Qatar Airways has taken a significant step in revitalizing air travel across the Middle East by fully resuming its operations to Iraq and Syria while restoring its complete flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan. This extensive network reinstatement comes amid improving geopolitical stability and easing of airspace restrictions that had previously forced the airline to suspend or reduce services to these key destinations.

The move not only reflects Qatar Airways’ confidence in the region’s security environment but also underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting economic recovery, and facilitating cultural exchange throughout the Levant and Mesopotamian corridors. With the summer travel season underway, the airline aims to meet rising passenger demand by offering increased frequencies, modern aircraft, and flexible schedules that cater to both business and leisure travelers.

This development is also aligned with Qatar’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub through Hamad International Airport, which serves as a vital gateway linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Iraq:
The airline has relaunched service to five Iraqi cities:

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW):

  • 13 weekly flights from June 30, increasing to 16 from July 8.

  • Two daily flights:

    • QR442 departs Doha at 18:40, arrives Baghdad at 20:45; return QR443 departs Baghdad at 21:55, arrives Doha at 00:05.

    • QR444 departs Doha at 08:10 (except Saturdays), arrives Baghdad at 10:15; return QR445 departs Baghdad at 11:45, arrives Doha at 13:55.

  • Additional flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (QR458/QR459) from July 8123.

• Erbil International Airport (EBL):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 1, with three extra weekly flights beginning July 9.

  • QR450 departs Doha at 18:35, arrives Erbil at 21:00; return QR451 departs Erbil at 22:00, arrives Doha at 00:25.

  • Additional flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (QR454/QR455) from July 912.

• Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 2.

  • QR436 departs Doha at 00:55, arrives Sulaymaniyah at 03:25; return QR437 departs Sulaymaniyah at 04:25, arrives Doha at 06:40123.

• Al Najaf International Airport (NJF):

  • Five weekly flights from July 2 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

  • QR460 departs Doha at 19:10, arrives Najaf at 21:05; return QR461 departs Najaf at 22:10, arrives Doha at 00:1013.

• Basra International Airport (BSR):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 3.

  • QR448 departs Doha at 08:20, arrives Basra at 09:50; return QR449 departs Basra at 11:20, arrives Doha at 12:4513.

Syria:

• Damascus International Airport (DAM):

  • Daily flights resume July 6 (QR410 departs Doha at 09:05, arrives Damascus at 12:00; return QR411 departs Damascus at 14:00, arrives Doha at 16:50).

  • From July 15, service increases to 14 weekly flights with an additional daily rotation (QR412/QR413)13.

Lebanon:

• Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY):

  • Service increases from 14 to 21 weekly flights starting July 1, with three daily departures.

  • Example: QR418 departs Doha at 21:00, arrives Beirut at 00:10; return QR419 departs Beirut at 01:40, arrives Doha at 04:4513.

Jordan:

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM):

  • Service also increases to 21 weekly flights from July 1, with three daily departures

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to check the latest flight schedules and travel alerts on its website, as some departure times may have changed to ensure operational reliability and passenger safety. The airline’s resumption of these routes is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support economic, cultural, and humanitarian links across the region. Flights to Iran remain suspended, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves

In a decisive stride towards digital transformation and enhanced traveler convenience, Kuwait has launched its new e-Visa portal, effective July 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior and reported by Gulf News, positions Kuwait among the Gulf region’s digital frontrunners by streamlining the visa process for visitors from a wide array of countries.

The e-Visa platform, available through e.gov.kw, is open to nationals from most European and North American countries, Australia, Japan, and all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents. This digital gateway welcomes applications for four primary visa categories:

• Tourist Visa (90 days per entry): Welcoming globe-trotters eager to explore Kuwait’s culture and landscape.
• Family Visit Visa (30 days): Easing reunions for relatives of Kuwaiti residents.

• Business Visit Visa (30 days): Facilitating professionals and entrepreneurs attending meetings or forging partnerships.

• Official Visit Visa (30 days): Streamlining entry for government delegations and diplomats.

Each visa category comes with dedicated requirements and a hassle-free, paperless application flow.
Applying for a Kuwaiti entry visa is now entirely digital, removing the need for embassy visits or physical paperwork. The process involves:

1. Registering online via email or government account.
2. Selecting the suitable visa type aligned with the visit's purpose.
3. Zploading essential documents, including:
   A passport bio page (valid for at least 6 months)
   A passport-sized photo on a white background
   Evidence of return flight and hotel bookings
   Sponsor or invitation letters where required
4. Paying visa fees online (ranging from USD 10 to USD 30, depending on nationality).
   Tracking the application using a passport number or reference code.
5. Visa decisions are typically made within 1–3 working days. Approved applicants receive their e-Visas via email, ready for printout or digital presentation upon arrival.

