Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Flying to Yerevan's Zvartnots airport takes about five hours from major European cities. There are lots of flights via Moscow, and a growing number of flights to Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai. By land, the only option is to enter from the south via Iran or from the north via Georgia. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are currently closed and unlikely to open soon, though oddly enough you can fly between Istanbul and Yerevan.

Getting around

Minivans (marshrutkas) are the most reliable form of transport, and will get you to most places in the republic. The trip from Yerevan to the furthest point of the country at Agarak, on the Iranian border, takes about 10 hours by marshrutka. Buses are not recommended as they are slow and unreliable, but often they are the only option you have to reach some villages. The train network is very limited, though Yerevan's single-line subway is efficient and very cheap. You can hire cars, but traffic conditions and local driving habits can be very challenging. The worn state of Armenia's roads has improved dramatically after donations from the Armenian diaspora and the major highways are now up to scratch.

Visa information

You only need a valid passport and an onward ticket to be granted a three-week visa (30.00) on arrival at any airport or border post. Extensions are possible, though tricky unless you speak Armenian, but it is common practice for people to stay an extra week or two and pay a moderate fine on departure of 3.00 for every overstayed day.