Considering traveling to the Caucasus? Check the best places to stay in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, one of the world’s oldest surviving countries and has rich history and culture.

Yerevan is the perfect base to explore this incredible small nation, as it’s easy to combine time in the city with travelling further afield to cultural highlights and attractions.

If you’re travelling here, you’re probably wondering about the best areas to stay in town. That’s why we’ve written this post! We’ve taken a close look at the best neighborhoods in Yerevan, so that you can easily plan your visit here.

Travel in Yerevan: Overview

There’s nowhere better to base yourself than Yerevan if you want to discover the magical and historical Armenia. The centre is packed full of intriguing places to visit such as museums, galleries, and historic attractions. Republic Square is the beating heart of the city, while the Cascade Staircase and Museum is a pretty spot to relax. Art lovers will enjoy the museum within the staircase, while views of Mount Ararat from the top are sublime!

Armenia’s history is long and complex, and one of the worst events in the country’s history was the 1915 Genocide. Visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and Genocide Museum is a sobering and educational place to learn more about this atrocity.

To reach the country the best option is flying. The Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport is the biggest in the country, and it is growing in number of flights and passengers at a fast pace for the past years.

As well as cultural and historical attractions, there’s much more to enjoy. Try the local delicacies at one of the city’s many restaurants or experience the vibrant nightlife scene. Whatever you want from a city break, you’ll find it here in Yerevan!

Best Areas to stay in Yerevan

The best area to stay in Yerevan depends on what you want from your visit. Tourists will be most at home in the city centre as it’s where pretty much all of the attractions are. In fact, there’s really not that much to see away from there!

However, if you’re looking for an authentic and local experience, you can still explore the suburbs. The city is quite spread out, and districts like Marash and Nork are on a different hill to Kentron and Kond. There’s even a neighbourhood in Yerevan called Bangladesh, because it’s so far away from the centre!

If you are coming for a short stay in Yerevan, the Republic Square is the best reference for a location to explore the city. The area around this square is the most accessible and central of the Armenian capital.

Kentron

Kentron is where you’ll find the most exquisite examples of traditional Armenian churches, monasteries, and historical buildings. Not only that, it’s where you’ll find most of the city’s hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Stroll along the wide tree-lined boulevards in this circular district, while admiring the unique and intricate blend of Armenian and neo-classical architecture.

It’s the best place to be in Yerevan both during the day and at night. If you still have energy after exploring the museums and galleries, then why not head for a night out?

Most of Yerevan’s varied and enjoyable nightlife is in this area. Start off by sampling dolma (stuffed vine leaves) in some of the best restaurants in town. Then, head for a classy cocktail before rounding the night off at one of Yerevan’s great clubs. The centre is quite compact, so you should be able to stumble back to your hotel. To stay safe though, we’d recommend a taxi!

Kond

Kond is the oldest part of the city and has more than 400 years of history. It sits upon a hill overlooking the Kentron District, and it’s easy to get between the two neighbourhoods on foot. The most interesting thing about Kond is the architecture. Some of the walls of the Ottoman, Persian, and Muslim houses are actually thicker than the alleyways!

It’s a largely residential area, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to stop off and get a coffee or a glass of wine. Armenians are so friendly that some of the Kond residents will even invite you into their homes! If you want a local and authentic experience, perhaps look at a vacation rental in this area or see if any local families offer hosting!

Budget Accommodation in Yerevan – $

My Hotel Yerevan –  an affordable hotel close to the Yeritasardakan Metro Station.

Reasonably Priced Accommodation in Yerevan – $$

Republica Hotel Yerevan – a modern option with a beautiful decoration close to the Republic Square.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel – an high class choice with easy access to the Republic Square.

Luxurious Hotels in Yerevan– $$$

Grand Hotel Yerevan – Small Luxury Hotels of the World – a luxurious option in one of the best areas to stay in the city center.

The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan – a splendid hotel in a very central area of the Armenian capital.

Cost of travelling in Yerevan

When it comes to travelling in Yerevan, budget travellers will be delighted. Although it can be quite expensive actually getting to Armenia, that’s not the case travelling in the country.

Considering capitals are usually the most expensive places to travel, you can enjoy Yerevan for an average price of less than $20 USD per day. Accommodation and meals can be picked up for less than $10 per day per person too. Another great thing is that if you travel away from the capital, it’s super cheap as Armenia is so small!

