman government perpetrated what is now recognized as the Armenian Genocide, resulting in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians.

Soviet Era

After a brief period of independence from 1918 to 1920, Armenia became part of the Soviet Union until it dissolved in 1991.

Modern Republic

Following the collapse of the USSR, Armenia declared independence on September 21, 1991. Since then, it has been developing its democratic institutions and economy, despite challenges such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan.

Throughout its long history, Armenia has maintained a strong national identity, preserved through its language, culture, and the Armenian Apostolic Church, even in the face of foreign domination and adversity.

Religion of Armenia

The predominant religion in Armenia is Christianity, with the majority of Armenians adhering to the Armenian Apostolic Church. This church is an independent Christian denomination and is considered one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. It was founded in the 1st century AD by two of Jesus’ apostles, Thaddeus and Bartholomew, and became the state church of Armenia in 301 AD under the patronage of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

Language of Armenia

The official language of Armenia is Armenian, also known as Hayeren. Armenian is an Indo-European language with its own unique script, the Armenian alphabet, which was invented by Saint Mesrop Mashtots in the early 5th century AD. The language has two main dialects: Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. Eastern Armenian is the dialect used in the Republic of Armenia and is also spoken in the Armenian community of Iran, while Western Armenian is primarily used by the Armenian diaspora, especially those in Middle Eastern countries and North America.

Places to visit in Armenia

Before you visit Armenia

Travel to Armenia

Travelers can reach Armenia through various means, depending on their location and preference. Here are the most common ways to get to Armenia:

By Air:

Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan is the primary international gateway to Armenia. It hosts a number of international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia.
Shirak Airport (LWN) near Gyumri is the second international airport, though it has fewer international flights.

Airlines that operate flights to Armenia include Aeroflot, Air France, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and others. There are also seasonal charter flights and low-cost carriers serving routes to and from Armenia.

By Land:

From Georgia: Travelers can enter Armenia by land from Georgia through several border crossings. The most commonly used crossing is at Bavra/Ninotsminda, which connects to the Georgian city of Akhaltsikhe. Another popular crossing is the Sadakhlo/Bagratashen border near Tbilisi. Once at the border, travelers can take buses, marshrutkas (minibuses), or taxis to various destinations within Armenia.
From Iran: The Meghri border crossing connects Armenia with Iran. Buses and taxis are available for transport across the border and onward to Armenian cities.

With Train:

There is a direct international train service from Tbilis, Georgia to Yerevan, Armenia. This overnight train is a popular option for those who prefer a scenic journey.

By Bus:

International bus services run between Yerevan and cities like Tbilisi (Georgia) and Tehran (Iran). These buses can be a cost-effective way to travel, although the journey may be long.

Please note that the borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are currently closed due to political tensions, so overland travel from these countries is not possible.

Before traveling, it’s important to check the latest visa requirements and border conditions, as these can change. Additionally, consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays.

Visas for Armenia

Armenia offers several types of visas for foreign nationals, and the requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality. Here are the general categories and procedures:

Visa-Free Entry:

Citizens of certain countries can enter Armenia without a visa for short stays (the duration can range from 90 to 180 days within a year, depending on the country).

E-Visa:

Travelers from countries that do not have visa-free entry can apply for an Armenian e-visa online before traveling. The e-visa application process is straightforward and can be completed on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Visa on Arrival:

Some nationalities are eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan or at other border checkpoints. However, it is recommended to check the eligibility and conditions beforehand as policies may change.

Visitor Visa:

This type of visa is for those who plan to visit Armenia for tourism, visiting relatives, or other short-term purposes. It can be obtained either as an e-visa, on arrival, or from Armenian diplomatic missions abroad.

Official and Diplomatic Visas:

These are issued to holders of official or diplomatic passports traveling to Armenia for official duties.

Residence Visas:

For longer stays related to work, study, or family reunification, travelers may need to apply for a residence visa. This process typically requires additional documentation and must be done through the Passport and Visa Department of the Police of Armenia or Armenian embassies/consulates abroad.

It is important to note that visa regulations can change, so travelers should always check the most current information from official sources or consult with the nearest Armenian embassy or consulate before planning their trip. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Armenia.

Best time to visit Armenia

The best time to visit Armenia is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months. During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the country’s natural beauty and historical sites.

Spring (April to June):

The countryside is lush and green, with wildflowers in bloom.
Temperatures are comfortable, although there can be a chance of rain, especially in April.
It’s an excellent time for cultural and nature tours.

Autumn (September to October):

The heat of summer has passed, and the weather is cool but not yet cold, perfect for outdoor activities.
The landscape is vibrant with autumnal colors.
This season is also great for experiencing Armenia’s harvest festivals, particularly the Areni Wine Festival in October.

Summer (July to August):

While summer offers long days of sunshine, it can be quite hot, especially in the lowlands and cities like Yerevan.
It’s a good time for visiting high-altitude areas, such as the mountains around Lake Sevan, where temperatures are more moderate.

Winter (November to March):

Winter is cold, with snow in many parts of the country, which can limit access to some regions due to icy conditions.
However, it’s the best time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit ski resorts like Tsaghkadzor.

When planning your trip, consider what you want to do and see in Armenia, as certain activities may be better suited to specific times of the year. Additionally, keep in mind that regional climate variations can affect local weather conditions, so it’s wise to check the forecast for the areas you intend to visit.

Important Information

Capital – Yerevan

Territory – 29,743 km²

Currency – Dram (AMD)

Time Zone – UTC+4 (AMT)

Population – 3,015,400

Demonym – Armenian