This fully digital system lies at the heart of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, marking a significant leap forward in public service modernization. The move also reflects broader regional goals within the GCC to foster seamless cross-border mobility, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to welcoming visitors and investors in a tech-forward, streamlined manner.

Key rules to know include:

• Stay Limits: Tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days; all other categories permit 30-day visits.
• Eligibility: Open to citizens of approved countries and all GCC residents.
• Visa on Arrival: Still available for some nationalities—however, travelers are encouraged to use the e-Visa system for efficiency.
• Enforcement: Overstays or misuse may result in fines or future entry bans—a firm reminder that digital convenience comes with clear accountability.

With its new e-Visa portal, Kuwait is not only simplifying travel but also setting a digital benchmark in the region—paving the way for smarter, faster, and more welcoming borders.

The European Union is set to revolutionize the Schengen visa application process by making it fully digital by 2028, phasing out the traditional paper-based applications and visa stickers. Instead, a secure, encrypted digital barcode will replace the physical visa sticker, enhancing security, speeding up processing, and embracing technological innovation.

France pioneered this digital move by issuing 70,000 digital Schengen visas with barcodes during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travelers scan these barcodes at border checkpoints, allowing immigration officials to access personal and visa details through a central EU database. This pilot marked a significant step toward a seamless, contactless travel experience.

From the applicant’s perspective, the entire visa process will be conducted online. Individuals will upload documents, monitor their application's progress, and pay fees digitally through a centralized EU portal. After completing these steps, travelers receive a digitally signed barcode visa. First-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data in person, but repeat travelers whose biometric data have been collected within the past 59 months will enjoy a simplified process.

Applicants must apply through the embassy of their main destination or, for trips involving multiple countries, via the embassy of the country where they will spend the most time or enter first. Most countries use application centers like VFS Global, except Spain, which uses BLS International in India, while France requires appointment booking via the Démarches Simplifiées platform.

 Required documents include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages, a completed application form, photographs, travel insurance with coverage of €30,000 or more, flight and hotel bookings, a cover letter, and financial proof such as recent bank statements or salary slips.

Biometric data—fingerprints and photograph—must be provided during the appointment for first-time applicants and then stored in the EU’s Visa Information System to facilitate future applications. Visa fees generally stand at approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6 to 12, and are free for children under six, with additional service fees depending on the application center.

Processing times are typically 15 calendar days but can extend to 30 or even 60 days during busy periods or for complex cases. Applicants are advised to apply 30 to 60 days before their trip and avoid last-minute filings to reduce the risk of delays. Embassies like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia often offer faster processing times and have lower rejection rates.

Applicants should be prepared for the possibility of interviews, especially with embassies such as Germany and France, where questions about their itinerary, finances, and intent to return might be asked.
Changes to the appeals process were introduced in Germany as of July 1, 2025, where informal appeals are no longer permitted, and rejected applications must undergo formal legal procedures. Additionally, Indian nationals who have previously held two Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for multi-year visas valid for two or five years under the EU’s new “cascade” regime.
This digital upgrade not only reduces paperwork and costs but also significantly enhances fraud prevention and border security across the 27 Schengen countries. Travelers can expect a more transparent, streamlined visa application and entry process, embracing the future of travel in Europe with greater convenience and security. For the latest updates, travelers should consult the official EU visa website.

Starting August 1, 2025, Sri Lanka will grant one-year visas to Maldivian nationals, a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening regional tourism and economic cooperation, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced during the 2025 Hotel Show in Colombo. Previously, Maldivians could only obtain short-term visas under certain conditions, limiting travel and stays.

This new visa provision is expected to encourage more frequent visits and longer stays, particularly boosting health tourism, as many Maldivians have historically traveled to Sri Lanka for medical treatment but faced visa-related hurdles that caused a decline in arrivals.

The move comes ahead of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s upcoming official visit to the Maldives, at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, where both sides will engage in high-level discussions to further deepen bilateral ties and explore cooperation opportunities in the hospitality sector.

This policy complements Sri Lanka’s broader tourism revival strategy, which recently included waiving visa fees for tourists from 40 additional countries, including the UK, expanding visa-free access to a total of 47 countries. Although this expansion is expected to reduce direct visa fee revenue by an estimated USD 66 million, the government views it as a strategic investment to stimulate long-term growth in tourist arrivals and economic recovery.

This enhanced visa offering for Maldivians not only strengthens people-to-people connections with a key neighboring country given that Maldives grants visa-free entry to Sri Lankan nationals—but also signals Sri Lanka’s commitment to revitalize its tourism sector by facilitating easier, more sustained travel from the region.

