Bordered by Türkiye to the east and Iran to the south, the nation of Armenia has seen a strong boost in tourism over the last half-decade, reports TheStreet.

It is noted that with the largest numbers of tourists visiting from Russia and Iran, the country that straddles Asia and Europe—Armenia is geographically in West Asia but belongs to several European organizations like the Council of Europe—has recently also seen growing numbers of tourists from the United States and other Western countries.

The 334,396 foreign visitors who came to Armenia in August 2025 represent an 11.1% increase from the same month in 2024.

Some of the most popular destinations are Yerevan, the capital that is also called "The Pink City" due to the pink tuff stone used to construct many of its buildings, and natural wonders like Lake Sevan and the Symphony of Stones.

But the US State Department has updated its travel advisory for Armenia, and warned of border regions

The country is at a level two travel rating, but the warning draws attention to regions with "increased risk."

Armenia is generally considered a very safe country for tourists to visit; the U.S. State Department keeps it at the same "exercise increased caution" that it also assigns to France, Italy, and Thailand.

But at the start of September, the U.S. government also updated its guidance for Armenia to reiterate that while most of the country is at the second-lowest advisory level, some areas are at "increased risk."

In particular, regions that border Azerbaijan have raised concerns due to a history of conflict between the two countries.

American citizens in Armenia on official business of the government are not permitted to travel to the Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis, the Syunik region east of Goris, and the Syunik region south of Kapan. Those traveling in a personal capacity are simply advised to avoid them.

"Travel through Yeraskh village in Ararat region is allowed, stopping is not," the September 5 travel advisory reads.

"Past military action has occurred near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and there is potential for armed conflict in the area," the updated State Department advisory currently reads. "[...] Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Some parts of the road may cross international borders without warning. Checkpoints may control roads or authorities may close them to travelers without notice."

The US embassy in Armenia prohibits its employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border areas, as well as other areas of Armenia that are listed in this advisory.

Azerbaijan, which has also been seeing a spike in tourists from Western countries in recent years, is similarly ranked at level two's "exercise increased caution" for the country as a whole and "do not travel" for the areas bordering Armenia.