How to Get Middle East Visas for Family Travel
Most Middle East countries require visas for family travel, with processing times of 5-30 days and costs of $30-200 per person. Apply through official government websites or authorized agencies, with children needing separate applications and additional parental consent documents.
- Check visa requirements for each family member. Verify each destination's requirements on official embassy websites. Children need separate visa applications even if traveling on parent's passport. Some countries like UAE offer family visa packages, while others like Saudi Arabia require individual applications.
- Gather family-specific documents. Collect birth certificates for all children, marriage certificate if applicable, and parental consent letters if one parent is traveling alone with children. Get certified translations for documents not in English or Arabic.
- Prepare passport photos and copies. Take passport-style photos for each family member following each country's specifications. Make 3 copies of all passports, birth certificates, and marriage certificates. Some countries require different photo sizes.
- Complete applications for each person. Fill out separate visa applications for each family member, including infants. Parents must sign applications for children under 18. Double-check all information matches passport details exactly.
- Submit applications and pay fees. Apply through official channels only - embassy websites, VFS Global, or authorized visa centers. Pay fees for each family member separately. Processing times range from same-day (UAE) to 30 days (Iran).
- Track applications and collect visas. Use reference numbers to track progress online. Collect all passports with visas before traveling. Check visa validity dates and entry requirements for each family member.
- Do children need separate visa applications?
- Yes, each child needs their own visa application and fee, even infants. Some countries allow children to be included on parent applications, but most require separate processing.
- What if I'm divorced and traveling with my children?
- Bring certified custody documents and a notarized consent letter from the other parent. Some countries may require additional legal documentation or court orders.
- Can we get visas on arrival as a family?
- UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain offer visa on arrival for many nationalities. Jordan offers this at land borders. Most other Middle East countries require advance applications.
- How long do family visa applications take?
- UAE and Qatar: same day to 3 days. Jordan and Egypt: 5-10 days. Saudi Arabia: 7-15 days. Iran: 15-30 days. Add extra time during peak seasons.