Visa-Free Middle East & Africa for UK eVisa Holders
The Middle East and Africa offer a diverse mix of accessible destinations for UK eVisa holders. From the ultramodern cities of the Gulf to the ancient wonders of Egypt and Morocco, this region combines history, luxury and adventure. Options include visa-free, eVisa and visa-on-arrival entry.
Bahrain
eVisa- Duration: 14 days
- Cost: ~$29 (5 BHD)
Bahrain is a small island kingdom in the Persian Gulf that punches above its weight. The Bahrain National Museum, historic pearling trail and Bahrain Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) showcase rich heritage. The Formula 1 Grand Prix draws visitors annually. Apply for an eVisa online at evisa.gov.bh before travelling.
Full GuideEgypt
Visa on Arrival- Duration: 30 days
- Cost: ~$25
Egypt needs no introduction. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Luxor's Valley of the Kings and a Nile cruise are bucket-list experiences. Cairo is a sprawling, vibrant city with world-class museums. The Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) offers exceptional diving and beach resorts at affordable prices. Visa available on arrival at the airport — bring USD cash for easiest processing.
Full GuideMorocco
Visa-Free- Duration: 90 days
- Cost: Free
Morocco is one of the most popular and accessible destinations from the UK, with a short flight time and incredible diversity. Marrakech's souks and riads are legendary, Fes has the world's oldest university, Chefchaouen is the famous "blue city," and the Sahara Desert offers unforgettable camel treks and stargazing. Budget flights from multiple UK airports make it very affordable to reach.
Full GuideOman
eVisa- Duration: 30 days
- Cost: ~$50 (20 OMR)
Oman is the Gulf's most authentic and scenic destination. Muscat is a beautiful capital with traditional architecture and the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The dramatic wadis (canyons), Jebel Akhdar mountains and the vast Wahiba Sands desert offer incredible natural beauty. More laid-back and culturally rich than neighbouring Dubai. Apply for your eVisa at evisa.rop.gov.om.
Full GuideQatar
Visa-Free- Duration: 30 days
- Cost: Free
Qatar offers visa-free entry to most nationalities. Doha has transformed itself with world-class museums (the Museum of Islamic Art is outstanding), the Souq Waqif traditional market, futuristic architecture and excellent dining. The desert landscapes and the inland sea (Khor Al Adaid) are worth exploring. Qatar Airways makes it an excellent stopover destination on routes to Asia and Australasia.
Full GuideSouth Africa
Visa-Free- Duration: Varies by nationality
- Cost: Varies
South Africa is one of the world's great travel destinations. Cape Town, with Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront, is consistently ranked among the world's best cities. Kruger National Park offers Big Five safari experiences, the Garden Route is a stunning coastal drive, and the Winelands produce world-class wines. Entry requirements vary by passport nationality — check before booking.
Full GuideUAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Visa-Free- Duration: 30 days
- Cost: Free
The UAE is a popular stopover and holiday destination. Dubai offers the Burj Khalifa, luxury shopping, world-class restaurants and desert safaris. Abu Dhabi has the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. The UAE is a major aviation hub, making it easy to combine with onward travel to Asia, Africa or Australasia. Direct flights from multiple UK airports with Emirates, Etihad and budget carriers.
Full GuidePractical Tips for the Middle East & Africa
Getting There
The Middle East is very well connected from the UK. Dubai (7 hours), Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat and Bahrain all have direct flights. Morocco is only 3–4 hours from the UK with budget airlines serving Marrakech, Fes, Agadir and Casablanca. Egypt has direct flights to Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. South Africa is a longer journey at around 11 hours direct from London to Cape Town or Johannesburg.
Currency & Costs
Morocco and Egypt offer outstanding value for money — you can eat well and stay comfortably for very little. The Gulf states (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) are more expensive, comparable to or slightly above UK prices for accommodation and dining, though petrol and some services are cheaper. South Africa offers excellent value with the Rand providing strong buying power for GBP holders.
Best Time to Visit
The Gulf states are best visited from October to April, as summer temperatures can exceed 45°C. Morocco is pleasant year-round but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal. Egypt's winter months (November-February) offer comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. South Africa's summer (December-February) is prime safari season, while the Western Cape is best from September to April.
Cultural Awareness
The Middle East and North Africa have specific cultural norms that visitors should respect. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is restricted in most Muslim countries. The Gulf states have strict laws regarding alcohol consumption (only in licensed venues), public behaviour and photography of government buildings.
Health & Safety
The Gulf states are extremely safe with very low crime rates. Morocco and Egypt are generally safe in tourist areas but take normal precautions with belongings. South Africa has higher crime rates in some areas — follow local advice, avoid walking alone at night in cities and use official transport. No mandatory vaccinations are required for most destinations, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for Egypt and Morocco. Travel insurance is essential for all destinations.