The Middle East Travel Information category offers necessary information on travel formalities for the many countries of the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran and other popular destinations in the region. Articles published in this category provide up-to-date information on visas, passports, mandatory vaccinations, travel restrictions and customs regulations for travelers visiting Middle Eastern destinations. They also contain practical tips for travelers, useful information on precautions to take, the latest changes in regulations and legislation, and recent events that could influence travel safety in the Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia is set to launch a digital visa platform, described as the first of its kind, designed to simplify travel and attract high-spending visitors to the kingdom. The new system, called Visa by Profile, will allow eligible Visa cardholders to apply for and obtain... Read the article
Since October 1 of this year, a new Jordanian regulation concerning the registration of foreigners after a 14-day stay has raised concerns among travelers, who point to constraints similar to those imposed in other countries for the monitoring of foreign residents. It should be stressed that this obligation does not apply to the vast majority of tourists. ... Read the article
Travel to GCC member countries is about to get smoother and more connected. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recently approved the first phase of a «one-stop» travel system, which will be kicked off by a pilot project between the ... Read the article
Since July, Kuwait has been undergoing a major change in its travel policy, with the introduction of the new "Kuwait Visa" digital platform, launched by the Ministry of the Interior. This system aims to simplify and speed up the issuance of tourist, family, business and government visas. This transformation is in line with Kuwait's ... Read the article
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed a significant reform aimed at simplifying access to the Umrah rites. From now on, all visa holders, regardless of their type, can perform the Umrah pilgrimage during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This information was relayed by the ... Read the article
Saudi Arabia has announced a new measure allowing visitors whose visas have expired a 30-day grace period to leave the country legally. To avoid incurring additional penalties for overstaying, travelers must have paid any outstanding fees associated with their visas, in ... Read the article
Yemen takes a major step forward with the official launch of an electronic visa system (e-Visa), designed to facilitate entry for foreign travelers, whether tourists or professionals. This e-Visa project has been under study since 2021 (our previous article), and has been in force since June 2025. A single portal for online applications ... Read the article
Kuwait recently launched a new electronic visa platform (e-visa), marking an important step in its strategy of digital modernization and enhanced international connectivity. The initiative aims to facilitate and accelerate entry procedures for both travelers and residents, while supporting the country's ambition to become a hub for ... Read the article
The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are about to launch their unified tourist visa, which is set to transform the region's tourism sector. This new visa, comparable to the European Schengen system, will enable visitors to explore the 6 member states - the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, Bahrain ... Read the article
Saudi Arabia has reopened its e-visas portal for tourists and Umrah pilgrims. The reopening, effective June 10, is aimed at eligible international travelers wishing to enter Saudi territory, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that the issuance of visas ... Read the article
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently reiterated its warning about any attempt to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without an official permit, as the 1446-2025 season approaches. The measure, implemented in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of the Interior, aims to reinforce the security and organization of the largest religious gathering ... Read the article
Saudi Arabia has suspended the issue of electronic visas for citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, according to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. From now on, nationals of these two countries are no longer among the nationalities eligible for the online visa procedure to enter the kingdom. Background to the suspension Although no public statement ... Read the article
In anticipation of the Hajj 2025 season, Saudi authorities have announced restrictions on Umrah visas. It is crucial to take note of the following important dates: Omra visas issued are valid until April 13, 2025, as opposed to the previous one-year validity. What about April? For April 2025, ... Read the article
Saudi Arabia is considerably tightening its visa policy, particularly for nationals of fourteen countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt. Since February 1, 2025, the Saudi authorities have suspended multiple-entry visas for 14 nationalities, a decision that has a direct impact on tourist and business travel, as well as ... Read the article
Saudi Arabia has announced new rules for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025, focusing on safety and organization. The new measures include a ban on children and visa restrictions, as well as new payment options. Ban on children For the first time, children will not be allowed ... Read the article
The Saudi Arabian authorities were quick to respond to the fiasco surrounding the formalities for Umrah pilgrims: vaccination against meningitis is no longer compulsory. This decision, communicated by the Saudi General Civil Aviation Authority, marks a departure from previous requirements. An end to obligation, not to precaution This measure means, in concrete terms, ... Read the article
** Updated January 17, 2025 at 11am ** From February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will impose a new health rule for all travelers entering its territory, including pilgrims performing Umrah or Hajj. This measure makes it compulsory to present a certificate of vaccination against meningitis for ... Read the article
Kuwait has just put its electronic visa system on hold, and without warning. A decision that comes as a surprise to globetrotters accustomed to preparing their trip with a simple click. Gone are the comforts of the online visa, replaced by a retro parenthesis where the old-fashioned stamp reigns supreme. A system undergoing maintenance, ... Read the article
A new era has dawned for Libyan travellers wishing to discover the treasures of Jordan. The Hashemite kingdom has just made it easier for Libyan nationals to enter its territory by waiving their visa requirements. This decision, taken by the Jordanian Ministry of the Interior, marks a turning point in relations between the two countries. Gone are the ... Read the article
The recent announcement of the suspension of the e-permit system for Jordanian citizens wishing to travel to the UK has raised many questions and concerns. The decision, effective from September 10, 2024, now means that Jordanians will need to apply for a visa in advance before they can enter the UK. This ... Read the article
Oman's entry policy for cruise passengers was recently modified in "Decision No. 132/2024", extending the visa exemption period to 10 days. Previously, cruisers had a 72-hour exemption, which considerably restricted their period of exploration of the country. The aim is to encourage more cruise passengers to discover the Sultanate, by ... Read the article
Israel recently announced the postponement of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) requirement for visa-exempt travelers. Originally scheduled for summer 2024, this measure will now come into force on January 1, 2025. This decision was taken to enable airlines and travelers to better prepare for this new requirement ... Read the article
Israel officially launched its electronic travel authorization system, known as ETA-IL, on June 1, 2024. The move aims to modernize and secure entry procedures into the country for visa-exempt travelers, aligning with similar practices adopted by countries such as the United States, Canada, and … Read the article
July 1, 2024, will mark a major turning point for travelers wishing to visit Israel. Starting on that date, citizens of many countries that were previously visa-exempt will now be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA-IL, before entering the country. The change is intended not only to improve security … Read the article
Saudi Arabia continues to expand its e-visa program by making its services more accessible to citizens around the world. Recently, the country announced that nationals of the Bahamas, Barbados, and Grenada can now apply for an e-Visa to visit the Kingdom. This initiative aims to promote global inclusiveness and … Read the article
Saudi citizens wishing to travel to France have benefited from a facilitation of administrative procedures since May 7. A recent initiative allows interested parties to service their visa application without requiring a prior appointment, directly in certain VFS centers located in Riyadh and Dammam. This development aims not only to simplify the process but … Read the article
Saudi Arabia, known as a crossroads of the Muslim faith with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, has recently revised its visa requirements to improve the experience of pilgrims. The changes, which directly impact the planning and execution of Umrah (minor pilgrimage), come at a time when the country … Read the article
Faced with the current challenges of its tourism sector, Syria is adopting a new approach by launching an electronic visa from May 1, 2024. This system aims to facilitate procedures for foreign visitors and stimulate the tourism industry in the country. A look back at this major initiative.
Hari Raya Idul Fitri, also known as Eid-el-Fitr, is one of the most important and eagerly-awaited celebrations for Muslim communities around the world. This celebration marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Israeli government has officially announced the launch of its e-Visa and ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists into its territory. This long-awaited measure will be implemented in the coming weeks.
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