As Eid al-Fitr approaches, travelers are gearing up for their holidays, and Hamad International Airport (HIA) is fully prepared to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers. With an expected increase in travel traffic during this period, HIA has released a set of valuable tips to help travelers navigate the airport efficiently.

Whether you're departing or arriving, these tips will guide you through every step of your journey, from check-in to boarding, and beyond.

Early Check-In and Arrival

 

Online Check-In: Save time by checking in online and arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight. Check with your airline for online check-in options to streamline your journey. This not only reduces waiting times but also allows you to select your preferred seat and print or download your boarding pass.

• Qatar Airways Early Check-In: Economy passengers can check in from 12 to four hours before departure until April 5, excluding US and Canada flights. Using this service earns a 10% discount at Qatar Duty Free stores, making it a great way to start your shopping spree early.

Self-Service Facilities

• Self-Check-In & Bag-Drop: Utilize self-service kiosks to check in, print boarding passes, and tag your bags. Drop them off at the bag-drop counters before proceeding to border control. These kiosks are designed to be user-friendly and can significantly reduce your check-in time.

• E-Gates: Citizens and residents above 18 years old and taller than 130cm can expedite the immigration process using e-gates (restrictions apply). This service is quick and efficient, allowing you to breeze through immigration and head straight to your gate or explore the airport's amenities.

Baggage Guidelines

• Airlines' Baggage Policies: Check with your airline for specific baggage allowances and weight restrictions. Non-standard or oversized luggage is discouraged, as it may incur additional fees or be subject to special handling procedures.

• Baggage Repack Area: A baggage repack area with luggage weighing machines is available in the departure hall to assist passengers. This is particularly useful if you need to redistribute items to meet weight limits or if you have items that require special packaging.

Parking and Transportation

• Dedicated Parking: Use the dedicated parking facilities for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, and short stays. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended at the curbside, as this can lead to fines or towing. The parking facilities are designed for convenience and offer easy access to the terminal.

• Valet Parking: Available at Departures for ultimate convenience. This service allows you to drop off your vehicle with the valet team, saving you time and hassle.

• Car Rental and Limousine Services: Located close to the arrival hall, these services provide a seamless transition from the airport to your destination. Whether you prefer the independence of driving yourself or the luxury of a chauffeur-driven ride, there are options available to suit your needs.

Security and Prohibited Items

• Prohibited Items: Ensure no prohibited items like liquids, aerosols, and gels are in your carry-on. Pack liquids in 100ml containers within a clear, resealable bag. This is a standard security requirement to ensure safety on flights.

• Electronic Devices: Remove electronic devices larger than a mobile phone for X-ray screening. This includes laptops, tablets, and any other devices that need to be screened separately.

• Lithium Battery-Powered Devices: Small vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, are not allowed. Always check the latest guidelines on restricted items before packing.

Navigation and Offers

• HIAQatar App: Download the app for real-time updates on flight status, baggage claim, and directions to boarding gates. Enjoy food, beverage, and retail offers from Qatar Duty Free. The app is a valuable resource for navigating the airport and staying informed about your flight.

• Digital Wayfinding: Use QR codes at various digital touchpoints for easy navigation around the terminal. These codes provide quick access to maps, directions, and other essential information, ensuring you never get lost.

Additional Tips

• Plan Ahead: Consider booking flights early to secure better rates and availability. Early booking can also give you more options for seat selection and travel dates.

• Privilege Club Benefits: If you're a Privilege Club member, you can enjoy additional perks like priority check-in and lounge access. These benefits can enhance your travel experience and provide a more comfortable journey.

Traveling during Eid al-Fitr can be a wonderful experience, especially when you're well-prepared. By following these tips from Hamad International Airport, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. From early check-in to navigating the airport's facilities, every step is designed to make your travel experience seamless and stress-free. Whether you're heading home or embarking on a new adventure, HIA is ready to welcome you with its world-class amenities and services. Safe travels!

