The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Note: The following information is compiled for general description purposes only and should not be used to determine what rules may be applied in each individual case. Under no circumstances should this information be interpreted as advice or an up-to-date source of information for basing decisions. For specific and accurate information check with the Consulate or Embassy of the country you plan to visit for their requirements.

Algeria
Passport and visa required. Obtain visa prior to arrival. Tourists must submit an itinerary of their airline travel and a confirmed hotel reservation in Algeria. Visa applications must be typed. Handwritten visa applications will not be accepted. Visa required for stays up to 90 days. Provide 2 application forms, 2 photos (glued or stapled to application forms), and a non-refundable approx. approx. $100 fee. Tourist visas require an itinerary from an airline and a hotel reservation. Business visas require an invitation from the company being visited and a company letter stating the trip’s purpose. Work visas require an employment authorization hand delivered by the Algerian Ministry of Labor. Family guest visit visas require a notarized invitation letter from host in Algeria. Visas are valid for 45 days from date of issuance. For currency regulations and other information, contact the Consular Section of the Consulate or Embassy of the People’s the Democratic and People’s Republic of Algeria,

Bahrain
Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa, valid for two weeks required a valid passport, 1 application and approx. approx. $30 fee (money order only). Multi-entry tourist visa requires that the applicant submit a letter (for visa) or company letter on company letterhead (for business visa) guaranteeing full responsibility for all expenses, and stating a reason for visit and duration, 1 application form, and approx. approx. $50 fee. Transit visa available upon arrival at the airport is valid from three days to two weeks and require onward/return ticket. All application forms for minors must include letter of consent from both parents and a photocopy of their passports. A single parent needs a legal document showing proof of legal guardian status. Locally performed health test required for resident permit. For departure tax and other information, contact the Consular Section of the Consulate or Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Comoros
Passport and onward/return ticket required. All travelers to Comoros are given a free, 24-hour transit visa upon entry. The following day, visitors are required to go to the immigration office in Moroni to change their visa status. A fee is charged, depending on length of stay. For specific requirements, consult the Consulate or Embassy of Federal and Islamic Republic of Comoros.

Djibouti
Passport and visa required. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival. Proof of yellow fever immunization also required. For specific requirements, consult the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti.

Egypt
Passport and visa required. Visas may be obtained upon entry from the Entry Visa Department at the Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration or most major ports of entry. Entry visa is required for any foreigner arriving in Egypt for purposes other than tourism (e.g. work, study). Tourist visas (single-/multiple-entry) are valid for 90 days. Health test required for study and work permits. Dependents are no longer exempt—spouses must also get tested, as well as any children aged 15 or older. Students are exempt from visa fees. For specific requirements, consult the Consulate or Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Iraq
The Iraqi government is currently reviewing entry requirements. Iraq requires health test results for residency/exit permits. For the most current information, consult the Consulate or Embassy of the republic of Iraq.

Jordan
Passport and visa required. Visitors may obtain a visa, for a fee, at most international ports of entry upon arrival except at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Health testing required for stays exceeding 6 months. For additional information, travelers may contact the Consulate or Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Kuwait
Passport and visa required. Visa issued at port of entry. Entry visas for U.S., E.U., U.K., BNO and/or HKSAR citizens are valid for ten (10) years from date of issue for a maximum stay of one month. Submit 2 copies of the visa application, passport with a minimum of 3 months validity, 2 passport photographs, and approx. approx. $24 fee. To get a business visa, submit a letter from the firm requesting the visa in addition to the general requirements. To get a work visa, submit a letter of appointment from Kuwait, an official work permit issued by the General Department of Immigration Affairs in Kuwait, a police clearance certificate (from your local police station), a complete physical examination for contagious or disabling diseases (including HIV, Viral Hepatitis B, and Viral Hepatitis C) U.S., E.U., U.K. and HKSAR standards test results accepted, and pay a approx. approx. $44 entry visa fee. If tested positive for any disabling disease, entry is denied or foreign national may face deportation. For further information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the State of Kuwait.

Lebanon
Passport and visa required. U.S., E.U., U.K., BNO and/or HKSAR citizens staying no longer than 1 month (extendable up to 3 months) can obtain their visa upon arrival in Lebanon after paying the approx. $35 fee. For longer stays, visa must be obtained in advance from the Lebanese Consulate or Embassy or Consulate. Visa requires 1 application form, 2 passport sized photos, a valid passport, photocopies of passport pages containing the full name, photo, passport number, issue date, and expiration date. For minors, a parental consent form from both parents is required. Fee for single-entry visa is approx. $35 and approx. $70 for a multiple-entry visa. Business visa requires company letter stating purpose of travel. Health test required for those seeking residence permits; U.S., E.U., U.K. and HKSAR standards test is accepted. Minors need authorization from both parents (a notarized parental consent form/letter) to enter Lebanon. For further information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the republic of Lebanon.

