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.
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.
Designated host city last November, Riyadh and Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome the World Expo 2030 with great fanfare, an event expected to attract millions of visitors. To facilitate their arrival, the Saudi government wants to introduce a dedicated visa, similar to the one offered during the World Cup in ... Read the article
From February 1, 2024, the United Arab Emirates will no longer require entry visas for nationals of the Republic of Armenia. The two delegations met in mid-January in Armenia, as both are major economic partners.
Following on from the separatist Kurdistan region last February, Irak🇮🇶 recently announced the introduction of an electronic visa system, simplifying the visa application process for its visitors. Here's a roundup of the essential information you need to know about this new initiative.
Qatar's Ministry of the Interior has announced an extension of the validity of Hayya visas until February 24, 2024. The deadline for entering Qatar with this visa has also been extended to February 10, 2024.
After announcing its intention to exempt 68 countries from visa requirements 2 months ago, Iran has now specified a first salvo in visa-free travel for visitors from 33 countries.
Polish airline LOT Polish Airlines continues to expand its network, announcing the addition of Saudi Arabia to its destinations from June 2024. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the company's position in the tourism market, particularly in Central Europe.
The Saudi government has announced the introduction of an electronic visa for ticket holders to the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to simplify administrative procedures for international fans wishing to attend the matches, and to offer a ... Read the article
The UAE Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, has announced that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will implement a unified tourist visa over the next two years, allowing visa holders to travel across the six Gulf countries.
Saudi Arabia has announced 2 options for travelers to extend their Saudi visa while in the country. In this article, we present the different steps to follow and the advantages of this new procedure.
Saudi Arabia recently lowered the price of electronic visas for visitors, and also added 6 new nationalities to the list of eligible countries. The move is aimed at making the kingdom more accessible to international tourists and boosting the tourism sector.
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