Kuwait has officially approved the issuance of seven-day transit visas for select travelers entering the country via land, particularly through the Abdali border crossing, as part of its strategy to streamline border procedures and enhance regional mobility. The new visa policy, directed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, specifically targets Gulf citizens, expatriates residing in GCC countries, European nationals, and diplomatic personnel, especially those arriving from Iraq or transiting through Iran.

Colonel Waleed Al-Azmi, Director of the Abdali Border Crossing Administration, announced that the transit visa allows eligible non-residents to stay in Kuwait for up to seven days, enabling travel between Abdali Port and Kuwait International Airport, or vice versa, to organize onward journeys or complete necessary travel arrangements. The visa is not extendable and does not permit holders to work or study in Kuwait.

To apply, travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed onward ticket, and proof of transit, such as accommodation details or supporting documents for their next destination. The visa application can be submitted through the Kuwait Port Authority, Kuwaiti consulates, or, for some nationalities, via an online portal. The processing fee is KWD 2 (about USD 6.50).

Diplomatic personnel and embassy representatives are also permitted to be present at the border to assist their nationals during the entry and exit process, ensuring smoother procedures and additional support. This move is coordinated between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with certain exceptions and special exemptions available for select nationalities.

The introduction of the 7-day transit visa reflects Kuwait’s broader efforts to facilitate cross-border movement, support regional connectivity, and maintain robust security and compliance at its borders

Thailand’s tourism sector is facing significant challenges as the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict disrupts travel from key Middle Eastern markets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) warns that arrivals from five countries Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria could drop by as much as 50%, with early signs of decline already evident in popular destinations like Phuket due to airspace closures.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the TAT, explained that several major airlines flying to Thailand including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Oman Air, and SalamAir have rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones. Tehran-based Mahan Air has temporarily suspended its Bangkok and Phuket routes, causing the Iranian market to effectively vanish during this period.

These five countries represent about 7% of Middle Eastern visitors to Thailand, with the region (excluding Israel) accounting for 100,781 travelers in June 2024. The timing of the conflict coincides with the Eid al-Adha festival, a peak travel period that last year brought 7,165 tourists from these markets. This year, arrivals are expected to fall sharply to between 3,500 and 5,000 as tourists and airlines postpone trips amid uncertainty.

The TAT is also monitoring potential longer-term impacts on larger Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, which together contribute 80% of Thailand’s Middle East tourism. Concerns over air travel safety could further dampen demand, affecting hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, which are popular with Middle Eastern visitors.

If the conflict is resolved soon, arrivals may begin to recover in July. Some airlines, including Royal Jordanian Airlines, plan to launch new routes, such as the Amman-Bangkok service starting in August. However, a full recovery depends on how long and severe the conflict’s effects prove to be.

The TAT aims to attract 1.06 million visitors from the Middle East in 2025, an 11% increase over last year, and generate approximately 86 billion baht in revenue. As the situation evolves, Thailand’s tourism industry remains cautiously optimistic but vigilant about the challenges ahead.

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has reiterated that fees paid for exit and re-entry visas are strictly non-refundable, even if the visa is canceled—a policy that has been reconfirmed as thousands of expatriates plan their summer travel. This clarification was issued following a public inquiry from a resident, to which Jawazat responded unequivocally: “If the exit and re-entry visa is cancelled, the fees are non-refundable”.

Under current regulations, a single exit and re-entry visa costs 200 Saudi riyals and is valid for up to two months, with an additional 100 riyals for each extra month, provided the resident’s permit (iqama) remains valid. For multiple exit and re-entry visas, the fee is 500 riyals for up to three months, and 200 riyals for each additional month.

Notably, for residents who are already outside the Kingdom and need to extend their visas, the extension fees are doubled—200 riyals per month for a single visa and 400 riyals per month for a multiple visa.

The process for issuing, canceling, or extending these visas is managed digitally through the Absher platform. To cancel a visa, users must log in, access “Services for Sponsors,” select the relevant individual, and confirm the cancellation; however, the fee remains non-refundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Recent regulatory updates have also introduced higher fees for expatriates outside Saudi Arabia, including doubled extension charges and increased costs for renewing residency permits (Iqama) abroad. Penalties for not using or canceling a visa within the allowed time can be steep, starting at 1,000 riyals for the first offense and rising to 3,000 riyals for repeated violations. Overstaying outside Saudi Arabia after a visa expires incurs a fine of 100 USD per month.