Libya
Passport and visa required. Restrictions on the use of a U.S. passport for travel to, in, or through Libya have been lifted as of February 2004. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival. Proof of yellow fever immunization also required. For specific requirements, consult the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Libya.

Mauritania
Passport, visa, and proof of yellow fever vaccination required. Visa requires a valid passport, 2 signed completed application forms and 2 passport sized photographs. Tourist visa requires onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Visa fee approx. $60 valid 3 months; approx. $75 valid for 6 months (payable by money order or certified check only). For specific information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Mauritania.

Morocco
Valid passport required. Visa not required for stays up to 3 months. For visits of more than 90 days, apply for an extension (with a valid reason for the extension of stay). Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must obtain a residence permit. A residence permit may be requested and obtained from immigration authorities at the central police station of the district of residence. For additional information, consult the Consulate or Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Oman
Passport (must be valid for not less than 6 months) and visa required. Proof of sufficient funds and proof of an onward/return ticket, though not required, are strongly recommended. An approx. $60 fee is required for a tourist/business multiple-entry visa issued for a stay of up to 6 months and valid for 2 years, while a approx. $36 fee is required for a single-entry visa. Both types of visas are payable in cash, cashier’s check, or money order, and require submission of 1 application form. Proof of yellow fever immunization required if entering from infected area. Health test required for work permits. U.S. test not accepted. Allow 1-3 days for processing. For transit and road travel, check with the Consulate or Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman.

Palestine
Passport and visa required. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival. For specific requirements, consult the Consulate or Embassy of the State of Palestine.

Qatar
Passport and visa required. Visa requires 1 application form, 2 color passport sized photos, letter of invitation and approx. $100 application fee. Please provide a SASE for return of passport by mail. Healthy test required for persons seeking residency permits and visitors staying longer than 1 month; U.S., E.U., U.K and HKSAR standards tests results not accepted. For specific information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the State of Qatar

Saudi Arabia
Passport and visa required. (Individual tourist visas are not available for travel to Saudi Arabia). Transit visa, valid 72 hours, requires onward/return ticket, 1 application form, 1 photo, and no fee. Business visa, stay varies depending on request of the hosting company, requires approx. $108 fee, 1 application form, 1 photo, company letter stating purpose of visit, invitation from the Foreign Ministry in Saudi Arabia. Health testing required for work permits; U.S., E.U., U.K. and HKSAR standards test results could be accepted and must be taken within 3 months of application. Visitors must obtain meningitis vaccination prior to arrival. For additional information contact the Royal Consulate or Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Somalia
Passport required. For further information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the Somali Republic.

Sudan
Passport and visa required. Transit visa valid up to 7 days, requires application, payment of the approx. $150 fee, onward/return ticket, and visa for next destination, if appropriate. Tourist/business visa for single-entry visit lasting 8 days up to 3 months, requires passport with minimum validity of 6 months, payment of the approx. $150 fee, 1 application form, 1 photo, proof of sufficient funds and travel itinerary. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are recommended. Business visa requires company letter stating purpose of visit and invitation from Sudanese officials. Visas not granted to passports showing Israeli visas. Allow 4 weeks for processing. Contact the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Sudan.

Syria
Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Single- or double-entry visa, valid for 3 months, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, and approx. $100. For additional information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Tunisia
Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visas not required for tourist/business stay of up to 4 months. For longer visits, Americans need a residence permit, which may be requested and obtained from the central police station of the district of residence. For more information, consult Consulate or Embassy of the Tunisian Republic.

UAE
Passport required. Visa and fee not required for stay of up to 30 days. For longer stays, visa requires 2 application forms, original signed passport (with minimum validity of 6 months), 2 passport-sized photos, letter of employment or proof of sufficient funds, and approx. $51 fee. Visas may be subject to health testing in country upon submission of residence/visa application with immigration. For specific information, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.

Yemen
Passport and visa required. Visa valid 30 days from date of issuance for single entry; requires 1 application form and 2 color photos. Tourist visa requires proof of onward/return transportation, employment, letter of invitation, health certificate, and approx. $50 fee (single entry valid 3 months). Business visa requires letter from employer in Yemen and approx. $50 fee (single entry valid 3 months). Student visas require a letter of acceptance from the institution in Yemen, indicating type and duration of study. Minimum processing time is 3 business days. Prior to visiting Yemen, it is necessary to visit a medical clinic. For more information and additional information on fees, contact the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Yemen.

Remarks:
Most countries require that your passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. All visa applicants holding an Israeli visa on their passport, at the time of applying for visa or arrival may not be granted a visa and/or be admitted without the prior approval of the Immigration Authorities. Consular Fees are usually payable in cash or money order only. By mail always include Self addressed stamped envelop (SASE) for return passport by registered mail. Please check with the Consulate or Embassy of the country you plan to visit for their requirements.

Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visa, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Make sure you have insurance, which will cover your emergency medical needs, while you are overseas.

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!

Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.

While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.

Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws.

Avoid areas of unrest, demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where extreme sentiments may be expressed.