Procedure for entering the country
To enter the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic), foreign citizens should hold a valid international passport or an equivalent document and an NKR entry visa, with a payment of the corresponding state fee.
NKR entry visas are granted to foreign citizens at the NKR permanent mission to the Republic of Armenia (17a Nairi Zaryan st, Yerevan 0051).
How to get to Artsakh
Although the Nagorno Karabakh Republic borders three countries – the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the only route to Artsakh available for tourists lies through the territory of Armenia.
The main 350 kilometer-long road connecting Yerevan with Stepanakert lies through the settlements of Southern Armenia - through the cities of Yeghegnadzor, Vayk and Goris. The highway is in good condition and operates round the year. The journey takes 4-6 hours, depending on the type of vehicle. It is possible to either use public transport or take a taxi to get to Artsakh.
Every day, in the morning hours, buses and minibuses depart from Yerevan Central Station, starting at 8:00 a.m. and arrive in Stepanakert in 6 hours.
Language
The official language of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is Armenian. The official paperwork, correspondence, legal proceedings, etc. are carried out in Armenian. In everyday life and in non-official environment the population speaks the Artsakh dialect of the Armenian language.
The vast majority of Artsakh’s population knows Russian. As a rule, the employees of tourism agencies and hotels also speak English, French or German along with Russian.
Signboards and advertisements in public places are mostly in three languages- Armenian, Russian and English. Almost everywhere, the traffic signs are in two languages - Armenian and English.
Currency
The monetary unit used on the territory of Nagorno Karabakh Republic is Armenian Dram (AMD).
It is allowed to bring an unlimited amount of cash in both local and foreign currencies into Artsakh. Any freely convertible currency can be exchanged for Armenian dram upon arrival in NKR at banks, most hotels and currency exchange offices, located in Stepanakert and regional centres.
“VISA”, “MASTERCARD”, “MAESTRO” and other international payment cards are accepted and processed throughout the NKR.
Communication
The international telephone code of NKR is +374 47, and for mobile, + 374 97.
To make an international call from Artsakh, the following dialing sequence should be used: 00+ country code+ city code+ telephone number.
Cellular communication network is available practically throughout the country and is provided by “Karabakh Telecom” company. Detailed information on tariffs for mobile communication and services can be found on the company's website.
Post offices operate in all the cities of the country. The main post office is located in Stepanakert, the capital of NKR, at the address: 30, Hakob Hakobyan street. Working hours of post offices are 9:00 – 17:00 from Monday to Friday with a break from 13:00 to 14:00. The central post office operates also on Saturday, 9:00 - 13:00. The post office is closed on holidays.
The postal zip code is 375000.
Climate
The climate of Artsakh is mild and moderate. Throughout the main part of the country dry subtropical climate is observed. The average annual temperature is +10.5°C. July and August are the hottest months, when the average temperature is +21.7°C and 21.4°C respectively. In lowlands and foothills, the temperature reaches +40°C and in mid-mountainous and mountainous areas it ranges from +32°C to +37°C. During the cold season – in January and February, the average temperature ranges from -0.2°C to -0.9°C. In lowlands and foothills, the temperature drops to -16°C and -19°C respectively, and in mountains, from -20 to -23 °C respectively. Severe thunderstorms frequently occur during the spring and summer months. Average annual atmospheric precipitation in different areas fluctuates between 480 and 700 mm. Most of the rainfall occurs in May-June. Heavy rains and hail are common during this period. 100-125 days in a year are cloudy.
Time zone: GMT +4
Source: Ministry of Culture, Youth Affairs and Tourism of the Republic of Artsakh
