Armenia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can visit Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days per year. This has been the case since 2017, and there are no signs of it changing. Just show up at the border with your passport and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Swiss passport holders enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days. Your passport just needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay — Armenia does not enforce the 6-month validity rule. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva may still ask for at least 3 months validity, so check before you fly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof of departure | Border officers at Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan occasionally ask for a return or onward ticket, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight within 180 days ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely checks accommodation, but having a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from a host covers you if asked. If staying with friends, a simple letter with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Armenia does not have a fixed minimum amount, but carrying around 50,000 AMD (roughly $130 USD) per day in cash or a credit card statement shows you're not a risk. ATMs are widely available in Yerevan. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just your passport
Swiss citizens get 180 days visa-free in Armenia. No application, no fee, no paperwork. Just show up with your passport valid for 6+ months.
Overstaying is expensive
If you stay beyond 180 days, you'll face a fine of about 50,000 AMD (roughly 120 CHF) and possible deportation. The clock resets each calendar year, so plan your exit accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at border control
At Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport or any land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your Swiss passport. The officer will check your photo, validity, and blank pages. They may ask your purpose of visit and how long you plan to stay.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with your entry date and the maximum stay allowed (180 days). No visa sticker or fee required.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if arriving by air), then walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare.
Download Armenia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$40 USD (equivalent in AMD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay beyond visa-free period. Apply at Armenian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in AMD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in AMD)
Requires invitation from employer or educational institution in Armenia.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment-based)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (equivalent in AMD) + processing fee
For those with a job offer from an Armenian employer. Requires work permit approval and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Study-based)
1 year, renewable for duration of studies
~$100 USD (equivalent in AMD) + tuition fees
For enrolment in accredited Armenian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (equivalent in AMD) + proof of pension
For retirees over 55 with sufficient pension income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least 500,000 AMD (~$1,300 USD).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you exceed the 180-day stay. Pay at the immigration office before departure. | AMD 5,000 (~$13 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. Avoid by leaving on time. | AMD 300,000 (~$780 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Armenia
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Armenia do not need a transit visa for stays up to 72 hours in the international transit area. If leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 180 days.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 72 hours.
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 180 days.
Transit hubsZvartnots International Airport (EVN) – Yerevan · Shirak International Airport (LWN) – Gyumri
Health & vaccines for Armenia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Some mountainous areas exceed 2,500m; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Yerevan
Migration Service of Armenia (Head Office)
5/1 Vazgen Sargsyan Street, Yerevan 0010
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions, overstay fines, and residency applications. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Gyumri
Migration Service Territorial Office
1 Garegin Nzhdeh Street, Gyumri 3101
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and registration for visitors in northern Armenia.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalYerevan
LanguageArmenian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyArmenian Dram (AMD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 368.09 AMD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in Yerevan. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Armenia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is capped at 180 days per calendar year. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before your 180 days expire.
No. There is no registration requirement for Swiss citizens staying up to 180 days. Just enter and go about your trip.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. If you plan to work, you need a work visa or residence permit arranged before you arrive.
You will likely be denied entry. Border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No need — you get visa-free entry. But if you somehow overstay or lose your passport, you can apply for a visa at the Migration Service in Yerevan. It costs about 15,000 AMD (roughly 35 CHF) for a single-entry visa.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land border crossings. Just present your Swiss passport at the checkpoint. The process is the same as at the airport.
No. There is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if an officer suspects you can't support yourself, they may ask. Having a credit card or some cash (around 50 USD per day) is sensible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.