Best Months to Visit Armenia

Most of Armenia has a cold semi-arid climate, which includes the capital. That means that winters are quite cold, and summers can be extremely hot. For that reason, visiting Yerevan is probably best during autumn and spring. The months of April, June, September and November are ideal for sight-seeing and tourist the country beyond the capital.

Armenia is not a very touristy country, and the tourism seasonality does not affect it heavily. Although the winter months have the lowest influx of tourists, the summer is definitely not packed with tourists. For that reason, prices in Yerevan do not fluctuate as much as they do in most European destinations.

Other Resources to Travel in the Caucasus

If you are planning a trip to Armenia or other countries in the Caucasus you might want to check some of our other guides to the region. Check where to stay in Baku and the best areas to stay in Tbilisi.

Are you in Armenia already? Leave your thoughts or questions in the comment box below.

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The Golden Visa program is open to select countries who wish to drive in more investments from foreigners. Each golden visa is unique per country, from how much the investment must be to how long the residence permit will be. In Greece, the options are now broader to help more people get a chance to apply for it.

New Scheme

On Thursday, the Greek government released a new statement regarding the criteria for non-European Union residents who wish to have the visa. A joint ministerial decision says these applicants can now get a five-year residence permit if they will be able to invest a minimum of 400,000 euros in Greek securities and companies. This investment will help with the country’s foreign direct investment and help non-EU nationals get the visa faster.

The new policy also ensures that even a time deposit at a Greek bank will be enough to get the visa. If one has a real estate in the country, they can use it to get in the program.

For those who prefer state bonds or mutual funds, the joint decision allows it for the program. The state bonds must be around 400,000 euros and held in a Greece-based bank for three years. Mutual funds must be around 400,000 euros as well and they must be actively on shares and bonds in Greece. The total assets must be around 3 million euros.

Foreigners who have 800,000 euros in stock or corporate bonds in the Greek capital markets can also qualify. They only need to present a permit to prove their investment.

The new rules mirrors the requirements of other EU countries offering the visa program. It also adds to the current requirement of 250,000 euros in local real estate. This is the usual way foreigners can get into the program.

In September, Greece’s Golden Visa was cited to have a high approval rate as compared to other countries who offer it.

Greece Tips

Interested in traveling in Greece? You can check out Visit Greece to find out more about the country. We also have guides on where to stay in Corfu if you will be heading around that area.

If you will be working in the country, we have a guide on the salary and cost of living in Athens.

If you plan to retire in Greece, we have a full guide as well that you can check out.

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Low cost airlines are a huge business with the increase in travelers looking for budget air fare deals. Some low cost airlines make a fortune with their inclusion to the airline industry in their country or region. However, not all airline markets are thriving as seen in the latest analysis from Germany.

DLR’s Analysis of Germany’s Low Cost Airline Market

On Wednesday, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) released its latest analysis about the country’s low cost airline market. They said that while low-cost flights increased across the region by 4% during last year’s summer season, Germany did not share this same trend. They saw that there is a 1% drop in the number of low-cost services this year or 6,683 weekly departures.

The DLR says that this decline is due to the decrease in flights to Italy, Spain and the UK, as well as domestic flights within Germany. Only Wizz Air expanded their operations in the country since Ryanair and Eurowings reduced their flights in the region.

According to Peter Berster of the DLR’s Institute of Air Transport and Airport Research, Eurowings reduced its flights by 3.5%. The result is that they only have 3,100 departures per week as compared to last year. Meanwhile, Ryanair and its Austrian counterpart Lauda dropped flights by 2% or more than 1,500 weekly departures.

When it comes to the share of German airports in the low-cost segment is around 33% as compared to last year’s 32% share. The slight increase is because of the overall decline in the number of domestic flights. Other German-based airlines – either full-service or charter – reported a reduction of 3.5%.

Meanwhile, low-cost flights from Dusseldorf Airport are increasing as compared to the rest of the country. Eurowings and the airport’s status as a major low-cost carrier hub are the reason for this positive growth. It currently hosts 1,100 departures of low-cost airlines in the country. It is followed by Berlin-Tegel airport.

In the European market, the low-cost carrier market grew by 4% to more than 67,000 departures per week. Ryanair and EasyJet are expanding their operations in Europe. Ryanair has 17,000 departures around Europe per week, while EasyJet has 13,100. This summer, Ryanair added 500 routes to its current route network, while EasyJet added 150 routes.

When it comes to competition, there’s not much competition between budget airlines in the region. Out of all the 10,414 routes operated by these airlines, 8,763 routes get service from one airline.

