The Armenian government, at its Cabinet session Thursday, decided to establish a visa-free regime for visits to Armenia for citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, as well as foreigners with residence status in the United States, EU countries, Schengen countries, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman.

The explanation of this decision states that currently Armenia has a visa-free regime for citizens of the countries envisaged by the draft: the United States, the European Union, the Schengen Agreement countries, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. But taking into account the strategic objectives of intensifying the economic component of Armenia’s foreign policy and promoting tourism, it is considered expedient to establish a visa-free regime to Armenia for the nationals of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman as well.

The above-mentioned countries have a developed economy with a high-income population. In addition, the liberalization of visa requirements for persons entering Armenia under this draft decision may stimulate increased tourist flows to Armenia.