Armenia: Explore the Culture and Natural Beauty of this Ancient Land
Armenia is a captivating destination, long acknowledged as a cradle of civilisation with centuries of ancient history to unravel. Armenia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official state religion and many of the country’s surviving ancient monuments are Christian churches and monasteries. Mount Ararat, in Turkey, was once within the borders of Armenia before the area was divided between Turkey and the USSR, and is believed to be the landing site of Noah’s ark. Armenians still consider the mountain to be a symbol of their land, and it features on their national emblem today.
Present-day Armenia is a tiny landlocked country sandwiched between the Black and Caspian Seas, occupying but a fraction of the ancient Armenia. Its capital, Yerevan, is one of the world’s oldest cities, established years before the founding of ancient Rome.
Armenia is mountainous and incredibly picturesque. The countryside is riddled with small lakes, and also reveals one of the world’s biggest mountain lakes, Lake Sevan. The mountains are home to health spas and treatment centres, and the Tavush region is known for its healing mineral waters, with popular resorts such as Ijevan and Dilijan.
The Kotayk region has some of Armenia’s most spectacular scenery. The resort of Tsakhkadzor (‘canyon of flowers’) is most popular in winter, with excellent skiing. Visitors to the Syunik region will find beautiful natural springs, as well as the Tatev Monastery, Karahunj (the Stonehenge of Armenia), and the Shaki Waterfall. To the north, the Lori region is great for hiking, and has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, as well as the Odzun Cathedral. East of Yerevan lies the spiritual centre of Armenia, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the most significant cathedral in the world’s oldest Christian nation.
Overview
Despite some truly heavy-hitting historical and cultural attractions, Armenia remains an underappreciated tourist destination. As the first country in the world to adopt Christianity it is no surprise that Armenia is dotted with ancient churches and monasteries, making the country primarily a religious tourist destination. Being off the radar of package tours and a little hard to get to only adds to the mysterious biblical allure of the region.
The biggest tourist attractions include the 17th-century Khor Virap Monastery, an important pilgrimage site loomed over by the iconic Mount Ararat, where Noah is said to have landed the Ark; the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, reputed to be the oldest state-built church in the world; the 2,000-year-old Garni Temple, a gloriously well-preserved Pagan temple; the archaeological site of Carahunge, called the ‘Stonehenge of Armenia’; and the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Geghard, built in 1215.
Visitors will also enjoy making their way along the scenic Debed Canyon, past old villages and monasteries such as Haghpat and Sanahin. The Erebuni Archaeological Museum dates back to before the establishment of Rome, giving insight into the lives of the great kings of Urartu. Sunset over Norovank (‘New Monastery’) is said to be one of the most spectacular sights in the country.
In the global imagination Armenia is also strongly associated with the horrific Armenian Genocide of 1915, during which Turkish troops killed about 1.5 million Armenians. This tragic history is memorialised at Tsitsernakaberd, part museum and part memorial, where travellers can learn about the Armenian holocaust and pay their respects.
Climate in Armenia
Most of Armenia experiences a continental climate due to its high elevation, with hot summers and cold winters. The higher elevations receive more precipitation and are cooler. Summer is the most popular season for travellers, but spring and autumn are the best time of year to visit Armenia for those who prefer milder temperatures. Yerevan’s summer temperatures (June to September) are hot, with averages ranging between 72°F (22°C) and 93°F (34°C), and occasionally reaching 104°F (40°C). In contrast, winters in Yerevan are freezing cold with temperatures dropping to between 5°F (-15°C) and 32°F (0°C). Precipitation levels are low throughout the year.
Health Notes when travelling to Armenia
There are no immunisations required for travellers to Armenia but vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B should be considered. Tap water should not be drunk, unless filtered or boiled. Medical care is limited, particularly outside of Yerevan, and treatment is not recommended for anything major. Comprehensive medical insurance should include emergency medical evacuation. All required prescription medication should be taken along, in the original packaging and accompanied by a signed doctor’s note.
Safety Notes when travelling to Armenia
Crime is relatively low in Armenia, but travellers should still be careful with their personal possessions and avoid any unnecessary displays of wealth. They should also be aware that pickpockets often operate in crowded market areas. Visitors should avoid travel near the border with Azerbaijan due to continuing tension between the two countries.
Customs in Armenia
Armenia is an orthodox Christian country and the locals tend to be conservative, especially outside of the capital. Women should avoid wearing shorts and short skirts, particularly outside of Yerevan. Military bases and installations should not be photographed. Homosexuality is no longer illegal in Armenia, but homophobia is still a problem.
Duty Free in Armenia
There is free import on 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of alcohol, 6 items perfume with a maximum of 5 litres and personal goods of up to US$10 000 in value. Narcotics, pornographic materials, fruits and vegetables without proper documents are prohibited.
Doing Business in Armenia
Business is conducted fairly formally in Armenia; dress tends to be conservative and good etiquette is important. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, though there is some variation between businesses.
Communication in Armenia
The international dialling code for Armenia is +374. Almost all accommodation provides WiFi for guests but internet speeds are slower than in Europe or the US. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Armenia
Many restaurants in the capital will add a service charge onto the bill, but this generally does not go to the staff, so tips are welcome in Armenia. A tip of about 10 percent is fair.
Passport/Visa Note
All passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. It is highly recommended that passports always be valid for six months after departure when travelling. It is recommended that all visitors requiring a visa should obtain it prior to arrival from the Armenian Embassy in their home country; however, visas are obtainable for some nationalities for a tourist stay of up to four months at Yerevan Airport, if holding sufficient funds and proof of onward travel. This is payable in local currency only.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a valid passport but a visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for duration of stay and a visa for entry to Armenia. It may be possible for tourist visas to be issued on arrival at Yerevan (EVN) for stays of up to 120 days, but this should be confirmed in advance.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens require a valid passport but do not require a visa for stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid for duration of stay in Armenia. Nationals of Australia are visa exempt for a stay of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Nationals of New Zealand require a passport valid for duration of stay in Armenia. New Zealanders are visa exempt for stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid for duration of stay and a visa for entry to Armenia. It may be possible for tourist visas to be issued on arrival at Yerevan (EVN) for stays of up to 120 days, but this should be confirmed in advance.
Tourist Offices
Tourism Committee of Armenia: http://www.armenia.travel/en
Armenia Embassies
- In the United States:
Armenia Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 319 1976.
- In Canada:
Armenia Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 3710.
- In the United Kingdom:
Armenia Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7938 5435.
Foreign Embassies in Armenia
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Yerevan: +374 (0)10 464 700.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Armenia): +7 495 105 6000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Yerevan: +374 (0)10 264 301.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Armenia): +7 495 956 6070.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Sofia, Bulgaria (also responsible for Armenia): +359 2 985 3425.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Kyiv, Ukraine (also responsible for Armenia): +380 (44) 289 8870.
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