Filipinos Can Now Travel to Armenia Visa-Free!

If you are a Filipino working in the Middle East or Europe, your travel options just got a lot cheaper and easier. Armenia is now welcoming Filipinos without a visa for stays of up to 180 days, making it a prime spot for a long break from the daily grind.

If the country sounds unfamiliar, you might know its most famous descendants, the Kardashians, who often highlight their Armenian heritage. This new rule is part of a temporary visa exemption for 113 countries that runs from January 1 until July 1, 2026. While Armenia is technically in Asia, it sits right on the edge of Europe, surrounded by Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It is known for being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, even older than ancient Rome.

Who is eligible for the Armenia visa waiver?

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Before you book a flight, you need to check if you meet the specific requirements for this exemption. This perk is primarily aimed at Filipinos who hold residency in specific regions outside of the Philippines. You must have a valid residence permit from the United States, any European Union member, or a Schengen Area country. Filipinos living in the Middle East with residence permits from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman are also eligible.

Your residence permit must be a physical card or a sticker in your passport, and the document must display your name, nationality, and birthdate in Latin characters. If you do not have these specific residence permits, you are not left out of the loop. You can still apply for an electronic visa through the official government website. A 21-day visa costs $8, which is around ₱464, and a 120-day visa costs $38, or roughly ₱2,202. The online process is quick and usually finishes within three working days.

Also read: China Opens Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos to Visit Hainan — See How to Be Eligible

Mini 5-day Armenia itinerary

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Since Armenia is a compact country, you can see many of the major sights in just a few days by using the capital as your home base.

• Day 1 - Explore Yerevan. Spend your first day walking through Republic Square to see the musical fountains and climbing the Cascade Complex for a view of the city and Mount Ararat.

• Day 2 - Garni and Geghard. Take a short drive to see the 1st-century Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery, which is a UNESCO site carved directly into the mountain cliffs.

• Day 3 - Lake Sevan and Dilijan. Visit the "Jewel of Armenia" at Lake Sevan to see the Sevanavank Monastery, then drive to the forests of Dilijan, often called the "Switzerland of Armenia."

• Day 4 - Khor Virap and Noravank. Head south toward the Turkish border to Khor Virap for a close view of the mountains before visiting the stunning red rock canyons of Noravank.

• Day 5 - Gyumri or Shopping. Visit Gyumri to see its unique black stone architecture or spend your last day at the Vernissage Market in Yerevan to buy handwoven carpets and local souvenirs.

Also read: Philippines Now on the List for Canada Visa-Free Entry

Best time to visit Armenia

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The climate in Armenia is quite different from the humidity of the Philippines because it has four distinct seasons. Here is a quick guide on when to schedule your trip:

• Spring (late May to June). This is often considered the best time to visit. The weather is comfortable, the landscape is lush and green, and it is ideal for walking around without the summer heat.

• Autumn (September to October). This is the peak harvest season for grapes and pomegranates. The mild, dry weather is perfect for long road trips into the mountains.

• Summer (July to August). It can get very hot in the capital, often hitting 35°C. This is the best time to head to the mountains or go for a swim in Lake Sevan.

• Winter (December to February). If you want to see snow and visit a ski resort like Tsaghkadzor, this is the time. It is also the cheapest season for hotel bookings.

Are you ready for your Amernia trip? If you have been looking for a sign to finally use your leaves and reset, this 180-day visa-free window is it!