The nations of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan announced this week that they will be lifting all Covid-related entry requirements for all incoming travelers, effective May 1st, 2022.
Once the changes go into effect on Sunday, travelers won’t have to show any proof of a negative PCR test result or a vaccination certificate in order to enter either country.
According to a local report, Armenia’s Health Minister Anahat Avanesyan stated at a cabinet meeting on Thursday that the country would be scrapping all health-related requirements for international arrivals.
“Since the situation with coronavirus pandemic has been stabilized and the tempos of the spread of the pandemic reduced in world, we have decided to lift some restrictions. The requirement to submit a PCR rapid diagnostic test and vaccination certificate when entering the country through land border and checkpoints in airports has been removed.”
The Ministry of Health for the Kyrgyz Republic also announced that the nation would be removing its testing and proof of vaccination requirements put in place for the pandemic. According to local news, “Reports were heard on the epidemiological situation connected with coronavirus infection in the republic and on the progress of vaccination of the population against coronavirus infection.”
The announcements makes Armenia and Kyrgyzstan the 39th and 40th countries to remove all entry requirements for travelers that were put in place due to the pandemic.
As of May 1st, 2022, all international and domestic travelers arriving to Armenia and Kyrgyzstan won’t need to show any Covid tests or vaccination proof in order to enter the countries. Here’s a review:
- No negative Covid test result (including PCR and rapid antigen) required at departure or on arrival to Armenia or Kyrgyzstan
- Proof of vaccination not required for travel
- No quarantine requirements for incoming travelers
Previously, both nations implemented testing and proof of vaccination requirements for incoming travelers in 2021. After being closed to foreign travelers for most of 2020, Armenia reopened for tourism in March 2021. In order to enter, travelers had to follow a 72-hour testing requirement, a health screening upon arrival, and abide by the local mask mandate in place.
The current proof of Covid vaccination requirement in place will also be scrapped as of May 1st.
Kyrgyzstan began slowly reopening to tourism in late 2020, allowing US and Canadian tourists to visit provided they follow all entry requirements, including testing and proof of vaccination. Non-vaccinated travelers had to show a negative PCR test for entry, and fully vaccinated travelers were exempt from that requirement.
The heart of the Caucasus and located somewhere between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Armenia is a beautiful travel destination not-to-be-missed.
From hiking the Caucasus mountains with unforgettable views, visiting centuries-old monasteries, an amazing food culture, and so much more, this little landlocked country will surprise you.
Start your trip in the capital city of Yerevan and get a sense of the local culture and history. The city has plenty of markets, museums, and other attractions to explore that will easily fill your travel itinerary before heading off to explore the mountains and lakes in the countryside.
US and UK travelers can enjoy visa-free travel to Armenia for 180 days in one calendar year. Canadians must apply for a tourist visa before travel to the nation. You can find more information on Armenia’s visa requirements for travelers here.
Due to an ongoing conflict, it is advised by officials to avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the surrounding areas.
Persons from the US, Canada, the UK, and a number of other nations can visit Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days without a tourist visa. Just make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months prior to your arrival.
A landlocked nation in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventures and getting a little off-the-grid. The main port of entry is Bishkek International Airport in the capital city. After spending a few days Bishkek enjoying the museums, a walkable town square, parks, markets, and restaurants, pack up your bags and hop on a marshuka (local bus) to start exploring the impeccable countryside.
Some of the most notable travel destinations in Kyrgyzstan include Song Kul, a crystal clear alpine lake located in the northern region of the country. The area is only accessible in the warmer months, so best to plan your trip here in the summer. Guests can stay with a local family near the lake and sleep in their own yurt, the traditional type of accommodation used by nomads.
The best way to organize your trip to Kyrgyzstan is through CBT (Community-based tourism). You can find more information here at this local tour agency.