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Armenia is striving to become a prominent tourist destination by implementing new visa-free travel policies, now ranking 68th globally. These policies allow Armenian citizens to travel to these 67 countries, including Schengen nations, Qatar, and China, without a visa. This move is expected to boost tourism by making the country more accessible to a wider range of international visitors, thereby enhancing its appeal and fostering cultural and economic exchange.

Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of TTW says, “The opportunities for travelers are expanding rapidly. The ease of obtaining visas online from today, opens doors for a seamless travel experience, encouraging more global exploration and cultural exchange. This significant advancement will undoubtedly lead to a surge in tourism, benefiting both travelers and host nations alike.”

List of countries:

Armenia’s GDP Overview

• Current GDP: Approximately $19.5 billion USD (2023).
• Growth Factors: Significant growth compared to previous years driven by manufacturing, mining, and services sectors.
• Economic Resilience: Despite socio-political and economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts, Armenia’s economy has shown resilience.

Tourism Sector’s Contribution

• Role in Economy: Tourism plays a pivotal role in Armenia’s GDP.
• Key Attractions: Rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural landscapes attract tourists.
• Infrastructure Development: Efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and services have increased the sector’s economic contribution.

Strategic Initiatives in Tourism

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Promoting these sites to boost tourism.
• Eco-Tourism Development: Focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices.
• Connectivity Enhancement: Improving transportation and connectivity with major global destinations.

Economic Impact of Tourism

• Revenue Generation: Increased tourism revenues significantly support GDP growth.
• Employment Opportunities: Tourism development has created jobs and stimulated local economies.
• Foreign Direct Investment: Government policies to attract FDI in tourism and related industries.

Support from International Organizations

• World Bank Projects: Initiatives to improve tourism infrastructure and services.
• Policy Reforms: Government efforts to foster a conducive environment for sustainable tourism growth.

Comparative Position

• Armenia has shown a slight improvement in its ranking, which reflects the country’s efforts in improving its global mobility and diplomatic relationships. This ranking positions Armenia ahead of several other countries but still behind many European and Asian nations with higher visa-free access scores.

Key Features for Armenian Citizens Who Want to Travel Visa-Free

Armenian citizens enjoy the benefits of traveling visa-free to numerous countries, owing to strategic bilateral and multilateral agreements. Here are the key features and new aspects of visa-free travel for Armenians, based on information from government and official sources:

Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements

• Bilateral Agreements: Armenia has signed numerous bilateral visa-free agreements with individual countries. These agreements allow Armenian citizens to enter these countries without a visa for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Multilateral Agreements: Armenia’s participation in multilateral agreements, such as those within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), facilitates visa-free travel among member states.

New Features and Enhancements

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):
   • Introduction of eTA: For countries that require a pre-arrival authorization, Armenian citizens can apply for an eTA online, simplifying the travel process.
   • Expansion of eTA Programs: More countries are adopting eTA systems, making it easier for Armenians to travel.
2. Updated Travel Regulations:
   • Schengen Area: Armenian citizens can travel visa-free to Schengen Area countries for short stays, under the updated regulations and agreements.
   • New Destinations: Recent agreements have expanded the list of visa-free destinations, including countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
3. Enhanced Diplomatic Relations:
   • Improved Bilateral Relations: Strengthening of diplomatic ties has led to more countries offering visa-free access to Armenian citizens.
   • Ongoing Negotiations: Armenia is continuously negotiating with other nations to further expand its visa-free travel opportunities.
4. Tourism and Business Travel:
   • Business Travel: Enhanced visa-free agreements facilitate business travel, promoting economic ties and business opportunities.
   • Tourism Initiatives: Government initiatives to promote tourism have also led to increased visa-free access.
5. Security and Travel Safety:
   • Traveler Safety Programs: Implementation of programs to ensure the safety and security of travelers.
   • Information and Assistance: The Armenian government provides up-to-date information and assistance to its citizens traveling abroad.