What is the DLR?

The German Aerospace Center is Germany’s research center for aerospace, energy and transportation. It is located in Cologne and they are engaged in various projects to improve national and international projects for these three industries. DLR is also Germany’s space agency thanks to its research for the industry.

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Getting a US visa is very difficult because it requires a lot of paperwork and interview. Many countries often hope for the chance to get into the the US visa-free waiver program. However, not all are given the chance to get in the program because of the various factors that influence the US’s decision. For Poland, their efforts to get in the waiver program came through since they will now be able to travel to the US visa-free.

Visa Waiver Program Details

On Wednesday, the US Department of Homeland Security said that Poland is now under the Visa Waiver Program and it will be active starting next week. Poland, according to the announcement, is a “trusted partner” of the US and its inclusion to the program is a testament to their “special relationship” and cooperation.

Poland’s inclusion to the program makes them the 39th country to be a part of the program. Under the visa-free program, Polish citizens traveling to the US will only need to register online and pay $14 to get in the country.

The move will help the country’s business and tourism industries, as well as boost cultural ties between both countries.

Polish President Andrzej Duda welcomed the news. He said that starting Monday, Poland’s Independence Day, Polish citizens can now travel to the US visa-free. They will also be able to stay up to 90 days for both tourism and business. He also thanked President Trump for approving Poland’s application to the Visa Waiver Program. The country has been applying for the program since 1990 after the end of communism in the country.

Early this month, US President Donald Trump said that Poland will be included in the US’ Visa Waiver Program in the coming weeks. He and President Duda met after Duda visited the country for the UN General Assembly. Trump had plans to visit Poland but had to reschedule it due to Hurricane Dorian.

Poland Travel Tips

Interested to go to Poland? You can check out the official website of Polish Tourism to get some ideas.

We also have a guide in this site on what international airports are in Poland, which 8 cities should you visit in Poland, how to get prepaid internet in Poland and how to travel via train from Lublin and Lviv. We also listed down the best places to stay in Warsaw, in Krakow and in Lodz.

For those interested to work in Poland, you may visit the Polish migration page of the International Organization for Migration.

We also have a guide in this website about the cost of living in Warsaw and in Krakow. We also did an average and minimum salary guide for those who will stay in Warsaw.

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With the increasing number of tourists worldwide, airline companies are looking for ways to expand their network. Most of them are purchasing other airlines to get their network and reach more clients. The latest company to make this purchase is IAG with Air Europa.

IAG Purchase

On Monday morning, IAG announced that they have reached a deal to purchase Air Europa. The deal purchase will enable the company to increase its presence in Madrid and transform its airport, Madrid Barajas International Airport, as its next European hub.

According to the press release published, IAG’s subsidiary Iberia acquired Air Europa and put the airline in IAG’s banner. The whole deal is worth 1 billion euros and was agreed between the company and Globalia Corp. They also listed down that the deal will enable the company to boost its Latin America and Caribbean routes for its European clients.

“Acquiring Air Europa would add a new competitive, cost effective airline to IAG, consolidating Madrid as a leading European hub and resulting in IAG achieving South Atlantic leadership,” CEO Willie Walsh said in a statement after the deal was revealed.

The deal may be complete by the second half of 2020 after it gets all the government approvals it needs.

Currently, IAG is having problems boosting its growth plans in London Heathrow because of the airport’s schedules and other fees attached to the hub. However, with Spain and Air Europa, the company can utilize its Latin American and the Caribbean routes to expand further.

Last year, Air Europa recorded 2.1 billion euro in revenue and 100 million euro of operating profit. It also brought around 11.8 million passengers on its fleet in its routes for the year. They also have a good fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s for its long-haul flights.

Walsh also said that they will continue expanding its operations in Europe. The Air Europa deal is just the first step to this target.

Who is IAG

IAG (International Consolidated Airlines Group) is the sixth largest airline company in the world. It started its operations in 2011 with British Airways its largest shareholder. In 2018, it produced 24 billion euros in revenue and it currently has bases in Madrid and London.

Once the Air Europa deal is complete, the company will own six commercial airlines that has flights around Europe: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, Vueling and Air Europa.

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The Balkan region is a very exotic location for many travelers heading on to Europe. The region has a very rich history and culture, as well as destinations you can’t find anywhere else. Flights to the region are growing and one of Europe’s top airlines, Ryanair, is also working on its mark in the region.

