The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has announced a temporary visa exemption for nationals of 113 specified countries who hold valid residence permits from select jurisdictions, effective 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026. This measure allows eligible individuals to enter and remain in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one-year period without obtaining a visa.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The development is significant for organizations with globally mobile employees originating from the listed countries and holding residence permits from the United States, EU member states, Schengen area states, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman.
The exemption offers streamlined entry and extended stay options, reducing administrative burdens for travel and assignments in Armenia.
Key Highlights
- The residence permit is expected to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Armenia.
- The permitted stay is up to 180 days within a one-year period.
- The residence permit is expected to be presented as a physical card or as a sticker in the individual’s passport.
- The permit could display, in Latin script, the document title, given name, surname, nationality, date of birth, and validity period based on the Gregorian calendar.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the temporary visa exemption, organizations, entities and individuals might wish to consider the following:
- Organizations could review internal mobility policies and inform eligible employees about the exemption and the required documentation.
- HR teams could check that residence permits meet the required format and validity period, helping to prevent entry complications.
- Companies could monitor updates from Armenian authorities regarding when the exemption could conclude or whether it may be extended.
If assignees and/or their program managers have questions about the scope of the update, its application, potential impacts, or next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in Armenia (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Consular Department, “Temporary Visa Exemption,” published on 30 December 2025.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Armenia.
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