Armenia Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Armenia

Former Name

Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic

Capital City

Yerevan

Government Type

republic

Area Size

The country spans 29,743 square kilometers (11,490 square miles, about the size of Belgium or Maryland).

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +4 hours

Climate

The climate in Armenia is markedly continental. Summers are dry and sunny, lasting from June to mid-September. The temperature fluctuates between 22° and 36°C. However, the low humidity level mitigates the effect of high temperatures. Evening breezes blowing down the mountains provide a welcome refreshing and cooling effect. Springs are short, while falls are long. Autumns are known for their vibrant and colorful foliage. Winters are quite cold with plenty of snow, with temperatures ranging between -5° and -10°C. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy skiing down the hills of Tsakhkadzor, located thirty minutes outside Yerevan. Lake Sevan nestled up in the Armenian highlands, is the second largest lake in the world relative to its altitude, 1,900 meters above sea level.

Geography

lArmenia is a landlocked country in the southern Caucasus. Located between the Black and Caspian Seas, the country is bordered on the north and east by Georgia and Azerbaijan, and on the south and west by Iran and Turkey. Its highest peak is Mount Aragats, 4,090m (13,415ft), and even its deepest valleys lie 450 to 700m (1,200 to 1,870ft) above sea level. Its biggest lake is Lake Sevan in the east.

Languages

Armenian 97.7%, Yezidi 1%, Russian 0.9%, other 0.4% (2001 census)

Culture

From ancient times, Armenians have cherished their artistic traditions, which reflect a unique culture and landscape. Aspects of everyday life are expressed in the most artistic fashion, in needlework, embellishments, carvings and design. Architecture is one of the most interesting art forms in Armenia, as, for example, churches bear artistic illustrations in frescoes and reliefs. Sculpting is everywhere - in nearly every city, town, and village in Armenia. Armenians love music, and they have been creating exquisite compositions for centuries. Sharakans are traditional Armenian liturgical songs, which are experiencing a revival today. Distinctive musical instruments are used to play Armenian folk songs.

History

Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey imposed an economic blockade on Armenia and closed the common border because of the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

Travel Information

The most convenient way to visit Armenia is by air. Air transport fulfills the flights through the Zvartnots International Airport, located outside of Yerevan, and Shirak Airport in Gyumri. In 1998 a new cargo terminal was opened at Zvartnots airport, which has facilitated domestic and international cargo handling. Overland road routes and rail links connect Armenia with its neighbors. Currently, both Turkey and Azerbaijan have imposed a blockade against Armenia and have closed their borders with it. Two highway routes and one rail-link are available through Georgia, which provide access to the Black Sea Ports of Batumi and Poti. Additionally, there is one route south through Iran to the Persian Gulf. Armenia has made great strides in its road network, with significant investment resulting in nearly all the main highways to be paved and in good condition.

Accommodation

Hotels previously run by Intourist are now mostly being privatised - for instance, the Armenia Marriott Hotel. The Hotel Hrazdan, mainly occupied by foreign missions, is state owned and functions primarily as a guest house for official visitors. Private individuals may occasionally be allowed to stay there by special arrangement. There are now plenty of varying hotels for the traveller to pick.

Visa Requirements

Visa is required by citizen of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, except for nationals continuing their journey within 72 hours, provided remaining in the airport transit lounge and holding all documents required for the next destination and confirmed onward ticket. Passport valid for at least four months required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. If leaving the airport, a transit visa may be issued on arrival for a stay of maximum three days, provided holding a visa (if required) for the final destination. There is no charge for diplomatic and official visas, or for those issued to persons under 18 years of age.Validity depends on type; Tourist: 21 days. Single-entry and Multiple-entry: three months. Transit: three days. Visas must be used within 90 days of date of issue. Apply at Embassy or consular section at embassy.

Getting Around

Yerevan is a user-friendly city in terms of getting around. Taxi cabs, buses, minibuses, trolleybuses and trams all function to help get locals and tourists from place to place throughout the capital. Generally costing 100 AMD (less than 20 cents US), the within-city minivans ("Marshrutni" or "Marshrutka" as known in the local parlance) are a convenient mode of transportation, especially given the fact that there are over 100 different routes. The numbered minivans drive along designated routes (major stops indicated on a placard on the windshield) stopping to pick up passengers who flag down the vehicle along the way. There are also many private taxi services. After a minimum of a few hundred AMD, per kilometer, prices vary from 70 to 200 AMD. As a rule, taxis ordered from these services by phone are prompt and courteous, adding to their growing popularity. The metro dates back to 1981 and consists of a single line, starting from Barekamutiun Square (a bustling neighborhood at the end of Bagramian Street) to Charbahk at the outskirts of Yerevan. The Metro operates from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, and costs 50 AMD for a one-way fare. Standard bus fare in Yerevan is also 50 AMD. For travel to the regions, as well as to neighboring countries, minivans are again a popular and convenient mode of transportation. Prices vary according to distance.

Health & Safety

There are no obligatory immunizations required for travelers visiting Armenia. Armenia's climate is generally pleasant and does not pose unusual health risks. Medical facilities vary in quality and breadth, with many qualified doctors and dentists practicing in all specialties. There are registered pharmacies on virtually every corner in the center of Yerevan, carrying all of the basic toiletries and many over-the-counter drugs, many of which can also be purchased in hotels and supermarkets. If you have special health needs, speak to your physician before traveling. If you travel in summer, it is a good idea to pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, as the Armenian sun is strong. Water in Armenia is clean and safe, though many travelers who have sensitive stomachs may take a few days before fully adjusting to the different food and drink intake. To be on the safe side, travelers can enjoy bottled natural spring and mineral water, available at all food shops and supermarkets. Fruits and vegetables should be washed before eating. Yerevan is a very safe city for its size (about 1 million people), and safer than most cities in the United States. Random crimes against individuals such as muggings, robbery, etc. are rare. Nevertheless, it is always prudent not to make yourself a target. Keep to well-lit, main streets at night, take taxis anytime after 10 PM, and travel with escorts whenever possible. Avoid displaying large sums of money; be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious individuals. Large markets such as the Vernissage or Hrazdan are attractive to pickpockets because of the hustle and bustle and the crowds. Do not carry purses or backpacks which can be easily opened. Economic hardship has brought with it an influx of beggars and street children, but most are harmless.

National Holidays

1-2 Jan - New Year. 6 Jan - Armenian Orthodox Christmas. 8 Mar - Women's Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 7 Apr - Motherhood and Beauty Day. 24 Apr - Genocide Memorial Day. 9 May - Victory and Peace Day. 28 May - First Republic Day. 5 Jul - Constitution Day. 21 Sep - Independence Day. 7 Dec - Earthquake Memorial Day. 31 Dec - New Year’s Eve.

Currency

Armenia Drams (AMD)

Electricity

220V, AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

Emergency Numbers

103 (Ambulance)