Ryanair in the Balkan Region

On Tuesday, the low-cost airline announced that they will be expanding their operations in the region in the coming months. They will be working with their subsidiaries, as well as establishing a route for the airline itself.

One of their latest routes is a service from Vienna to Banja Luka that will start next year. They will handle it on behalf of its subsidiary Lauda and there might be more than one route for this partnership.

According to Milan Racic, head of operations for the the Republic of Srpska, “The service from Vienna won’t be seasonal but it won’t operate on a year-round basis either. Within the next seven to ten days, we expect for an additional new route to be announced.”

Ryanair added that they will be boosting their operations at Banja Luka and looking forward to help with passenger growth Aside from Banja Luka, Ryanair is under negotiations with Mostar Airport.

Meanwhile, their flights in Croatia through Zadar Airport are also growing and they aim to extend it further. Ryanair will also be continuing seven new routes they announced last summer out of Zadar airport next year. They will also be holding one weekly flight from Hahn to Rijeka starting April 4.

Montenegro also gained a lot of support from Ryanair. The airline is now the third largest airline offering flights in and out of the country. It even overtook Turkish Airlines and it plans to increase its routes further.

Exceptions to Ryanair’s Expansion

However, there are areas which are still far from Ryanair’s control. In Slovenia, for example, the airline no longer has a flight there after they criticized the Slovenian government for selling Ljubljana Airport. Fraport from Germany currently runs the airport, which the airline says is wrong since they see it as a way for the company to create a monopoly in Europe.

Serbia also blocked Ryanair’s intended operations to Nis Constantine that was due to launch on January 13, 2020. The Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate ruled against the low-cost airline’s route in favor of Air Serbia.

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France is one of Europe’s most popular tourists destinations. It is known as the City of Love and Lights, and it has one of the world’s richest cultures and history. The government sees tourism as an important factor for its economy and have several programs to support it. However, their forecast for next year is not very good because of two major factors.

Brexit and “Yellow Vests” are to Blame

On Tuesday, October 22, the French government said that they are ditching its target of welcoming 100 million tourists next year. According to the French Finance Ministry in a budget memo online, the country will still aim to get 100 million tourists in the country. However, they are pushing their targets back to 2022. This is not the first time France made a shift in their targets. They first announced this goal in 2014.

The reason for this decision is in light to the growing anti-government protests happening in the city and Britain’s incoming exit from the European Union.

Several “yellow vest” protests started last November against President Emmanuel Macron’s policies. Tourists started to have second thoughts because of these protests. They happen every week and they happen in major tourists destinations. There are also clashes between the protesters and the police, which can get violent.

Recently, the authorities announced a lockdown in central Paris because of the protests.

Meanwhile, Britain’s incoming exit to the EU and the weakening its currency is also felt in France. According to Insee’s statistics reports, the number of overnight stays in France became low. It fell by 2.5% and in Ile-de-France, it went down by 4.8%. Experts say there is a big drop of tourists from the UK, which is their largest source of tourists.

British tourists can drive to France using the Channel Tunnel or take the Eurostar.

France Travel Tips

Hoping to visit France? Check out the official website of tourism in France to find out more about the country. You can also check out our guides on where to stay in Lyon, Nice, Grenoble and Toulouse. We also have a guide on the airports in Southern France.

For those who wish to work in the capital, we have a guide on the average salary and the cost of living.

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It can be very difficult to get a residence permit in some European countries. Foreigners have to appear personally in their local embassy and submit all sorts of requirements. However, with visa applications now automated, countries like Lithuania are now using these technologies to make their residence permit applications easier.

How Can You Get a Lithuanian Residence Permit Now?

On Monday, October 28, the Lithuanian government said that they are now streamlining their immigration program to help the economy’s growth. They will no longer do its very strict qualification process and made it easier to apply for a residence visa.

The new system now allows foreigners to submit their preliminary applications online and schedule their biometrics at their local Lithuanian embassy. Once their online applications have been received, applicants will receive an appointment confirmation. They will also be able to apply for their Schengen visa with the confirmation given to them.

Visa-exempt nationals and Schengen visa holders are now able to travel to the country, where they can file their biometrics and application with the Lithuanian migration authorities.

Meanwhile, since biometrics and photographs are submitted early, residence cards will be made immediately. Once the temporary residence permit application is ok, applicants will easily get their residence cards without having to apply for it separately.

