The Gulf carriers put the region on Australia's doorstep, and entry is easy across its tourism destinations — here's how to get there and what you need before you go.
The Gulf carriers put the Middle East on Australia's doorstep — and entry is easy across the region's tourism destinations. Here's what to know before you go.
Dubai and Doha are around 14 hours non-stop from the east coast, and because they sit on the route to Europe, a stopover costs little extra. Entry rules are straightforward — and just got easier, with Turkey going visa-free for Australians in April 2026. The one essential is to plan around the current safety picture, which we do for every trip.
Easy for Australians across the region's tourism destinations — always confirm the latest before you travel.
| Country | Visa? | Type | Notes for Australians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye (Turkey) | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | Visa-free since 17 April 2026 (previously an e-visa). Up to 90 days in any 180. |
| UAE | On Arrival | ~30 days, free | Free visa on arrival, extendable. Passport valid 6 months. |
| Qatar | On Arrival | 30 days, free | Free visa waiver on arrival — ideal for a Doha stopover. |
| Jordan | On Arrival | JOD 40 / Jordan Pass | Visa on arrival, or the Jordan Pass (waives the fee for 3+ nights and includes Petra). |
| Oman | e-Visa | ~20 OMR, 30 days | Apply online before travel (~AUD $80). Single entry, extendable once. |
| Saudi Arabia | e-Visa | 1-year multi | Tourist e-visa now open to Australians — apply online; multiple entry. |
| Egypt | VOA / e-Visa | USD $25, 30 days | Visa on arrival (USD $25) or e-visa (~7 days ahead). Egypt sits in our Africa guide. |
| Bahrain | e-Visa / VOA | 14 days+ | e-visa or visa on arrival — a short add-on from the UAE or Qatar. |
From Australia, around the region, and staying safe and respectful.
It depends on the country. Turkey is now visa-free (90 days, since April 2026); the UAE and Qatar give a free visa on arrival; Jordan a visa on arrival or the Jordan Pass; Oman a low-cost e-visa; Saudi Arabia a tourist e-visa; and Egypt a visa on arrival (USD $25). See the table above and always confirm before travel.
The established tourism destinations — the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Turkey — are welcoming and very safe for everyday travel. The wider region is diverse and advisories change, so we plan around current Smartraveller.gov.au guidance and never send travellers to areas advised against. Register your trip with DFAT and carry comprehensive insurance.
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad connect Australia and Europe through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, so a 2–4 night stopover adds little or nothing to your airfare — turning a long transit into a highlight, or a springboard to Jordan and Egypt. See our itineraries guide.
Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees; a scarf for mosques), remember the weekend is usually Friday–Saturday, and be mindful during Ramadan, when daytime eating and drinking in public is limited. Hospitality is legendary and a little respect is warmly received.