Middle East
UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Oman adds a free 14-day tourist visa application as of Aug. 3
Oman has introduced a free 14-day tourist visa for nationals of 103 countries to reduce entry costs and encourage short-term visits. Travelers can extend their stay by switching to other paid tourist visa categories without leaving the country, providing increased flexibility for nomads scouting the region.
Jordan and Azerbaijan sign visa waiver for ordinary passport holders
Jordan and Azerbaijan have signed a bilateral agreement to eliminate visa requirements for their respective citizens. This change facilitates easier entry for business travelers and tourists moving between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia consolidates tourism and business filing into KSA Visa portal
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a new national visa platform designed to unify and simplify application processes for visitors and residents. The system aims to reduce processing times and administrative hurdles for expats and travelers moving to or living in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia expands tourist eVisa to 66 countries with 90 day stay limit
Saudi Arabia has updated its digital portal to allow citizens from 66 countries to obtain tourist eVisas online. The visa supports multiple entries for up to 90 days per visit, covering tourism, family visits, and Umrah without requiring an embassy visit.
Israel mandatory ETA-IL costs 25 shekels for visa-exempt travelers
Israel is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) for all visitors from visa-exempt countries, including Canada and the U.S. Travelers must obtain approval before boarding, affecting short-term digital nomads and business expats planning trips to the region.
180 day cap applies as Saudi Arabia moves British visitors to ETA system
United Kingdom citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or short-term study. While the system simplifies entry for visits, it does not grant the right to work or establish long-term residency.
Saudi Arabia requires 4,000 SAR minimum spend for new Package Visa
Saudi Arabia has launched a Package Visa that integrates tourist visa processing with flight and hotel bookings through approved providers. The system aims to simplify entry for international visitors by offering a one-stop digital solution for travel logistics.
Qatar travel insurance costs drop for British travelers as FCDO advice normalizes
The British Foreign Office has removed its 'do not travel' advisory for Qatar, restoring standard travel conditions. This change allows British travelers and expats to secure standard travel insurance coverage without the high premiums or exclusions triggered by government warnings.
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.