The government of Armenia, at its Cabinet meeting Thursday, made a decision proposing to extend the visa-free regime for foreign citizens with a residence permit—valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Armenia—in the US, European Union countries, Schengen countries, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman.

According to this decision, the aforementioned foreign nationals will be allowed to visit Armenia without a visa requirement until July 1, 2027.

As per the explanation of this decision, the abovementioned countries have developed economies with a high-income population. And foreigners with a residence permit in these countries also have economic activeness, business interests, and financial capabilities.

In this context, the extension of the aforesaid visa liberalization timeframe will contribute to increasing Armenia’s investment appeal by encouraging more investors, businesspersons, and business visits from this group.

In addition, the abovementioned visa liberalization timeframe may stimulate increased tourist flows into Armenia, which in turn will be an additional stimulus for the country’s local economy, especially in the tourism, hotel, service, and restaurant sectors.