The new system reduces the waiting time for applicants to get their permits. Previously, they must stay in Lithuania and file their application. They also have to wait in the country until their work permits are active. Supporting documents must be available early with the new system. This can speed up the process in getting their permits ready and waiting for a decision. However, it can be tricky to get a proof of residence early while you are abroad.

This is not the first time online applications became available for the government to streamline applications. As of October 14, all temporary residence permits are now online.

Lithuania Travel Tips

Hoping to visit Lithuania? Check out Tourism Lithuania to find out more about the country. We also have a guide on where you can stay in Vilnius and use the train system.

For those who wish to work in the country, we have a guide on how you can find a job and what you have to know about it. A guide on the cost of living and salary in Vilnius is also available for review.

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For many foreigners, Serbia is European country that is not well-known. However, it is a perfect place to adventure seekers thanks to its unique natural landmarks. Culture lovers would also enjoy its festivals and the old monasteries that still exists today. Unfortunately, visa policy for those who wish to live or work in the country have been difficult. But, this will change with the latest announcement of its visa application process.

Application Process

On Thursday, October 10, the Serbian government announced that they will be relaxing their visa policy for residency, long-term stay and work. This will be the first time the government is relaxing its immigration laws. It also opens the opportunity for foreign workers to work after they enter the country.

Currently, Serbia is having problems with its workforce because of brain drain and the aging workforce. With the improved migration rules, the country will be able to attract migrant workers to the country.

Starting December 20, 2020, foreign nationals who wish to work in the country will now be able to apply for both their residence and work visa together. They will only need to submit one application form while in their home country. Originally, foreigners will need to stay in the country without work and wait for 30 days for their permits to work. They also do not need to submit duplicate applications to two different departments.

Workers will also be able to apply for a work permit extension at least 60 days before their work permit expires. Previously, they can only apply 30 days before their permit’s expiry. The extension will also help employers to consider renewal options, especially if it is rejected. Workers also do not need to submit notarized documents for their applications.

With regards to long-term stay, foreigners will be able to apply for their long-term stay visa abroad starting January 1, 2020. The visa will allow them to start working within 30 days of their work visa being filed once they arrive in the country. Temporary residence permits can also be applied from overseas, which is not allowed currently.

Find more about these changes here.

Serbia Tips

Want to check out what Serbia has to offer? Check out the official website of the National Tourism Organization of Serbia to find out more about the country.

If you will be working in Serbia, we have a guide on the cost of living and average salary in the country.

We also have a full guide on how you can retire in Serbia.

The post Serbia to Facilitate Applications for Work and Residence Permits appeared first on Check in Price.

Many foreigners wish to get residency to any of the European Union countries because of the benefits it offers. Having a residence permit in the EU allows a person to travel without needing a visa and get access to the country’s services for the people. These benefits clearly made its impact in the latest tally of Eurostat about the number of people who applied for residence permits in the EU.

Eurostat on EU Residence Permit

On Friday, the Eurostat released its latest assessment about the number of people who applied for a residence permit in the region. In their assessment, Cyprus issued a total of 20,999 first residence permits to non-EU citizens last year. It places them as the second highest issuer of the permit in the EU.

Out of these numbers, 3784 are Indians, 3,402 are Russians and 2,087 are Syrians. Most of the applicants, or 9,771 of them, applied for professional reasons, while others are for family, education and others.

The Eurostat also said that last year, the region gave 3.2 million residence permits to non-EU citizens. The numbers increased by 0.4%, which is in line with the growing trend in the past three years. Almost 28% of the region’s numbers are for family applications, followed by employment, education and asylum. In comparison to 2017, education was the top reason why residence permits were given to non-EU citizens.

Malta has the highest rate of first permits issued to non-EU citizens in 2018. They gave 36 permits per thousands of population. Cyprus (24), Poland (17), Slovenia (14) and Luxembourg (13) were next in the list. Overall, the EU gave 6 permits per thousand population for 2018.

Meanwhile, Poland became the EU country with permits issued for employment for last year. Around 328,000 permits are available to non-EU citizens aiming to work in the country. For education, the UK gave out 190,000 permits. Germany has the highest number of permits issued for other reasons with 219,000 permits given to refugees and those seeking humanitarian protection.

Cyprus Travel Tips

Cyprus has a lot of great destinations for tourists to check out when they have a chance to check it out. They can check the official tourism portal of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism for information. Visa details can be checked in the visa page of Cyprus in this link.

For those who wish to work in the country, we have an article on the average and minimum salary in Nicosia.

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