These rules apply to all visa holders, including professionals, domestic workers, and dependents, and are part of broader changes to residency and travel regulations aimed at streamlining processes and ensuring compliance. Authorities urge residents to carefully plan their travel and visa applications, as changes or cancellations will not result in a refund of paid fees.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with a 33% year-on-year (YoY) increase in tourist arrivals during the first 10 days of June 2025. The island welcomed 43,962 visitors compared to 33,017 in the same period last year.

The daily average number of tourists also rose significantly, reaching 4,396 visitors per day, up from 3,302 during the first 10 days of June 2024. This uptick is encouraging, especially given that June is traditionally an off-season month for travel to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) projects 177,257 arrivals for the entire month of June. However, industry stakeholders remain cautious due to a shortfall in arrivals during the first five months of 2025. From January to May, tourist arrivals missed projections by a cumulative 279,452 visitors, underscoring ongoing challenges in converting interest into actual visits despite improving macroeconomic conditions.

Between January 1 and June 10, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.07 million tourists, marking a 16% increase compared to 927,196 visitors during the same period in 2024. Notably, arrivals in January, February, and May 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018, highlighting Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal as a travel destination.

Despite these positive trends, consistent growth remains elusive. A key hurdle has been the delay in launching a global tourism campaign, which has not been updated in 16 years. The much-anticipated ‘Nation Branding’ campaign, set to launch on June 26, is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s visibility in key markets and drive higher arrivals during the lucrative winter season.

In June 2025, India, the UK, and Bangladesh emerged as the top source markets, contributing 12,362, 3,740, and 2,717 tourists respectively. Year-to-date, India leads with 216,422 arrivals, followed by Russia (111,285) and the UK (100,014). These markets remain central to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy.

Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million tourists and generate $5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025. To meet this target, the industry needs to draw approximately 1.93 million visitors 64.2% of the annual goal during the remaining months of the year. So far, the sector has generated over $1.54 billion in revenue in the first five months, with $3.46 billion still needed to reach the target.

In 2024, Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue reached $3.16 billion, a substantial 53.2% increase from $2.07 billion in 2023, reflecting the sector’s strong recovery momentum.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Nation Branding campaign and further developments in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Starting July 1, 2025, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holding valid residency permits will be able to enter Armenia without a visa, marking a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free travel policy. Previously, only UAE nationals enjoyed visa-free access, while expatriate residents had to obtain visas on arrival.

The new policy applies to residents with residency permits valid for at least six months and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, leisure, or business purposes.

This change is part of a broader Armenian government initiative to enhance tourism, investment, and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The policy also aligns with Armenia’s visa-free arrangements for residents of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the United States.

The Armenian cabinet approved this reform in May 2025 to facilitate easier travel for expatriates living in these economically significant regions and to boost Armenia’s attractiveness as a destination for short-term visitors and business travelers.

Armenia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with its rich cultural heritage—including UNESCO World Heritage monasteries like Geghard and Khor Virap—and natural attractions such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park, makes it an appealing destination for UAE residents, particularly expatriates.

The country is accessible via direct flights from Dubai and other UAE cities through airlines such as flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air. Armenian tourism officials expect the visa-free entry for UAE residents to increase tourist arrivals, strengthen economic relations, and promote business engagements between Armenia and the GCC.

Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, emphasized that this milestone reflects Armenia’s commitment to making the country more accessible to regional travelers seeking meaningful cultural and leisure experiences. The visa waiver is also expected to encourage more frequent travel and investment flows, with officials optimistic about a rise in direct flights and business cooperation.

In summary, from July 1, 2025, UAE residents with valid residency permits will benefit from visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 90 days, a move designed to enhance tourism, business, and bilateral relations between Armenia and the GCC region.