No permission is needed to visit Ani

I visited Ani 3 days ago, just took ticket and entered.

A sample of one is of no value.

I was told the permit req. for Ani had been dropped and went dýrectly out and along with a dozen others had a friendly welcome at the gate and no problems, 2 weeks ago.

You haven't needed permission to go there for some time. We went in May 2006 and didn't need a permit.

I didn't need a permit in March 2006 either.

I assume you're talking about actually visiting the site from the Turkish side though? It's possible the 'Ani viewpoint' across the river on the Armenian side might need permits (I only visited from the Turkish side).

Steve

The border between Turkey and Armenia is closed, so the only way to see it from the Armenian side would be to enter that country from somewhere else. I've got no idea whether you can get near it that way, the only thing the Armenians seem to be doing on the other side is quarrying stone.

Hello,

No need any permit already for long time.

No way to see from Armenian side, or you must enter Armenia from another country or by plane....

Armenia seems to have a lot of pleasure to make a terrible noise quarrying stones.

Michel

Sorry, should've been clearer.... when I was in Armenia a couple of years ago, the LP mentioned a viewpoint overlooking Ani from the Armenian side of the river, which may need a permit. Since the border is very firmly closed, you can only view it from afar, not enter the site.

From the Turkish side, which I visited last year, you are free to walk around large parts of the ruins without any permit, though I was strongly warned against heading too close to the citadel, or down into the river valley. Since the only other people there were the armed border guards (and their huge dogs), I was careful to obey... :)

Steve

Yes, there is supposed to be a viewpoint in Armenia, but as far as I know you need a visa to go there, and a very long way...

Michel