Travel alerts & warnings
Armenia driving guide.
Driving in Armenia offers rewarding access to mountain scenery and monasteries, with generally better roads around Yerevan than in remote areas. Expect assertive city traffic, potholes, livestock and winding mountain roads; avoid rural driving after dark.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- May to June…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Armenia due to areas of potential armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia. Further military activity could occur in the region.
- Read the Travel Guidance for Armenia for additional information on travel to Armenia.
- Do Not Travel To These Areas for Any Reason:
- The border region with Azerbaijan.
- U.S. Embassy employees and their families cannot travel to these areas for non-essential reasons:
- Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis
Driving there
Your permit in Armenia
- Armenia honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Armenia
Road rules
Wear seat belts, avoid alcohol before driving and use a hands-free device for calls. Use dipped headlights in tunnels and poor visibility, and watch for pedestrians and unexpected overtaking.
Speed limits
For passenger cars, general limits are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them and 110 km/h on motorways, unless signs specify otherwise. Cameras enforce limits; mountain bends and damaged surfaces often require much slower speeds.
Tolls and route planning
Armenia has no routine motorway tolls for passenger cars. Roads into Turkey and Azerbaijan are not normal tourist driving crossings. Check current travel advisories before approaching the Azerbaijan border, and avoid border-area shortcuts suggested by navigation apps.
Fuel
Fill up in Yerevan or regional towns before remote mountain journeys. Petrol stations commonly display octane grades such as 92 and 95; confirm the correct fuel with your rental company. Larger stations usually accept cards, but carry Armenian dram for smaller outlets.
Rentals and police checks
Confirm acceptance of your home license and IDP format before booking; carry both originals, your passport, rental agreement and insurance documents. Ensure Armenian compulsory third-party insurance is included. At police checks, request official paperwork for any penalty rather than making an informal payment. Obtain written permission before taking a rental into Georgia.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Armenia
Garni Temple
Kotayk · About 45–60 minutes from Yerevan.
A striking classical temple above the Azat Gorge; nearby basalt columns make a worthwhile additional stop.
Geghard Monastery
Kotayk · About 1–1.25 hours from Yerevan.
A UNESCO-listed monastery with chambers carved into rock, easily combined with Garni.
Lake Sevan and Sevanavank
Gegharkunik · About 1–1.25 hours from Yerevan to Sevanavank.
High-altitude lake scenery and a hilltop monastery overlooking the water.
Dilijan
Tavush · About 45–60 minutes from Vanadzor.
A forested mountain town with restored traditional streets and access to national-park walks.
Noravank Monastery
Vayots Dzor · About 2–2.5 hours from Yerevan.
Medieval churches framed by red cliffs, reached through a dramatic gorge near Armenia's Areni wine country.
Tatev Monastery
Syunik · About 45–60 minutes from Goris by road; about 20–30 minutes to the Halidzor cableway terminal.
A spectacular monastery above the Vorotan Gorge; alternatively, park at Halidzor and take the Wings of Tatev cableway.
Heading to Armenia?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.