Starting July 1, 2025, the doors to Armenia will open wider for residents of the United Arab Emirates. Anyone holding a valid UAE residency permit can enter Armenia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This change simplifies travel for millions of UAE-based expatriates. It removes visa paperwork, shortens planning time, and adds another accessible destination to the list of quick regional getaways.
Eligibility Requirements
Residents of the UAE can enter Armenia without a visa starting July 1, 2025, as long as they meet the following conditions:
Valid UAE Residency Permit
Travelers must hold a UAE residency permit that is valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Armenia. This includes residents on employment, family, investor, or other visa categories issued by UAE immigration authorities.
Passport Validity
The passport used for travel must also be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the arrival date. Expired or nearly expired passports may result in denied entry at the border.
Applies to All Nationalities in the UAE
The visa-free access applies to residents of all nationalities living in the UAE, provided their home countries are not specifically restricted by Armenian entry policies. Most expatriates residing in the UAE will benefit from this policy.
Maximum Stay Period
Eligible travelers can stay in Armenia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is calculated on a rolling basis, so days spent in Armenia over the past six months will count toward the 90-day limit.
No Prior Visa or Registration Required
There is no need to apply for a visa, schedule an embassy appointment, or complete online registration before travel. Eligible travelers may board flights and enter Armenia directly.
Documents That May Be Requested Upon Arrival
Armenian border officials may ask for additional documentation, including:
- A return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay
Travelers must ensure they meet all these conditions, as immigration officers retain the discretion to grant or deny entry at the border.
Impact for UAE-Based Travelers
The visa exemption provides new travel flexibility for UAE residents. Below are the key ways this policy shift may affect leisure and business travelers:
No Visa Costs or Processing Time
Travelers will no longer need to pay visa fees, schedule consular visits, or wait for approvals. This reduces both the financial and logistical burden of visiting Armenia.
Easier Last-Minute Travel
With no advance paperwork required, UAE residents can plan spontaneous trips for holidays, events, or family visits without concern for visa timing.
More Accessible Flight Options
Direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Yerevan make Armenia reachable in a few hours.
Major carriers operating these routes include:
- Flydubai
- Air Arabia
- Wizz Air
These options offer affordable fares and frequent schedules, making short trips more feasible.
Short-Term Tourism Opportunities
UAE residents can now consider Armenia for weekend getaways, seasonal holidays, or cultural excursions without visa constraints. The 90-day allowance also supports longer stays for those interested in extended travel.
Increased Business Travel Access
Professionals in the UAE can travel to Armenia for meetings, trade shows, or exploratory visits with fewer restrictions. The policy supports stronger business links between the two regions.
Broader Benefits for Expatriate Communities
The exemption applies to all nationalities residing in the UAE, not just citizens. This inclusivity extends access to millions of expatriates who previously required advance visas for Armenia.
Armenia’s Ongoing Visa Reforms
Armenia has steadily expanded its visa-free travel policies in recent years, particularly targeting travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This latest move to include all UAE residents follows a broader pattern aimed at strengthening tourism and economic ties across the region.
Timeline of GCC Visa Policy Updates
- 2017: Armenia granted visa-free access to UAE citizens.
- 2019: Qatar citizens were added to the visa exemption list.
- 2022: Kuwait nationals gained visa-free access.
- 2025: Visa-free travel extended to all UAE residents, regardless of nationality.
These changes are part of a deliberate policy to make Armenia more accessible to residents of countries with high outbound tourism demand. The Armenian Tourism Committee has emphasized the goal of making the country a more attractive and reachable destination for the Middle East and beyond.
In addition to GCC countries, Armenia has eased entry for residents of countries with long-term visas or residence permits from the European Union, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
This ongoing liberalization reflects Armenia’s strategy to position itself as a regional travel hub and diversify its inbound visitor base.
Comparison: Armenia vs. Other GCC-Accessible Countries
For UAE residents planning regional travel, Armenia is now one of several nearby destinations offering simplified or visa-free entry. Below is a comparison of current access policies for UAE residents in the region:
| Country | Visa-Free for UAE Residents? | Maximum Stay |
| Armenia | Yes (from July 1, 2025) | 90 days (180-day rolling period) |
| Georgia | Yes | 90 days |
| Azerbaijan | No (e-visa required via ASAN) | 30 days |
| Turkey | No general UAE resident exemption | 30–90 days depending on passport nationality |
| Serbia | No special access for UAE residents | Depends on nationality |
This table highlights Armenia’s new position as one of the most accessible countries in the region for residents of the UAE, especially those who are not citizens of countries with broader visa privileges.
How to Check Your UAE Residency Validity
Before planning travel to Armenia under the new visa-free policy, UAE residents should verify that their residency permit is valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry. This is a mandatory condition for visa-free eligibility.
For Residents of Dubai
Use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal:
- Visit gdrfad.gov.ae
- Log in with your UAE Pass or Emirates ID
- Navigate to residency services to check your visa status and expiry date
For Residents of Other Emirates
Use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal:
- Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- Select “File Validity” under the “Visa and Residency” services
- Enter your details to view your permit’s status and remaining validity
Travel Preparation Tips
UAE residents planning to visit Armenia should ensure the following before departure:
- Document Validity: Your UAE residency permit and passport must both be valid for at least six months.
- Flight and Hotel Bookings: Confirm round-trip flights and accommodations. Direct flights are available via Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air.
- At the Border: Be prepared to show a return ticket, proof of funds, and accommodation details if asked.
- Local Info: Armenia uses the dram (AMD) as currency. Most international arrivals go through Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport.
Planning ahead helps avoid delays at immigration and ensures a smoother entry.
Conclusion
Armenia’s new visa-free entry for UAE residents opens up an easy travel option for both tourists and business visitors. The policy removes previous administrative steps and shortens trip planning time. It also reflects Armenia’s broader outreach to Gulf-based travelers.
UAE residents should verify their residency and passport validity before booking. With direct flights and clear entry rules, Armenia becomes a convenient regional destination. DocuEntry can help confirm your eligibility and prepare required travel documents.