Armenian VOA for Philippine Passport Holder

One of the best perks of being an expat in Dubai is the convenience of travelling. I am a Filipina holding a UAE Residency and that allows me to have a Visa on Arrival in countries such as Armenia and Georgia. Both countries were former member of the Soviet Union in the Mountainous Caucasus Region bordering Europe and Asia and its only 3 and a half hours flight away from Dubai.

Since I was on a VOA, I was confident that it will be a swift process but I was wrong - it took me 20 minutes to get my Visa since the Visa Application Area were flocked by tourist busy signing their Application Form. So, in order to avoid that, here are my tips:

Armenian Visa

• Pre - signed Visa Application Form - Admit it, we are all get lazy filling out application forms but this one will help speed up your waiting time. Visa Application Area are full of people signing up their forms and most of them doesn't have pens - which will delay your application if you are kind enough to lend yours unless you want to give it away. Download the Visa Application here: http://www.mfa.am/u_files/file/consulate/visaappform.pdf 

• Have your money exchanged - Armenia Tourist Visa Single Entry  (up to 21 days of stay) / Non-refundable fee Cost $6.00 or 3000.00 AMD. ( To know more about the fees, visit http://www.mfa.am/en/fees/ ) However, they ONLY accept US Dollars and Armenian Dram. Though there's a currency exchange stall beside the Visa Application Area, the conversion rates are not quite competitive so better have your money exchanged in Dollars before travelling. ( I paid mine in USD since the conversion was 2870.10 Dram only ). 

• Pay for your Visa ahead - this is the best thing, you can pay for your Visa to avoid all the hassles (though there's a commission fee of $ 1.00) On the Consulate Fee page, look for the type of Visa you are getting then click the PAY link and it will reroute you to the payment page. Just Visit http://www.mfa.am/en/ for more information. Just don't forget to print and keep the receipt.