Are you dreaming of a memorable vacation without the hassle of visa applications?

Qatar Airways invites you to embark on a journey to some of the world’s most stunning destinations that welcome Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals and residents without requiring prior travel visas. From European coastlines to idyllic Indian Ocean islands, unforgettable adventures await.

Armenia: Museums, Mountains, and Lakes

Travel through time amid the serene landscapes of Armenia in the heart of the South Caucasus. Start in Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities, where wide boulevards and elegant Republic Square come alive at night with musical fountain shows.

Explore the fusion of Soviet and classical architecture, including the iconic pink volcanic stone buildings, and don’t miss the Matenadaran Museum with its priceless ancient manuscripts. GCC nationals and residents can enter Armenia visa-free from July 1 to December 31, 2025.

Indonesia: Natural Beauty and Warm Hospitality

Indonesia’s charm lies in its diverse cultures and the radiant smiles of its people. In Bali, bask in turquoise beaches and lush rice terraces, enjoy family-friendly surfing lessons, or go on a safari adventure.

Yogyakarta offers a deep dive into Javanese heritage with its historic temples, while the tranquil Gili Islands provide the ultimate escape. Don’t forget to taste the iconic chicken satay with peanut sauce! GCC nationals, among 169 eligible countries, can get a 30-day visa on arrival.

Morocco: Desert Adventures and Coastal Wonders

Explore Morocco’s varied climate and exciting landscapes, from the Mediterranean-Atlantic charm of Tangier to the ancient tanneries of Fez. Wander Marrakech’s lively souks and venture to Merzouga, your gateway to the Sahara.

Travel between cities by train and experience Morocco’s rich cuisine, featuring dishes like tagine and couscous. GCC nationals can visit visa-free, while many residents are eligible for an easy e-visa.

Maldives: Luxury at Your Fingertips

Seeking serenity and luxury? The Maldives offers overwater villas, pristine white-sand beaches, and captivating coral reefs. Adventurers can enjoy diving, kayaking, or marine life tours in glass-bottom boats. All nationalities receive a visa on arrival in this island paradise.

Turkey: Where East Meets West

Turkey perfectly blends Europe and Asia, making it ideal for families and couples alike. Discover Ottoman mosques, palaces, and bustling bazaars before a peaceful evening by Istanbul’s Bosphorus.

Soar over Cappadocia’s ancient landscapes by hot air balloon, or unwind in the lush Black Sea region of Trabzon and Uzungöl. GCC nationals can travel visa-free to Turkey.

Before You Go

Be sure to check the latest travel requirements before booking. Some countries may require specific professions or minimum residency validity for visa-free entry. Always consult official government sources to stay updated on the latest travel rules and guidelines.

Your next unforgettable adventure is just a flight away — and no visa is needed!

You can verify your eligibility before traveling by visiting this link (CLICK HERE)

Istanbul Airport has once again claimed the title of the world’s best international airport, securing the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious “World’s Top 10 International Airports” ranking for the second consecutive year.

The announcement was made by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who hailed the recognition as a “double success” for the airport. In addition to maintaining its global title, Istanbul Airport also recorded its highest-ever daily flight count on July 18, with 1,695 air traffic movements.

“This year, Istanbul Airport scored an impressive 98.57, up from last year’s 95.79,” Travel + Leisure noted, calling the achievement “extra impressive,” especially considering the airport ranked seventh just two years ago with a reader score of 83.36.

Airports in the survey were evaluated by readers based on key criteria such as accessibility, check-in experience, security procedures, dining options, shopping, and overall design. Istanbul Airport’s continued dominance reflects its rapid evolution into a global aviation powerhouse since entering the ranking in 2021 — the first Turkish airport ever to do so.

Operated by IGA, the airport has demonstrated significant operational milestones. In April, it became the first in Europe and second globally to operate three runways simultaneously, following only the United States. In 2024, it handled nearly 80 million passengers, solidifying its position as Europe’s largest and second-busiest airport, according to the State Airports General Directorate (DHMI).

Istanbul Airport is not only a leader in passenger traffic but also in air cargo. It was named Europe’s busiest cargo hub by Airports Council International (ACI) in its 2024 Annual Traffic Report. Weekly data from Eurocontrol consistently ranks it among Europe’s top airports for daily flights.

