You are currently viewing Armenia Offers Visa-Free Entry to GCC Citizens and Residents from July 1
Citation : Image is used for information purposes only. Picture Credit: https://static.toiimg.com/

Armenia Offers Visa-Free Entry to GCC Citizens and Residents from July 1

Prime Highlights:

  • Armenia will provide visa-free entry for all the nationals and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from 1 July, 2025.
  • Visitors can spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period for business, tourism, or leisure.

Key Facts

  • The exemption of visa will be provided to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman citizens and holders of valid residences.
  • Residence permits should be for at least six months from the projected date of arrival in Armenia.
  • The government of Armenia gave a greenlight to the step during a cabinet meeting in May 2025 to enhance regional travel ties.

Key Background

Armenia is making a significant leap towards the growth of tourism and economic relationships with the Gulf by offering visa-free access for all GCC residents and legally settled individuals. The move, to be implemented from July 1, 2025, is part of the bigger picture of Armenia’s opening arms for the reception of Middle Eastern tourists, businessmen, and investors. Previously, Armenia had already established visa-free travel agreements with individual GCC countries — such as the UAE in 2017, Qatar in 2019, and Kuwait in 2022. The latest step now includes all GCC countries and their residents in possession of valid residency permits.

This new policy is greeted by a 90-day stay in any 180-day period, and Armenia thereby becomes a stay destination. GCC country residents are required to have residency visas that remain valid for at least six months after arrival. Facilitation of visa requirements is to minimize administrative impediments and promote tourism and business engagements between Gulf nations and Armenia.

The Armenian tourism sector will definitely witness a significant spike in tourists, courtesy of this policy shift. With more flights available for connectivity by top Gulf carriers like flydubai, Air Arabia, and many others, Armenia is already well connected to many Gulf cities. The government feels the visa-free policy will also promote trade, hospitality, and cultural exchange.

The project is a part of the overall vision of Armenia to develop diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf states and become an increasingly more competitive player in the region’s tourism market. It also serves the interests of the huge expat communities of the Gulf, as they are offered one more conveniently located destination for tourism without the customary visa requirements. In the coming years, Armenia will initiate intensive marketing campaigns in the GCC in order to leverage this new source of opportunity in promoting the nation as a friendly and strategic travel hub that connects Asia and Europe.