As international travel surges this summer, Emirates has unveiled fresh insights into global travel trends, showing a marked shift towards immersive cultural experiences and lesser-explored destinations. Analysis of booking data and flight searches for July and August reveals where wanderlust is taking travellers in 2025 and the results point to exciting new hotspots across Asia, Europe, and the Indian Ocean.

Overall global flight searches for summer 2025 have risen by 7% compared to last year. France tops the list with a remarkable 35% increase in outbound travel searches, followed closely by Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the UAE also show robust demand, underscoring widespread intent to travel from major hubs.

But it is the Far East and Indian Ocean that really steal the spotlight in Emirates’ summer booking patterns. Vietnam emerges as this year’s breakout star with a phenomenal 61% jump in interest paired with strong booking numbers. Emirates operates 25 weekly flights to three Vietnamese cities Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and new this June, Da Nang via Bangkok offering seamless connections from Europe and key American hubs.

Vietnam’s appeal is multifaceted: its vibrant cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and over 3,000 km of unspoiled coastline entice culturally curious travellers and culinary adventurers alike. From bustling street markets to hidden gems, Vietnam promises an authentic feast for the senses.

Not far behind, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius captivates travellers with a 41% rise in flight searches. Emirates offers two daily A380 flights to this idyllic Indian Ocean destination, perfect for those seeking luxury and tranquility.

Sri Lanka also ranks highly with a 32% surge in interest, thanks to its rich culture, pristine beaches, scenic ‘tea country,’ and accessible luxury. Meanwhile, Japan, a perennial favourite, continues to draw travellers with a 28% rise in flight searches. Emirates’ 21 weekly flights connect passengers to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka, providing gateway access to Japan’s blend of stunning landscapes, modern cities, and renowned cuisine.

Completing the top five, France enjoys a 25% increase in booking demand. Emirates supports this boost robustly, flying 21 weekly routes including three daily A380 flights to Paris, daily A380s to Nice, and a daily A350 service to Lyon helping meet the heightened demand from global travellers.

Travellers in the UAE have increased flight searches by 13%, with rising interest in destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon, and Morocco. US-based Emirates customers are increasingly exploring African destinations such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, while UK travellers have ramped up searches by 12%, focusing on far-flung locales like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.

Indian travellers show growing appetite for Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, while Australians plan their European summer adventures with increased interest in France and the UK. German travellers are heading east with rising searches for Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Seychelles.

Longer vacations dominate summer plans, with nearly one-third of travellers from India, Australia, the UK, and Germany extending their trips beyond a month. US travellers typically opt for slightly shorter, 2-3 week getaways.

With inbound passenger traffic projected to remain strong this summer, Dubai continues to affirm its position as a premier global destination year-round. Emirates’ data show solo travellers make up nearly half of visitors from the US, India, and Australia, blending business and leisure in stays averaging just over a week.

Family travel patterns vary by nationality: about one-third of US and Indian visitors arrive with family, with Indian families preferring shorter visits and American families exploring Dubai over 1-2 weeks. UK families usually stay longer than two weeks.

Couples also represent a significant visitor segment, especially younger Australian and German pairs who favor extended stays ranging from two weeks up to a month maximising their time to explore Dubai’s extensive offerings.

Emirates’ data reflects flight searches and bookings on emirates.com for travel between 1 July and 30 August 2025, compared year-over-year.

This summer, with Emirates’ extensive global network, travellers are embracing fresh experiences, new cultures, and longer escapes—proving that the world’s curiosity is as boundless as ever.

Starting July 1, 2025, Armenia has opened its doors visa-free to citizens and residents of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This landmark policy allows GCC passport holders and expatriates with valid residency permits (valid for at least six months) to visit Armenia for tourism, leisure, or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period—without the need for a visa.

This move marks a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free regime, which previously applied only to select GCC nationals such as those from the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. By extending visa-free access to all GCC countries and their residents, Armenia aims to position itself as an accessible and welcoming destination in the South Caucasus, capitalizing on growing interest among Gulf travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and unique culinary offerings.

Armenia’s rich historical heritage, including ancient monasteries and vibrant urban culture in its capital Yerevan, combined with its natural beauty such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park make it an attractive choice for GCC visitors. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, coupled with direct flights from Gulf carriers like flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air, further enhances its appeal.

Officials highlight that the visa exemption will not only boost tourism but also strengthen economic and cultural ties between Armenia and the Gulf region, fostering increased business exchanges and investment opportunities. The policy also broadens accessibility for the substantial expatriate communities residing in the GCC, facilitating easier travel and deeper regional connections.

In summary, Armenia’s new visa-free entry for GCC citizens and residents is a strategic step to attract more visitors from the Gulf, offering them hassle-free access to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and business potential starting mid-2025.