The EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation Agreement: What You Need to Know
The European Union (EU) and Armenia have recently signed a Visa Facilitation Agreement (VFA) that aims to make travelling between the two territories much easier. The agreement, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, marks a significant step towards strengthening EU-Armenia relations and promoting people-to-people contacts.
Here are some key points about the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation Agreement that you need to know:
Visa application fees
Under the agreement, visa application fees for Armenian citizens visiting the EU have been reduced from €60 to €35. This means that Armenian citizens can now apply for a visa at a lower cost, reducing the financial burden of obtaining a visa.
Visa processing time
Another significant change brought about by the VFA is the reduction of visa processing time. The VFA requires visa applications to be processed within 10 days, which is significantly faster than the previous processing time of up to 30 days. This means that Armenian citizens can plan their trips more easily and with greater predictability.
Multiple entry visas
The VFA also introduces multiple entry visas for Armenian citizens who frequently travel to the EU. This means that Armenian citizens who hold a valid multiple entry visa can travel freely between EU countries without the need to apply for a new visa each time they enter a new country.
Exemptions from visa requirements
The VFA also exempts certain categories of Armenian citizens from visa requirements. This includes those travelling for diplomatic, official, or service purposes, as well as family members of EU citizens travelling with them to the EU.
Impact on tourism and business
The VFA is expected to have a significant impact on tourism and business between the EU and Armenia. By reducing visa application fees and processing time, the VFA makes it easier for Armenian citizens to travel to the EU for tourism and business purposes. This, in turn, is expected to increase the number of visitors to the EU from Armenia, boosting tourism and business in the region.
In conclusion, the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation Agreement is a positive development that makes it easier for Armenian citizens to travel to the EU. By reducing visa application fees and processing time, introducing multiple entry visas, and exempting certain categories of Armenian citizens from visa requirements, the VFA promotes better people-to-people contacts and strengthens EU-Armenia relations.
