The policy came into effect on 1 January 2026 and will remain valid until 1 July 2026, aimed at boosting tourism and improving global connectivity during the first half of the year.

Under the new rules, eligible Indian passport holders can enter Armenia without applying for a visa in advance, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, any European Union member state, a Schengen Area country, or Gulf nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman.

The residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Travellers entering under the visa-free arrangement are allowed to stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one-year period.

Authorities have clarified that the qualifying residence permit may be presented either as a physical card or as a passport sticker.

The exemption applies to nationals of 113 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, including South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Armenian officials said the move is part of a broader strategy to attract more visitors during a period that traditionally sees lighter travel. By easing entry requirements, the government hopes to encourage short-notice leisure trips, family visits, business travel and longer exploratory stays.

Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, described the decision as an open invitation to international travellers, saying the country is ready to welcome more visitors in 2026.

For Indian travellers, Armenia is increasingly being seen as an attractive destination offering a mix of ancient heritage, dramatic Caucasus landscapes, and a rich food and wine culture.

The capital, Yerevan, is known for blending historic architecture with a vibrant café scene, museums and modern nightlife.

With the visa-free regime in place until July, eligible Indian residents living abroad, particularly in the Gulf, the US, and Europe, can now plan spontaneous, hassle-free trips to Armenia without navigating embassy appointments or visa processing delays.