Middle East
UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
UK lifts Bahrain travel warning for Brits following March advisory
The UK Foreign Office has removed its advisory against all but essential travel to Bahrain, citing improved security conditions. This change makes it easier for British nomads and expats to obtain travel insurance and visit the country, though regional tensions remain a factor.
UAE grants visas on arrival for 6 nationalities with US or UK permits
Starting June 25, citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa can obtain 14-day or 60-day visas on arrival in the UAE. To qualify, travelers must hold a valid residence permit from the US, UK, EU, or other specified Tier-1 nations.
Jordan cuts work permit fees 50% for regularizing expats through Sept. 30
Jordan has launched a temporary regularization period allowing non-Jordanian workers to fix their legal status without paying standard late penalties or overstay fines. Expats and foreign workers can benefit from exemptions on various work permit fees if they apply before the window closes.
Oman draws 56,000 Golden Residency applications as backlog processing nears
Oman's relaunched investment residency program is seeing high demand for its 10-year renewable permit. Foreign investors can secure long-term residency for themselves and their dependents with a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 without requiring a local sponsor.
UK tourists gain insurance coverage as FCDO lifts UAE travel warning
The UK Foreign Office has removed its 'do not travel' advisory for Dubai, restoring the validity of standard travel insurance for British visitors. While the wider UAE remains under a general advisory, the change facilitates safer short- and medium-term stays for expats and tourists.
Saudi Arabia limits new firms to 5 Qiwa instant work visas
New regulations limit the number of work visas available to companies less than two years old in Saudi Arabia. This change restricts sponsorship opportunities for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs looking to join or launch early-stage ventures in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia deports 7,989 foreign nationals in June residency sweep
Saudi authorities deported nearly 8,000 expatriates between June 4 and June 10 following intensified nationwide inspections. The crackdown targets individuals with expired residency permits, labor violations, or improper border documentation, signaling a high-risk environment for those without full legal compliance.
UK drops Jordan travel warning as Intrepid restarts tours June 3
Major travel providers are restoring packaged tours and departures to Jordan following a period of suspension. This restoration of services increases travel options and logistical support for tourists and short-term visitors to the region.
Saudi Arabia opens Nusuk applications for 1448 AH Umrah season
Saudi Arabia has launched the electronic visa application process for the upcoming Umrah season via the Nusuk platform. International travelers can now secure entry and departure dates for religious visits to Makkah through early April 2027.
UAE residents face 8 week Schengen wait times as fees rise to 90 euros
Expats and foreign residents in the UAE are experiencing significant bottlenecks for Schengen visa appointments, leading to travel plan changes. Limited availability at processing centers means travelers must book months in advance or consider alternative destinations outside the EU.
UAE processes tourist visas in 48 hours for 200 dirhams
Dubai’s GDRFA now processes 30 and 60 day single-entry tourist visas within 48 working hours once documentation is complete. This update streamlines entry for short-term visitors and digital nomads scouting the UAE for longer-term residency options.
Turkey keeps Level 2 travel advisory as US warns of arbitrary detentions
The U.S. State Department updated its Turkey advisory to Level 2, urging increased caution due to potential terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Expats and nomads should be aware that some foreigners have been subject to exit bans preventing them from leaving the country.
Saudi Arabia remains at Level 3 as US orders non-emergency staff to leave
The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia has reiterated a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory due to heightened regional tensions. Expats and digital nomads are urged to avoid large gatherings, maintain high situational awareness, and prepare contingency travel plans.
US State Department urges travelers to reconsider Israel trips due to unrest
Tourist arrivals in Israel have plummeted by 83% in early 2026, signaling a significant decline in the country's tourism sector. Travelers and expats should expect reduced flight availability, limited hospitality services, and a more restrictive environment for planning visits.
The Small Print in Qatar's June 7 Entry Visa Policy Change
Qatar will stop granting temporary extensions for expiring entry visas, requiring visitors and nomads to adhere strictly to standard validity periods. Travelers must now formally renew their status or depart the country before their visa expires to avoid immigration fines and overstay penalties.
Turkey exempts new residents from foreign income tax for 20 years
Turkey has passed a law exempting new residents from income tax on foreign-source earnings for 20 years. To qualify, individuals must not have been Turkish tax residents for the previous 3 years, making it a major incentive for digital nomads and expats with offshore income.
Turkey cancels residence fee hike for nomads and foreign residents
Turkey is implementing a massive fee increase for residence and work permits, impacting digital nomads, retirees, and property owners. The new dynamic pricing system means application costs will vary by nationality and must be calculated through the online migration portal.
Saudi Arabia imposes 10 year ban and 20,000 SAR fine for Hajj violations
Foreigners attempting to perform Hajj on standard tourist or visit visas face fines of 20,000 SAR and immediate deportation. Violators will be barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years, affecting future residency or travel plans.
Russia and Saudi Arabia activate 90 day mutual visa waiver for tourists
Russian citizens can visit Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per year without a visa for tourism or family visits. This change simplifies short-term stays for Russian digital nomads and travelers, though work and residency still require specific permits.
State Department keeps Oman travel risk at Level 3 for tourists
The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Oman due to potential terrorism and spillover from regional armed conflicts. The advisory highlights risks of commercial flight disruptions and restricted travel near the Yemen border.