Armenia Issues Electronic Visas

November 6, 2002

Armenia has begun issuing visas electronically, on line, becoming only the second country in the world to do so. On October 31, the first day of operation of this innovative program, seven applicants ­ one from Germany and six from the US ­ applied on-line to receive tourist visas to Armenia. 

"We are committed to promoting e-Governance in Armenia;, that is, using the efficiency and effectiveness of information and communication technologies to meet people¹s needs," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian. "Today, we are able to provide visas on line to all those wishing to visit Armenia. Tomorrow, we will look to expand these services to include other consular functions."

Anyone around the world with access to a computer may apply for a visa online, submit a fee by credit card, and receive a response within two working days.

The electronically received visa will be honored immediately at Yerevan¹s Zvartnots Airport. After a trial run there, the service will be expanded to include Armenia¹s borders with Georgia and Iran as well.

The program has met with positive response from various international agencies in Armenia. The United Nations Development Program has agreed to support the first phase of the program. Other agencies, too, are interested in helping expand the program to include other forms of e-governance.

Interested individuals can access the service at www.armeniaforeignministry.am as well as www.armeniadiaspora.com.

Additional information about the program is offered below in the form of frequently asked questions and answers.

Q. How do I apply for an e-visa?
A. You go on line to www.armeniaforeignministry.am or www.armeniadiaspora.com. Click on the e-visa button and proceed.
Q. What happens after I complete my e-Visa application?
A. As soon as your application is received, you receive an immediate confirmation, with the reference number that your application is assigned. Then, your credit card is verified and charging authorization is received from your bank. Finally, your application goes through a verification process. You should use the reference number to check the status of your e-Visa by clicking the "Check Status" option online.
… If your application status is:
o In process
ß You should check back later. Although most applications are processed within two business days, some applications may take a little longer to process. 
o Approved
ß You should see a graphic representation of a visa, complete with your visa number and other particulars. You may want to print the page and keep it for your records.
ß Upon arrival at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport simply inform the border guards that you have been issued an e-Visa. Border guards will electronically verify the validity of your e-Visa.
ß If data submitted in your application does not exactly correspond with your factual information, you will be considered to have arrived without a visa and will be processed accordingly.
o Denied
ß This means your application could not be approved on line. You may want to contact an Armenian Mission near you and apply for a conventional visa.

Q. Why do you ask for my credit card information before anything else?
A. Applying for a visa on line is a new kind of process for all countries, not just Armenia. In order to dissuade those who are not serious about submitting an application, we ask for credit card information first. Once we receive credit card authorization, then the rest of the information is processed.
Q. Who can apply for e-Visa?
A. Applications may be submitted by anyone outside Armenia who wishes to receive a tourist visa to enter Armenia. 
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The combined visa price and on-line application fee is the equivalent of US $60.
Q. Do I get a refund if I apply and am rejected?
A. Yes.
Q. What if I don¹t have a credit card?
A. If you do not have a credit card, then it is not possible to apply for a visa online. Instead, you may apply with any of Armenia¹s missions around the world.
Q. Do I have to contact an Embassy or Consulate to double-check the e-Visa process or verify the approval?
A. No. An electronic visa is processed directly on-line through the Consular Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and not through an embassy or consulate.
Q. Is the Armenian e-Visa accepted at all of Armenia¹s borders?
A. No. During this first phase of the implementation of this innovative new program, e-Visas are only honored at the Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport.
Q. How will the border control guards know that I am have received a visa electronically?
A. They, too, are informed electronically, and your passport information appears on their computer monitors. When you reach the control booth upon arrival, simply tell the officer that you have an electronic visa.
Q. Can I use an an e-Visa if I am traveling to Armenia by car?
A. No. At this time, only air travelers who arrive at Yerevan¹s Zvartnots International Airport can take advantage of the e-Visa program. Other border points will be added later in the program.
Q. What kind of visas are available on-line?
A. Currently the only visa available on-line is the 21-day Tourist Visa .
Q. Do all the members of a family traveling together need individual e-Visas?
A. Yes. A separate application should be submitted by each member of a family traveling to Armenia. 
Q. Do minors need an e-Visa?
A. Yes. Minors need to apply and receive an e-Visa. e-Visas are issued free of charge for children under 18. All applications for children under 16 must be accompanied by applications for accompanying adults.
Q. Can the e-Visa be extended for stays beyond 21 days?
A. Yes. Just as with conventional tourist visas, the e-Visa may be extended for an additional 14 days by applying to the Interior Ministry tourist visa office in Armenia.
Q. I have applied and received my e-Visa but my travel plans have changed, can I get a refund?
A. No. Visa applications are non-refundable.
Q. Does the e-Visa grant me permission for employment in Armenia?
A. No. The e-Visa is a tourist visa only.
Q. Can I travel to Karabakh with the e-Visa?
A. No. Armenian visas ­ electronic or conventional ­ are not sufficient for travel to Karabakh. In Yerevan, you can visit the Karabakh Representation office and receive a visa.
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