With a seamless blend of cutting-edge infrastructure, operational excellence, and world-class passenger amenities, Istanbul Airport continues to redefine global standards in aviation.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) maintained a robust and stable operational performance in the first half of 2025, reflecting its resilience amid evolving global travel dynamics. As the gateway to Qatar, the airport saw a notable increase in point-to-point travel to Doha, with passenger traffic rising by 2.3% between January and June 2025, underscoring the city's growing status as both a tourism and business hub.

During the same period, Hamad International Airport served 25.9 million passengers, marking a slight year-on-year dip of 0.45%, while cargo volumes totaled 1.2 million tonnes (-1.68% Y-o-Y), and aircraft movements reached over 136,000 (-1.71% Y-o-Y). These figures remain in line with regional trends and reflect the airport’s ability to sustain momentum despite the leap year comparison to 2024.

Beyond numbers, Hamad International Airport continued its commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. The airport’s recent expansion – including the opening of Concourses D and E – significantly boosted capacity, adding 17 new contact gates and increasing boarding bridges by 40%. These enhancements eliminated an estimated 350,000 bus transfers, streamlining terminal-to-aircraft transitions and offering a more seamless travel experience.

The terminal’s inclusive design further elevates passenger comfort, featuring barrier-free pathways, hearing loops, spacious seating areas, and dedicated services such as family lanes and e-gates for travelers with disabilities. These initiatives demonstrate the airport's focus on accessibility and thoughtful service.

Adding to its signature ORCHARD indoor tropical garden, Hamad International Airport also unveiled a permanent art collection by renowned artists Gillie and Marc. These installations not only enrich the airport’s ambiance but also serve as a reminder of the need to protect endangered wildlife, blending travel with cultural and environmental consciousness.

As it continues to evolve, Hamad International Airport stands as a model of operational excellence and passenger-centric innovation in the global aviation sector.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has once again achieved a major milestone, earning the distinction of being the world’s most punctual airport in June 2025 with an impressive on-time performance rate of 90.41%. This recognition was announced by Cirium, a global leader in aviation analytics, reinforcing KKIA’s reputation for operational excellence and reliability on the international stage.

Third Top Ranking in 2025

This marks the third time in 2025 that KKIA has secured the number one global ranking for punctuality, having previously attained this accolade in March and April. Such consistency underlines KKIA's commitment to maintaining world-class standards in flight operations and passenger experience.

Cirium Report and Methodology

Cirium compiles its punctuality rankings through a comprehensive analysis of data from airlines, air traffic control systems, and airport feeds across the globe. The rankings reflect the proportion of flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times—a widely accepted industry standard. This robust methodology guarantees transparency and accuracy, providing a valuable benchmark for industry stakeholders and travelers alike.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Aviation Strategy

KKIA’s consistent top performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious strategy to transform its aviation sector and cement Riyadh as a top-tier logistics and travel hub. Ongoing investments in new infrastructure, enhancements in efficiency, and elevated customer service standards have all contributed to this achievement.

Additional 2025 Milestones and Recognitions

• Skytrax 2025 Awards: KKIA climbed to 24th place globally in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, an 11-position improvement, becoming the highest-ranking Saudi airport ever. The airport also received honors for “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East,” third globally for the “Best New Terminal,” and fourth for airports in the 30–40 million passengers category.

• Environmental Leadership: Earlier in 2025, KKIA became the first airport in Saudi Arabia to reach Level 4 Transformation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, marking a significant step toward sustainability and a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 205010.

• Expanding Connectivity: 2025 saw the launch of direct flights from Virgin Atlantic and US-Bangla Airlines, strengthening air links between Riyadh and key international destinations such as Toronto and Dhaka, further cementing KKIA's role as a global gateway.

• Domestic Excellence: KKIA maintained top rankings within Saudi Arabia for passenger traffic and flight punctuality, driven by ongoing modernization and expanded passenger services.

Saudi Airlines Also Excel

In June 2025, Saudia was named the world’s most punctual airline, with a 91.33% on-time arrival rate and a 90.69% on-time departure rate, according to Cirium. Saudia’s low-cost carrier, flyadeal, led the Middle East and Africa with a 91.77% punctuality rate, adding further prestige to Saudi Arabia’s aviation achievements.

iGA Istanbul Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport have formalized a Sister Airport agreement, uniting two of the world’s most prominent aviation hubs in a partnership designed to foster collaboration and innovation across multiple facets of airport operations. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 on June 20, 2025, attended by executives from both airports and Türkiye’s Consul General in Chicago, Tahir Bora Atatanır.

