Middle East
UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and more
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Latest Updates
United Arab Emirates deploys 12 second mobile passport checks in Dubai
Dubai airports officially launched Click and Travel on Sept. 7, allowing passport officers to process arrivals and departures using mobile biometric devices. The system completes immigration clearance in 12 to 15 seconds for UAE citizens, residents, GCC nationals and international visitors without requiring fixed counters.
Renew your Qatar visa on arrival online to avoid passport center visits
Qatar's Ministry of Interior has transitioned visa-on-arrival extensions entirely online through its official website. Foreign visitors and digital nomads can now renew their authorized stays digitally without booking in-person appointments at passport service centres.
Colombian and Israeli travelers regain 90 day visa-exempt access Sept. 1
Israel and Colombia have agreed to restore reciprocal visa-free travel effective Sept. 1. Colombian citizens will no longer need a consular tourist visa to enter Israel, though the mandatory ETA-IL digital authorization still applies. Israeli travelers can also enter Colombia under standard visa-exempt tourist rules.
United Arab Emirates offers 14 day visa on arrival for 6 nationalities
The UAE expanded eligibility for 14-day and 60-day entry visas to citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. Immigration authorities also simplified rules for property-linked residence permits across the Emirates. The change offers remote workers and long-term visitors from these countries easier entry and investment stay pathways.
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 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 with a total stay of up to 90 days, covering tourism, family visits, and Umrah without requiring an embassy visit.
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.
Israel mandatory ETA-IL costs 25 shekels for visa-exempt travelers
Israel has required an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) from visitors of visa-exempt countries, including Canada and the U.S., since Jan. 1, 2025. Travelers must obtain approval before boarding, which affects short-term digital nomads and business travelers.
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.
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.
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.
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.