Armenia requires a passport valid for the duration of stay. Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Union member states, and United Kingdom receive visa-free entry for up to 180 days within a calendar year. Citizens of Australia and New Zealand receive 180 days. Russian Federation citizens can stay up to 30 days visa-free. Citizens of India, China, and South Africa require an e-Visa issued through the official portal at evisa.mfa.am, processed within three business days for most applications at a cost of USD 10 for 21-day single-entry or USD 40 for 120-day single-entry. Land borders operate with Georgia at Bavra and Gogavan checkpoints, with Iran at Meghri-Norduz, and with an additional crossing at Bagratashen-Sadakhlo on the Georgian border. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan remain closed. Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan handles the majority of international arrivals, located 12 kilometers west of the city center.
The currency is the Armenian dram, abbreviated AMD or written with the symbol ֏. Exchange rates as of 2024 fluctuate around 400 AMD to 1 USD and 520 AMD to 1 EUR, though travelers should verify current rates before exchange. Banks in Yerevan including ACBA Bank, Ameriabank, and Inecobank exchange major currencies at posted rates with minimal commission. Exchange offices called "exchange points" appear throughout Yerevan with slightly varying rates—comparing three locations typically reveals differences of 2 to 5 dram per dollar. ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard operate throughout Yerevan and in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Dilijan, and Goris, dispensing dram in denominations up to 20,000. Daily withdrawal limits range from 200,000 to 400,000 AMD depending on the bank. International withdrawal fees vary by home bank but typically include a percentage fee plus a flat charge. Credit cards see acceptance at hotels rated three stars or above, at restaurants in Yerevan's city center, and at larger supermarkets including Yerevan City and SAS, but cash remains necessary for markets, marshrutkas, taxis, and establishments outside the capital.
The airport taxi service operates at fixed rates of 3,000 AMD to Republic Square and 3,500 to 4,000 AMD to most central Yerevan locations, paid at a counter inside the terminal before departing. Ride-hailing apps Yandex and GG function in Yerevan with the same routes costing 1,500 to 2,500 AMD depending on time of day. The number 17 bus runs from the airport to Republic Square for 300 AMD, departing every 20 to 40 minutes during daytime hours but not operating overnight. SIM cards are available from operators Viva-MTS, Beeline Armenia, and Ucom at kiosks inside the arrivals hall and at branded stores in Yerevan. A tourist SIM with 5GB data and local calls costs approximately 2,000 to 3,000 AMD. Data packages of 10GB run 3,000 to 4,000 AMD and 20GB packages cost 5,000 to 6,000 AMD with 30-day validity. Coverage reaches all major cities and highways but weakens in mountainous areas between towns and in Khosrov Forest State Reserve and portions of Dilijan National Park.
Accommodation in Yerevan spans from hostel beds at 3,000 to 6,000 AMD per night to mid-range hotels at 15,000 to 25,000 AMD for a double room. A restaurant meal in Yerevan costs 2,500 to 5,000 AMD for traditional dishes like khorovats or dolma at neighborhood establishments, while sit-down restaurants on Abovyan Street or Northern Avenue charge 5,000 to 10,000 AMD per main course. A 0.5-liter bottle of Kilikia or Kotayk beer costs 300 to 600 AMD at a shop and 800 to 1,200 AMD in a bar. Coffee at a Yerevan café runs 600 to 1,000 AMD for espresso-based drinks. Supermarket staples including lavash bread, local cheese, tomatoes, and mineral water total approximately 3,000 to 5,000 AMD for a day's supplies for two people. Marshrutka minibuses within Yerevan cost 100 AMD regardless of distance. Intercity marshrutkas run fixed routes at fixed prices: Yerevan to Gyumri costs 1,500 AMD, Yerevan to Dilijan 1,000 AMD, Yerevan to Goris 3,000 AMD. Shared taxis cost approximately 50 percent more than marshrutkas on the same routes.
Electricity operates at 220 volts and 50 Hz using Type C and Type F plugs, the same two-pin round standard used throughout continental Europe. Devices from the United States, Canada, and Japan require voltage converters for heat-producing appliances and always require plug adapters.