From Yerevan to Istanbul: A 2025 Traveler’s Guide from Armenia to Turkey
Start Your Journey Right: Getting Your Turkey e-Visa
Before boarding a plane or hopping on a bus, the first step is to secure your Turkey e-Visa. This quick online application makes things much easier for Armenian passport holders, especially if you’re traveling for tourism or business.
Your Easy Guide to the Turkey e-Visa
- Hop Online: Visit Turkey’s e-Visa website.
- Fill It In: Enter your personal details—name, passport number, travel dates, etc.
- Upload These Essentials:
- A valid Armenian passport (with at least 6 months left after your arrival in Turkey)
- Passport-size photo
- Supporting documents (such as a visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen countries, or Ireland)
- Proof you can support your trip financially (at least $50 per day of stay)
- Confirm you're traveling for tourism or business
- Pay and Go: Use your card to pay the visa fee.
- Check Your Inbox: You’ll usually get your e-Visa within 1–2 days.
- Keep It Handy: Print a copy or save a digital version for border checks.
Airports in Armenia That Connect You to Turkey
You’ve got several options for starting your Turkish adventure. Flights between Armenia and Turkey are frequent and convenient, especially between capital cities.
Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport (EVN)
- Distance to City: About 12 km from Yerevan’s center
- Services: Cafés, restaurants, duty-free shopping, free Wi-Fi, and lounges
- Getting There: Take a taxi, app-based ride, or airport shuttle
- Destinations: Flights connect you directly to Istanbul and beyond
With the reopening of air routes and improved relations, flights from Armenia to Turkey have become smoother, often arriving at major Turkish airports like Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
Welcome to Turkey: Navigating the Arrival
Once your plane lands in Turkey, you’ll notice the seamless flow from tarmac to city streets. Getting into town is a breeze from any major airport.
How to Move Around After Landing
- Istanbul Airport (IST): Ride the modern metro (M11), hop on Havaist buses, or grab a cab.
- Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): Reach Istanbul's Asian side via metro, intercity buses, or taxis.
- Ankara Airport (ESB): Buses and metro lines connect you to the heart of the capital.
- Antalya Airport (AYT): Catch local buses, resort transfers, or a taxi for that beach escape.
Don’t forget to buy a city travel card like IstanbulKart for easy access to metros, trams, and ferries.
Where to Stay: Comfy Bases Near Airports and Attractions
No matter your style—budget backpacker or boutique hotel lover—Turkey offers a wide variety of accommodation.
Around Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Arnavutköy: Closest spot to the airport, great for short layovers.
- Esenyurt: Budget-friendly zone with plenty of apartments and access to public transport.
Near Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
- Pendik: Ideal for business travelers, offering sleek hotels and fast metro access.
- Kartal: A quieter area with sea views, great for a peaceful first night.
Top Stays Elsewhere
- Ankara: Stay in Kızılay or Ulus for budget rooms, easy access, and a mix of modern and old-school Ankara.
- Antalya: Choose Lara Beach for resort vibes or Kaleiçi for cobbled streets and history.
Taste of Home and Beyond: Food Options for Armenian Travelers
If you're craving flavors from back home or eager to explore new dishes, Turkish cuisine will not disappoint. Many Turkish cities also have Armenian or Middle Eastern eateries.
Traditional Bites to Try
- Khorovats: Grilled meats that remind you of home.
- Dolma & Sarma: Stuffed grape leaves and vegetables.
- Baklava & Gata: Sweet pastries you’ll find in both cultures.
- Lahmacun: Think Armenian pizza with a Turkish twist.
Where to Eat
- Istanbul: Head to Kumkapı, Samatya, and Kadıköy for authentic vibes.
- Ankara: The streets of Ulus and Kızılay have local favorites and Armenian-run spots.
- Antalya & Izmir: Fresh seafood, meze, and vibrant open-air cafés.
Top Sights That Armenians Love Exploring in Turkey
There’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy locations or spiritual sites in Turkey. Whether you’re into churches, coastlines, or bustling bazaars, there’s something for everyone.
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