Middle East & Africa Visa Guide
The Middle East and Africa offer a diverse range of visa policies — from the UAE's liberal visa-on-arrival scheme to stricter requirements across much of Africa. Below you'll find detailed visa requirements, costs, and official application links.
United Arab Emirates
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Languages
Arabic, English (widely spoken)
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
Visa-Free / Visa on Arrival
Visa-freeCitizens of 70+ countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan) receive free visa on arrival.
Stay limit
30 or 90 days depending on nationality
Cost
Free
Processing time
On arrival
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
Entry conditions
- US, UK, EU, and most Western nationals receive 90 days (previously 30, extended in 2023)
- GCC nationals have unlimited access
Important notes
- Tourist visas can be extended for 30 days (AED 600)
- Employment requires a separate work visa sponsored by an employer
Pre-Arranged Tourist Visa
Visa requiredFor nationals not eligible for visa-free entry (including Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and many African nationals).
Stay limit
30 days (extendable once for 30 days)
Cost
AED 350 to AED 1,100 depending on type and sponsor
Processing time
3 to 5 working days
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-sized photograph
- Return or onward ticket
- Confirmed accommodation or hotel booking
- Proof of funds
- Sponsorship by airline, hotel, tour operator, or UAE resident
Entry conditions
- Visa must be arranged before travel through a sponsor
- Airlines (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai) can sponsor tourist visas
Important notes
- Indian nationals with a valid US visa, UK visa, EU residence permit, or green card can get a visa on arrival for 14 days
- Overstaying results in fines of AED 100 per day
Travel tips
- UAE Dirham (AED) is the currency, pegged to the US dollar
- Alcohol is available in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants with licenses)
- Dress code is generally relaxed in Dubai but more conservative in other emirates
- Friday is the holy day — some businesses may have different hours
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
- Excellent healthcare facilities, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Travel insurance recommended
Saudi Arabia
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Languages
Arabic
Health notes
Meningitis vaccination required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
Tourist eVisa
Visa requiredSaudi Arabia opened to tourism in 2019. Citizens of 49 countries can apply for an eVisa or receive a visa on arrival.
Stay limit
90 days per visit, up to 180 days per year
Cost
SAR 480 (approximately USD 128, includes insurance)
Processing time
Usually within minutes (online application)
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Online application at visa.visitsaudi.com
- Recent digital photograph
- Credit/debit card for payment
Entry conditions
- eVisa is valid for 1 year with multiple entries
- Dress code applies — modest clothing required in public
- Non-Muslims cannot enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah
Important notes
- US, UK, EU, Australian, Japanese, and South Korean nationals are among those eligible
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas from any nationality can also apply
Travel tips
- Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the currency
- Alcohol is completely prohibited
- Photography restrictions apply in some areas
- Women no longer need to wear an abaya but modest dress is expected
Health information
- Meningitis vaccination required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
- No other mandatory vaccinations for tourists
- Excellent private healthcare available
South Africa
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Languages
English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and 7 others
Health notes
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries
Visa Exemption
Visa-freeCitizens of many countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Brazil) can visit South Africa visa-free.
Stay limit
30 or 90 days depending on nationality
Cost
Free
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond departure, with 2 blank pages
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from affected countries)
Entry conditions
- US, UK, German, French nationals receive 90 days
- Some nationalities receive only 30 days
- Children travelling to/from South Africa may need unabridged birth certificates
Important notes
- South Africa has strict rules for minors — both parents' consent may be required
- Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and Chinese nationals require a visa
Visitor Visa
Visa requiredFor nationals requiring a visa to visit South Africa for tourism, business, or family visits.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days
Cost
Free for most nationalities (application is free but VFS service fees apply)
Processing time
5 to 15 working days (can be longer)
Required documents
- Completed application form (BI-84)
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
- Recent passport photographs
- Proof of financial means
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Entry conditions
- Apply at the nearest South African embassy or VFS centre
- Interview may be required
Important notes
- Processing times can be slow during peak seasons
- Business visitors may attend meetings but cannot work
Travel tips
- South African Rand (ZAR) is the currency
- 11 official languages — English is widely used
- Be safety-conscious, especially in urban areas
- South Africa drives on the left
Health information
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended for Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal
- Travel insurance strongly recommended
Kenya
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Languages
English, Swahili
Health notes
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Visa requiredKenya replaced its traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in 2024 for all visitors.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days
Cost
USD 30 (adults), USD 15 (children under 16)
Processing time
Up to 3 business days
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Online application at etakenya.go.ke
- Recent passport photograph
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Entry conditions
- eTA replaces the previous visa-on-arrival and e-Visa systems
- All nationalities now need an eTA (including those previously visa-exempt)
Important notes
- Apply at least 3 days before travel
- East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda (USD 100)
Travel tips
- Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the currency
- English and Swahili are the official languages
- Safari season peaks during the Great Migration (July-October)
- Mobile money (M-Pesa) is widely used
Health information
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries
- Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended
- Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations recommended
- Travel insurance essential
Egypt
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Languages
Arabic
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
Visa on Arrival / e-Visa
Visa requiredCitizens of many countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia) can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa online.
Stay limit
30 days (extendable)
Cost
USD 25 (single entry), USD 60 (multiple entry)
Processing time
e-Visa: 5-7 business days; Visa on arrival: immediate
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking or tour confirmation
- Sufficient funds
Entry conditions
- Visa on arrival available at major airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh)
- e-Visa can be applied for online before travel
Important notes
- Citizens of some countries must apply at an Egyptian embassy before travel
- Israeli passport holders can enter visa-free for 14 days to Sinai resorts
Travel tips
- Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the currency
- Arabic is the official language; English is common in tourist areas
- Bargaining is expected in souks and markets
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations recommended
- Drink only bottled water
- Travel insurance strongly recommended
Explore other regions
Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before making travel arrangements.
Last reviewed: March 2026