Destination / Travel Information

1. Republic of Armenia

The Republic of Armenia is located in the southeastern part of Europe, in the Southern Caucasus, and occupies the northeastern part of the Armenian Highlands. In the northeast Armenia borders with Azerbaijan, in the northwest it neighbors with Georgia, in the west with Turkey and in the south with Iran. It became independent in 1991, after nearly 70 years as a part of the Soviet Union.

The country occupies a territory of 29.8 thousand square meters, in the center of, which spreads the Ararat Valley representing the Armenian people economic, political and cultural cradle since ancient times.

It is not by chance that the old and new Armenian capital cities, such as Artashat, Yervandashat, Vagharshapat, Echmiadzin, Dvin, Erebuni-Yerevan were founded right here. The two-thirds of the territory of Armenia is uncultivated, and the other one-third of the land has been cultivated due to tremendous effort and enormous contributions. This is why they say, “Armenians squeeze their bread out of stone”. The legend goes that when Armenians came to God to ask for their piece of land, all lands had already been distributed and God had to give them this rocky highland. The people inspired it with their soul and expressed their desires and cherished their dreams through it. Also they acquired recognition and survived thanks to it.

The national capital of Armenia is the City of Yerevan with 1.5 million populations.

2. Population

The population of Armenia is about 3.8 million, which is approximately about half of the world’s. The official language of the state is Armenian, but the majority of the population also speaks Russian and English. Armenian is unlike any other language and has its own alphabet.
Armenia is the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its national religion in 301 AD.

In 2001 the country celebrated the 1700th Anniversary of the Adoption of Christianity.

3. Climate

Armenia’s climate is dry, with long cold winters and short hot summers. January temperatures usually range from –12^oC to –15^oC (10 F to 23 F) and can fall below -30^oC (- 22 F). July temperatures average about 10^oC (50 F) in the mountains and about 25^oC (77 F) elsewhere. Armenia receives a yearly rainfall of about 20 to 80 centimeters (8 to 31 inches), rising with elevation. The highest peaks are snow-covered all year.

4. Port of Arrival, Transfers

In the airport of arrival you will be required to approach our representative holding a sign with ARMENIAN EVENT’s name. It should be noted that depending on the number of the tourists’ one bus will be able to transfer its passengers to several hotels. At your personal discretion, for additional payment you can order a personal car for your own transfer.

5. Visas

An entry visa is required. You can obtain your visa at the Armenian Embassy in your country or at the airport of arrival for 3000 AMD or on the border with Georgia or Iran. Also, you can get Armenian entry E-visa from the internet by visiting Armenian Foreign Ministry official web site: www.armeniaforeignministry.am/eVisa. All the other formalities will be taken care by the Armenian border police.

6. Customs Regulations

Personal belongings can be taken in and out of the country without any customs declarations.
The following items should be declared at the border:
National and foreign currency
Import and export of firearms and other types of armor is prohibited

7. Local currency and Exchange Rate Quotation

The national currency in Armenia is called dram (AMD). Its rate is determined by parity with U.S. dollars, thus excluding the possibility of currency exchange on the so-called black market. The coins are called luma. One dram is equal to 100 lumas. The bank bills in circulation are 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 5000, 20000, 50000 and 100000 (AMD). The average exchange rate is about 385 (AMD) = 1 U.S. dollar and 535 (AMD) = 1 EURO . Hard currency can be exchanged in a large number of exchange offices across the city. Eurocheques can be exchanged in all major hotels and banks. Credit cards (American Express, Visa, Euro/Master Card) are accepted at all international hotels, many major stores and restaurants, often for a commission.

8. Time Zone

The time is ahead of Greenwich by 4 hours (including summer time), For the tourists arriving from European Union will have to set their watch 3 hours earlier.

9. Electricity

Voltage – 220V; frequency – 50 Hz; plugs normally have two holes. If you intend to use electric appliances with triple plugs you would require an adapter.

10. Water

The tap water in Armenia is potable. However, to those who prefer bottled water we would recommend “NOY”, “APARAN” Spring Water, “Jermuk” and “Bjni” Mineral Water, which can be purchased in stores, supermarkets and hotels.

11. Food

Armenians enjoy such foods as barbecued shish kebab, bean salads, a thin bread called lavash, and dolma (cabbage or grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat). Fruit juices, wine and cognac, and tan (a mixture of water, yogurt, and salt) are popular beverages.

12. Criminality/Delinquency Level

Armenia is among the most SAFE and SECURE countries for travelers. A tourists is not a stranger in Armenia : he is a guest. As Armenian proverb says: The guest is God’s messenger and is always welcome to our homes !
Thus, you can feel safe both within and without your hotel.