Last Updated
The Middle East, a region that usually sees more than 50 million tourists a year, has just started to reopen its borders once again.
While some countries in the Middle East are still very much locked down due to worries with the virus, there are a few that have started accepting international tourists, with a few entry requirements, of course.
Below we have compiled a list of nations within the Middle East that have reopened for tourism, which countries can visit, and all entry rules.
Please Note: If a nation is not yet on this list, it is because it's either still closed, or we don't have enough government-backed sources to include it at this time.
This list will be updated once per week.
Countries in the Middle East that are Open for Tourism
We are determining what nations are included by Wikipedia's list of territories that are normally considered with the ‘Middle East'
Bahrain
Bahrain officially reopened for tourism on September 4, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: 150+ nations, as long as they qualify for an e-visa or visa on arrival.
PCR Testing: All passengers will take a Covid-19 PCR test at the airport on arrival, at their cost, and agree to quarantine while results are being prepared. The wait is usually 24-48 hours and the cost is around 60 Dinars.
Cyprus
Cyprus officially reopened for tourism on June 9, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: See List Below
They have made 3 lists of countries that are permitted entry at this time, each with their own entry requirements, categories A, B and C.
Category A countries can visit without testing and quarantines. Category A nations currently include:
Australia
Finland
Germany
Korea
Latvia
New Zealand
Thailand
Category B countries (which include another 20+ nations) can still enter, but will need to bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours.
Category C countries (7 nations) can still enter, but only with both a negative PCR test within 72 hours and a 14-day quarantine.
See which countries are including on the B and C lists, plus all other information on Cyprus reopening for tourism.
Dubai (UAE)
Dubai, UAE officially reopened its borders for international tourism on July 7, 2020 – allowing travellers from all normally permitted countries to visit.
Countries Allowed To Visit: ALL
(We have separated Dubai out of UAE as we only have the information about tourists travelling to Dubai specifically at this time)
Visitors from all nations are welcome, but they will have to:
- download the Dubai health app
- have proof of health insurance for the duration of their visit
- bring a negative PCR test no older than 96 hours
- Sign the health declaration form
- agree to thermal scanning on arrival
As long as travelers are asymptomatic and they follow the above entry requirements, there will be no testing on arrival and no quarantine needed to visit Dubai.
Read all the information about Dubai Reopening for Tourism
Egypt
Egypt reopened for international tourism on July 1, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: ALL
As of September 1st, 2020, travelers from ALL countries traveling to ANY part of Egypt must have proof of a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19 performed no more than 72 hours before arriving (if coming from a higher-risk nation) or 96 hours (if coming from a lower-risk nation).
Valid travel insurance that covers COVID-19 is required.
See all the details of Egypt reopening for tourism.
Jordan
Jordan will be reopening its borders for international tourism on September 8th, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: See List Below
The government of Jordan has formed a list of ‘green countries’ that will first be allowed to travel to the country for the purposes of tourism. Yellow and Red lists have also been issued, each with separate rules.
The green countries will still have to bring a negative PCR test, be tested again on arrival, have proof of health insurance, download a contact tracing app, and have a valid visa!
Read all the details about Jordan's reopening for tourism here
Lebanon
Lebanon reopened for tourism on July 1, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: ALL
It seems as if they are accepting all nations under their normal entry/immigration processes.
Other than making sure you have a valid visa, travelers are divided into 2 categories for entry. The ‘first category’ includes travelers coming from countries where PCR testing is available, the ‘second category’ includes travelers coming from countries where PCR testing is not yet available.
First category travelers will have to bring a negative PCR test with them, no older than 96 hours. Second category travelers will have a PCR test performed at the airport, isolate for results, and another test performed after 72 hours.
Read more about what is open in the country and everything we know about Lebanon's reopening for tourism
Oman
Oman reopened for tourism on December 10, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: 100+
Over 100+ countries can now visit Oman up to 10-days visa-free.
All passengers will be tested upon arrival and must self-isolate for 12-24 hours awaiting test results.
There is a long list of requirements to enter, including proof of accommodation, proof of onward travel, lengthy insurance coverages, and contact tracing apps.
Read all about Oman Reopening For Tourism Here
Turkey
Turkey reopened for tourism June 12, 2020.
Countries Allowed To Visit: ALL
Currently, they are allowing all nations to visit with no mandatory tests or quarantines
Now that any covid-related travel bans have been lifted, there are still a few entry requirements for tourists entering Turkey:
- All nations that require an e-visa or stamp visa will obtain one prior to entering Turkey
- Tourists are required to wear a face-mask during the inbound flight to Turkey, as well as in the airport. Any tourist not wearing a mask will be denied entry.
- Travelers agree to a health screening and temperature check.
- Once in Turkey, the wearing of face-masks in public spaces is mandatory
Read more details and information about Turkey's reopening for tourism
Disclaimer: The Middle East’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
Sources: Click on each countries complete guide page for full sources.
For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community
Originally published July 27, 2020
Ali
Saturday 9th of January 2021
Do you have an idea on when Qatar will reopen for tourists?
D
Wednesday 2nd of December 2020
Oman is now starting to issue tourist visas for tour groups.
Marie claire fernandez
Sunday 1st of November 2020
How about abu dhabi? What is the update and requirements?
Frank
Saturday 24th of October 2020
Hello is Bahrain opened for tourism?
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 24th of October 2020
Yes, we will be adding to this list soon. Visa on arrival is now back for 68 nations, airport is open, testing on arrival with a cost and quarantine until results are ready
David Andrukat
Friday 9th of October 2020
Have you heard anything from the ministry of tourism from Oman? I was hoping they'd open for tourism but it looks like they're being pretty strict compared to other Middle Eastern countries and going into another lockdown for October. :\
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 10th of October 2020
Yes, they did email us back and just essential travel is open right now and Visa services are still closed. Tourism will be delayed longer