Armenia entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can visit Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days per year. This policy has been in effect since 2020. Just show up with a valid passport and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Chinese passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Armenia. Border control at Zvartnots Airport checks this carefully — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding in China. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Armenia | Immigration officers at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Armenia. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least 50,000 AMD (roughly $130 USD) per day of your stay. Officers almost never ask for this for Chinese passport holders, but it's good to have on your phone. | Recommended |
180 days per year, not per entry
The 180-day visa-free limit applies to the total time you spend in Armenia within any 365-day period. If you leave and come back, the clock doesn't reset — the days add up. Keep a running tally.
Overstay penalties are real
Even a one-day overstay can trigger a fine and a note in your immigration record. Set a calendar reminder to leave a few days before your 180 days are up. The fine is around 50,000 AMD for the first few days, and increases after that.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), book your return/onward ticket, and arrange first-night accommodation. Save all confirmations as screenshots or PDFs on your phone.
2
Arrive at Yerevan airport or land border
At Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) or any land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Immigration officers may ask for your return ticket or hotel address — show the screenshots.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a date of entry. No visa sticker is needed. The stamp marks the start of your 180-day visa-free stay. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Exit Armenia
When you leave, present your passport at the same immigration counter. The officer will stamp your exit. Make sure you haven't overstayed the 180-day limit — overstays can result in fines or future entry bans.
Download Armenia Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
CostAMD 15,000 (~$39) + service fee
Apply at Armenian embassy abroad. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostAMD 30,000 (~$78) + service fee
Allows multiple entries. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostAMD 50,000 (~$130) + processing fee
Requires employer or university sponsorship. Apply at Armenian embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment-Based Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
AMD 50,000 (~$130) + processing fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Armenian employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Study-Based Residence)
1 year, renewable for duration of studies
AMD 30,000 (~$78) + processing fee
For those enrolled in an accredited Armenian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
AMD 100,000 (~$260) + investment minimum AMD 150,000,000 (~$390,000)
For individuals making a significant investment in Armenia (e.g., real estate, business). Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track option available.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplies if you exceed the 180-day limit. Pay at the border or immigration office. | AMD 5,000 (~$13) per day, max AMD 100,000 (~$260) |
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
Chinese passport holders transiting through Armenia do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit under 24 hours with onward ticket.
Transit hubsZvartnots International Airport (EVN), Yerevan
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
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in mountainous regions above 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 and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Gyumri
Migration Service – Gyumri Branch
1 Garegin Nzhdeh Street, Gyumri 3101
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in northern Armenia.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalYerevan
LanguageArmenian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyArmenian Dram (AMD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 368.06 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 not extendable. You must leave Armenia before the 180 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type at the Passport and Visa Department in Yerevan before your 180 days expire.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 50,000 AMD (roughly $130 USD) for the first few days, with higher fines for longer overstays. You may also face a temporary entry ban. Always track your entry date and leave on time.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Chinese passport holders entering Armenia visa-free. However, if you look like you might be working illegally or staying indefinitely, an officer could ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is sensible.
Yes, you can enter Armenia via land borders from Georgia (at Bagratashen/Sadakhlo) or Iran (at Meghri/Nordouz). The same visa-free rules apply. Expect a short queue and the same document checks. The border crossings are open 24/7, but it's best to cross during daylight.
No, there is no arrival declaration form for Chinese passport holders entering Armenia. You just present your passport and get stamped. For customs, if you're carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash or equivalent, you must declare it — otherwise, no forms needed.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling. If you're in a hurry, check if your local Chinese passport office offers expedited service.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism, business visits, and short-term stays only. If you plan to work, study, or live in Armenia, you must apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit before you arrive or at the Passport and Visa Department in Yerevan.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.