The partnership aims to facilitate joint projects in airport management, operations, customer service, planning, and sustainability, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing global connectivity and excellence in passenger experience.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, highlighted the strategic importance of this alliance for expanding iGA’s presence in North America and strengthening its global network. He noted that the cooperation is expected to yield mutual benefits in both passenger and cargo transportation, leveraging the airports’ roles as major international gateways.

iGA Istanbul Airport, ranked the seventh busiest in the world by passenger numbers in 2024 and the ninth by aircraft movements, serves as Türkiye’s largest airport and a major hub for Turkish Airlines, offering nonstop service to over 330 destinations—including 14 in the United States. Similarly, O’Hare is recognized as the best-connected airport in the United States and a critical hub for Star Alliance carriers.

The agreement is particularly significant given the strong business and cultural ties between Chicago and Istanbul. The Chicago metropolitan area is home to approximately 5,000 Turkish nationals, with over 20 Turkish investors and 12 Turkish firms operating in the city, while eight Chicago-based companies maintain a presence in Türkiye. This partnership is expected to further enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two cities.

Michael J. McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, emphasized that the Sister Airport agreement will elevate bilateral relations between the United States and Türkiye and help maintain Chicago’s status as a global transportation hub. The partnership is also supported by World Business Chicago, whose President & CEO, Phil Clement, underscored the unique position of Istanbul as a city bridging Europe and Asia, and the value of deepening international ties for Chicago’s diverse economy and global reach.

The Sister Airport agreement establishes joint working groups focused on sharing best practices in airport management, customer service, planning, operations, and sustainable development. This is iGA Istanbul Airport’s first such partnership in the Americas, complementing its existing alliances with major airports in Asia and Europe, including Incheon, Beijing, Shanghai, and Copenhagen.

For the Chicago Department of Aviation, this marks its tenth Sister Airport agreement, further expanding its international network.

Both airports anticipate that the collaboration will position them to capitalize on growing passenger and cargo volumes, reinforcing their roles as vital nodes in the global aviation network and setting a foundation for ongoing innovation and connectivity

Allegations of extortion by customs officials at Cairo International Airport have intensified as travelers continue to report being pressured for cash payments under questionable circumstances. In a recent widely discussed incident, a young woman arriving from the United Arab Emirates was stopped for carrying a personal smartphone, a personal tablet, and a second Wi-Fi-only tablet.

Officials claimed she was in violation of import rules and demanded 3,500 Egyptian pounds (around $70) in cash, providing no receipt or documentation. She complied out of fear and intimidation.

Such incidents are not isolated. Multiple travelers have described similar experiences, often involving intimidation and demands for cash without any official paperwork, particularly targeting those unfamiliar with Egyptian customs procedures. Some have resorted to hiring local guides or “meet and greet” services to avoid such encounters, indicating that these practices are a well-known risk at Cairo airport.

The issue is part of a broader pattern of corruption within Egypt’s customs administration, which is considered a high-risk sector for bribery, extortion, and irregular payments. Businesses and individuals frequently report facing demands for unofficial payments during import and export procedures, with customs corruption cited as a significant barrier to trade and efficiency in Egypt.

This environment of corruption is reflected in Egypt’s ranking of 130 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, placing it firmly in the “red zone” for widespread corruption.

Recent anti-corruption efforts by Egyptian authorities have led to the arrest of customs officials and airport employees involved in smuggling and bribery rings. In April 2025, the Administrative Control Authority arrested several Cairo airport customs officials and EgyptAir employees for their roles in a network smuggling illegal medications and accepting bribes from pharmaceutical companies.

Authorities seized EGP 6 million worth of illegal drugs and referred the detained officials to prosecution. These actions highlight ongoing attempts to address corruption, but also underscore how deeply entrenched such practices have become.

Transparency advocates have called for tighter oversight and the use of advanced technologies to monitor financial transactions and improve accountability. Despite more than 26 regulatory bodies tasked with combating corruption, the persistence of such incidents at the airport and beyond shows that enforcement remains inconsistent and often ineffective.

The cumulative effect of these scandals is damaging Egypt’s reputation as a tourist and business destination, with many travelers expressing reluctance to return after negative experiences at the airport. The situation is further complicated by reports of systematic bribery at other border crossings and within other government sectors, reinforcing the perception that corruption in Egypt is both widespread and deeply institutionalized