Region · 14 countries

Middle East

Go for Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan, Oman's mountains and Muscat's old port, or the modern skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Each country has its own entry rules, seasons and current advice.

See the countries Planning guides

The Middle East covers western Asia and parts of North Africa, from the eastern Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. Each country has its own language, currency and entry rules. Petra in Jordan is a city the Nabataeans cut into rose-colored sandstone cliffs, and Wadi Rum, a desert of sand and granite, lies in the same country.

Oman's Hajar Mountains and Muscat's old port offer a different side of the region, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi show modern skylines and beaches on the Gulf. Travelers who want history, desert or mountain scenery, or city stays by the sea can build a trip around one or more of these countries. March, April, October and November are the best months, and summer is very hot. Plan at least a week for one country and two weeks or more to combine several, since travel between countries and entry rules differ. Government travel advice for parts of the region can change quickly, so check it for each country before you book.

Middle East travel guides

The questions every first trip to the region starts with.

The Jordan Pass

The visa fee and 40 sites in one ticket, and the three-night rule.

Read the guide Petra tickets and opening hours

Ticket prices, hours and when the Jordan Pass covers the entry.

Read the guide UAE visa on arrival: 30 or 90 days

Which passports are stamped in free, how long you can stay and who needs a visa first.

Read the guide Oman: 14 days visa-free, then e-visa

Who enters Oman free for 14 days, what to carry, and e-visa fees for longer stays.

Read the guide Saudi e-visa, ETA or visa waiver

The three ways into Saudi Arabia compared, for a trip via Jeddah.

Read the guide Visas and entry

eVisas, visas on arrival and passport stamps across the region.

Explore

Where to stay in Middle East

All stay guides

The Treasury carved into sandstone cliffs in Petra, Jordan, with people below

Wadi MusaWhere to stay in Wadi Musa: gate, town, Taybeh or Al Bayda

A view of a city at night from across the water

DohaWhere to stay in Doha: Msheireb, Souq Waqif, West Bay and more

a large building with a tower and a clock on it

SalalahWhere to stay in Salalah: city center, beach resorts, Taqah or Mirbat

RiyadhWhere to stay in Riyadh: downtown, financial district, Diriyah

Itineraries across the region

3 daysSalalah in 3 days: frankincense sites, Wadi Darbat and Al MughsailA three-day Salalah plan: the old market and Al-Baleed, then Wadi Darbat and Sumhuram, then Al Mughsail and the springs, with a rain and khareef plan.

ItineraryRiyadh in 2 days: National Museum, Metro and Diriyah at nightRiyadh in 2 days: the National Museum by Metro, then At-Turaif at Diriyah in the evening, with heat timing, conflicting hours to check and a backup plan.

a large white trailer parked in front of a building

ItineraryJeddah in 2 days: Al-Balad, the Corniche and heat timingJeddah in 2 days: Al-Balad's souqs and heritage houses, the Corniche and King Fahd's Fountain, heat timing and a backup plan for rain and security alerts.

Before you go

For any trip in Middle East

Travel insuranceCheck cover for disruptionRead the guide eSIM for the regionPlans that cross bordersRead the guide Jordan PassBuy before you landRead the guide Visas and entryRules change by passportRead the guide

All Middle East destinations

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Middle East FAQ

Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?

It depends on the country. The UK and US advise against all travel to Iran, Syria and Yemen and to large parts of Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories, while Jordan, Oman and the Gulf states are open with warnings about regional strikes. Read the current advice for each country before you book.

When is the best time to visit the Middle East?

October to April for the Gulf and Oman, and March to May or October to November for Jordan. From June to September the Gulf passes 40°C.

Can I combine Jordan and the UAE in one trip?

Yes. Direct flights link Amman and Dubai in about three hours, and both countries give many passports entry on arrival.

Will an Israeli stamp stop me visiting other countries?

Lebanon and Kuwait may refuse entry if your passport shows a visit to Israel. Israel gives entry cards rather than stamps at Ben Gurion Airport, but land borders may still stamp.

How does Ramadan affect a trip?

Eating and drinking in public by day is avoided or banned, opening hours change and evenings get busy. The dates move about 11 days earlier each year.