KUWAIT CITY, June 16: Armenia has officially announced that, beginning July 1, 2025, citizens and expats of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be eligible for visa-free entry into the country for short visits. The exemption allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days, and applies to nationals and residents of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

This new visa policy is part of Armenia’s broader strategy to enhance diplomatic and economic relations with the Gulf region, attract regional tourism, and open new avenues for investment and business collaboration. It follows similar agreements Armenia signed in previous years with individual Gulf states: visa waivers were granted to UAE citizens in 2017, Qatari nationals in 2019, and Kuwaiti citizens in 2022. The 2025 move marks the first time Armenia is extending such access to both citizens and legal residents from all GCC countries under a unified framework.

Armenian authorities emphasized that the policy is designed to position the country as a convenient and attractive destination for both Gulf citizens and expats, especially as travel demand grows in the post-pandemic landscape. With Armenia offering mild summer weather, historical sites, and increasing direct flight connections with Gulf cities, the country hopes to emerge as a go-to destination for short leisure trips, cultural tourism, and weekend escapes.

Beyond tourism, officials say the policy will help stimulate trade, investment, and people-to-people engagement. Many expatriates residing in GCC countries—particularly from South Asia and the Levant—may also find Armenia’s relaxed entry requirements appealing for affordable vacations and family visits.

The visa-free access for residents applies regardless of nationality, provided they hold valid GCC residency permits. This aspect is expected to significantly increase Armenia’s appeal to a much wider demographic beyond Gulf nationals alone.

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that visa processing, where required, will continue to be streamlined through e-visa and consular services, but the visa exemption for GCC nationals and residents marks a key shift toward regional openness and economic diplomacy.