Group trips to Armenia

Find out the entry requirements for Armenia, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Armenia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Armenia is in the Armenia Time Zone (AMT), which is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+4) and does not observe daylight saving time. So, if it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 4 pm in Armenia. If you are in the Eastern Standard Time zone in the USA, when it's 12 pm there, it will be 9 pm in Armenia. Keep this in mind when planning your activities or contacting people back home.

The currency used in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). The daily exchange rate is approximately:

• 1 GBP to 500 AMD
• 1 USD to 400 AMD
• 1 EUR to 450 AMD

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels in major cities like Yerevan.

You can pay in Armenia using cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in cities, but smaller towns and markets might prefer cash. ATMs are available in major areas, so withdrawing cash is convenient. For mobile payments, apps like Idram and Telcell Wallet can be used for various transactions. Always keep some local currency for small purchases.

Tipping in Armenia is common but not obligatory. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% is appreciated if you receive good service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Hotel staff like bellboys and housekeepers can be tipped a small amount for their services. Remember, tipping in local currency is preferred.

In Armenia, getting connected is fairly easy. Wi-Fi is widely available in most urban areas, especially in cafes, hotels, and public spaces. However, coverage might become spotty in more remote regions. If you need reliable internet access throughout your trip, we suggest buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Providers like Viva-MTS, Beeline, and Ucom offer affordable packages with good coverage. This way, you can stay connected wherever you go in the country.

In Armenia, the official language is Armenian. It's useful to know a few common phrases to help you get by:

• Hello - Barev
• Thank you - Shnorhakalutyun
• Yes - Ayo
• No - Voch
• Please - Khndrem

Having these expressions handy can make your interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

In Armenia, you'll find Type C and Type F plugs, which are the same as the ones used in much of Europe. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices aren't compatible, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your gadgets are ready to go. Always double-check your electronics to avoid any power issues.

The main religion in Armenia is Christianity. The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, and it plays a significant role in the cultural and historical identity of the country. Armenia celebrates several religious holidays, with Easter and Christmas being particularly important. Christmas is celebrated on January 6th in line with the Armenian Apostolic Church traditions. While visiting, you'll find many beautiful churches and monasteries that are worth exploring to understand the rich religious heritage of Armenia.

Here's a packing guide for your trip to Armenia. Keep in mind the climate and your planned activities when preparing your backpack.

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts for summer
  • Warm sweaters or jackets for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable trousers or jeans
  • A raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • Swimwear if you're planning to visit Lake Sevan
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for warmer weather
  • Hiking boots if you plan on hiking in the mountains
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
  • Universal adapter for plugs (Armenia uses Type C and F plugs with 230V, 50Hz)
  • Power bank and chargers
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Travel-sized first aid kit
  • Common travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets

Adjust your list based on the season and activities you have planned!

Armenia's weather varies depending on the region, so here’s a quick breakdown:

• Yerevan and Lowlands: Hot summers with temperatures up to 40°C (104°F), mild winters around 0°C (32°F).
• Mountainous Areas: Cooler summers, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F), and cold, snowy winters reaching -10°C (14°F).
• Lake Sevan Area: Mild summers around 25°C (77°F), chilly winters with temperatures dropping to -15°C (5°F).

The best time to visit is late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring.