Armenia shares land borders with four countries, but only two are currently accessible to visitors: Georgia to the north and Iran to the south. The borders with Turkey (west) and Azerbaijan (east and Nakhchivan enclave) remain closed due to longstanding political disputes. Understanding which crossings are open, what documents you need, and how to actually get there is essential planning knowledge before your trip.
Which Borders Are Open
Georgia (north): Three crossings are operational. This is the most popular overland route for travellers - the drive between Yerevan and Tbilisi takes approximately 5–6 hours and the crossing process is typically straightforward for most nationalities.
Iran (south): One primary crossing at Meghri/Agarak. Fewer tourists use this route but it’s legal and functional. Note that citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada face more complex visa requirements for Iran - verify your country’s requirements well before travelling.
Turkey (west) and Azerbaijan (east): Both borders are closed and have been for decades. Do not attempt to cross.
Georgia Border Crossings
Bagratashen (Sadakhlo on the Georgian side)
This is the busiest and most convenient crossing if you’re travelling between Yerevan and Tbilisi. It sits in the Debed Canyon, roughly 180 km north of Yerevan, and connects to the main M6/S1 highway.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Transport from Yerevan:
- Marshrutka (shared minibus): Departs from Kilikia Bus Station in Yerevan. The Yerevan–Tbilisi marshrutkas stop at Bagratashen for border processing. Fares run approximately AMD 3,500–5,000 (as of 2026) for the Yerevan–Tbilisi journey; you’ll buy a ticket to your final destination, not just the border.
- Taxi: A private taxi from Yerevan to the border costs approximately AMD 10,000–15,000 (as of 2026). Negotiate before departure.
- Self-drive: Take the M6 north from Yerevan through Vanadzor toward Alaverdi, then continue to the Debed Canyon. The border crossing is well signposted.
Typical crossing time: 20–45 minutes during quiet periods; up to 2 hours on weekends or during busy summer months.
Bavra (Ninotsminda on the Georgian side)
A smaller, less-used crossing in the northwest that connects the Shirak region of Armenia with the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia. This is the better option if you’re travelling to or from Gyumri rather than Yerevan - it avoids the longer drive east to Bagratashen.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week (verify in advance as hours can change seasonally).
Transport from Yerevan:
- No direct marshrutka service to this crossing. From Yerevan, take a marshrutka or shared taxi to Gyumri (approximately AMD 1,500–2,000, 2 hours), then hire a local taxi to the Bavra crossing (approximately AMD 4,000–6,000, 45 minutes).
- Self-drive from Yerevan via the M1 motorway to Gyumri, then northwest toward the border.
Note: Traffic here is lighter than at Bagratashen, so crossing times are generally faster. The road on the Georgian side toward Akhalkalaki is in good condition.
Gogavan (Kartsakhi on the Georgian side)
The least-used of the three Georgia crossings, located in the far northwest of Armenia near Akhurian. This crossing is primarily used by local residents and trucks. It’s not practical for most travellers and has no regular public transport links.
Hours: 09:00–17:00 (verify before travelling - these are the most restricted hours of any Armenian border crossing).
Not recommended for general tourist use due to limited hours and transport options.
Iran Border Crossing
Meghri / Agarak
The only open crossing between Armenia and Iran, located at the southernmost tip of Armenia in the Syunik region. On the Armenian side the town is Meghri; on the Iranian side it’s Norduz. The Aras River marks the border here.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Distance from Yerevan: Approximately 380 km south - a 5–6 hour drive. This is not a day trip; plan to stay overnight in Meghri or continue into Iran.
Transport from Yerevan:
- Marshrutka: Daily departures from Kilikia Bus Station to Meghri, approximately AMD 4,000–6,000 (as of 2026). Journey takes 6–7 hours. Services typically depart early morning.
- Private taxi: Expect approximately AMD 35,000–50,000 for the full Yerevan–Meghri route (as of 2026). Worth splitting with other travellers.
- Self-drive: Take the M2 south through Ararat and Yeghegnadzor. The road through Kapan to Meghri is partly mountainous and requires a reliable vehicle. Fuel up in Kapan - stations near the border are limited.
For Iran-bound travellers: You must have a valid Iranian visa before arrival (visa-on-arrival is available for some nationalities but verify your specific situation months in advance, as Iran’s visa policies can shift). Armenian customs will stamp your passport on exit; Iranian customs processes you on the Iranian side.
Required Documents
For most nationalities crossing into Armenia from Georgia or exiting Armenia into Georgia or Iran:
- Valid passport - minimum 6 months validity is standard advice, though Armenian law technically requires only validity through your stay
- Armenian visa or e-visa if required for your nationality (citizens of the EU, USA, Russia, and many other countries can enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days; check current requirements at the Armenian e-visa portal)
- Vehicle registration and insurance if driving - green card insurance should cover Armenia and Georgia, but verify with your insurer
- Vehicle permit if driving your own car across (ask at the border if not sure)
For Iran specifically:
- A valid Iranian visa is required for most nationalities before arrival at the border
- Women must cover hair at the Iranian crossing regardless of nationality
- Carrying dual nationality documents (if applicable) requires careful consideration - the Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality for Iranian citizens
Tips for a Smooth Crossing
Currency exchange at the border: Currency exchange booths operate at Bagratashen on both sides. Rates are acceptable but not the best - if coming from Tbilisi, exchange in the city first. On the Armenia side, ATMs in Alaverdi (30 km south of Bagratashen) are more reliable.
Peak crossing times to avoid: Friday evenings and Sunday mornings at Bagratashen see the heaviest traffic as Armenians and Georgians travel for weekends. Crossing midweek between 09:00–15:00 is usually fastest.
Declare cash over USD 10,000: Both Armenia and Georgia require declaration of cash above this threshold. Failure to declare can result in confiscation.
Photographic equipment: Georgian and Armenian border guards don’t typically have issues with cameras, but don’t photograph the border facility, guards, or infrastructure - standard international practice.
Phone coverage: Georgian SIM cards work up to the border on the Georgian side. Armenian SIM cards (Ucom, Viva-MTS, Team) activate immediately on the Armenian side. If crossing into Iran, your Armenian SIM will not work - purchase an Iranian SIM after crossing or arrange roaming in advance.
Carry some US dollars or euros: A small amount of hard currency is useful at border crossings for unexpected fees, tips for luggage handlers, or if your local currency runs out.
Crossing Costs
Border crossing itself is free for most nationalities. Costs you may encounter:
| Cost item | Approximate amount (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Armenian e-visa (if required) | USD 6–8 |
| Vehicle temporary import permit | Varies; check with Armenian Customs |
| Disinfection fee (some crossings) | AMD 500–1,000 |
| Porter services at the border | Negotiable; AMD 500–1,500 |
For more background on getting around the country once you’ve crossed, see our getting around Armenia guide. If you’re planning the northern route via Georgia, our Armenia vs Georgia comparison article covers what’s worth seeing on both sides. For marshrutka fares, private transfer options, and journey times, see our dedicated Yerevan to Tbilisi transport guide.
If you need a transfer from the Yerevan border area or Zvartnots Airport to your accommodation, pre-booked airport transfers via Kiwitaxi or GetTransfer are more reliable than haggling with taxi drivers at the arrivals hall.
Plan Your Trip
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