Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa such as Morocco, Tunisia, Oman and Israel offer a visa on arrival for many nationalities.
Countries where you are likely to need a visa in advance are Iran, Algeria, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey which offers an e-visa to many nationalities. Saudi Arabia also offers a tourist e-visa to many nationalities.
Egypt offers a visa on arrival for many nationalities, however the process is so convoluted we would recommend you get a visa from your local embassy prior to departure.
Please note if you are on an itinerary which includes Israel you should ask the officials not to stamp your passport. If there is any evidence you have been to Israel you will not be allowed into some countries in this region including (but not limited to) Sudan, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan and Iran.
For all visas we recommend you approach your local consulate for requirements for your nationality.

It is not uncommon to feel somewhat harassed by local people asking for tips or ‘baksheesh’ especially in countries such as Egypt and Morocco. You should never feel pressured to give money to people if you don’t think a service has been rendered or the service has not been up to standard.
For services that are not included you should tip around 10% for good service. Sometimes a local person will provide a service (often with out being asked!) this could amount to carrying your luggage, pointing out an interesting feature in a temple or even something as simple as giving you directions if you are lost.

In countries in this regions, most notably Egypt and Morocco, a person who you may think is just being helpful or hospitable is doing so for ‘baksheesh’. It is important to note that you a well within your rights to refuse these services if you do not want to give baksheesh, but if you do allow someone to carry your bag in Egypt you should offer them some money. This would be a small amount and your trip leader will be able to guide you as to how much you should give.

Tips are included for providers whose services are included in your trip itinerary. If someone from an included service asks you for baksheesh you should direct them to the trip leader or local guide who will take care of this on the groups behalf.

For all countries in this region you should bring some US Dollars, Euros or Pound Stirling to change into local currency.
Credit Cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are also reliable – with the exception of Sudan, Iran and Algeria where ATM’s frequently only work with local cards.

You should check with your local provider if coverage is provided in the countries on your itinerary prior to departure. Make sure you are also aware of their international roaming charges.
In places like Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, Oman, Tunisia and Israel local SIM cards are fairly easy to obtain, the easiest place is usually at the airport on arrival.

Getting a local SIM in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Algeria can be quite difficult to achieve. You will have to go into a store, show your passport and visa and it is highly unlikely that anyone in the store will speak English. Activating SIM cards in these countries is also quite difficult if you can get through the debacle of purchasing one. Instructions are all in the local language, as is the voice on the end of the support line.

If you intend to use a local SIM card while on your trip, you should ensure that your phone is unlocked prior to departure.

Places in North Africa & the Middle East with decent internet and WiFi services include Turkey, Oman, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Morocco, Tunisia and Sudan have patchy but somewhat reliable WiFi.
Algeria and surprisingly Egypt can say they have WiFi. That’s about it. In most places it’s hardly usable and especially in Egypt, which is probably the worst you will ever encounter.

Toilets – All hotels in the Middle East & North Africa have clean, upright western toilets. Public toilets you encounter will likely be of the eastern squat variety. Unscedualed toilet breaks and public toilets in remote areas will be of the squat variety or at worst a hole in the ground and will likely be quite dirty.
Pharmacies – Pharmacies are readily available in major cities and large towns, although it is unlikely that the pharmacist will speak English. If you require medication from a pharmacy, please let your tour leader know as far in advance as possible. They will be able to arrange your local guide to go with you to collect what you need, or the local guide may be able to pick up what you require on your behalf.
Hospitals – Hospitals in large cities are generally of a good standard. We ask that if you are feeling unwell that you let your tour leader know as soon as possible and consider their advice when it comes to hospital admission. Tour Leaders have the discretion to remove someone from the trip if they feel that continuing would endanger their health.
Please ensure you purchase adequate travel insurance that includes repatriation to your home country in the event of a medical emergency.

For all medication please carry a note from your GP detailing what medication you are on and why you are taking it to show to officials should you be asked.

Absolutely not. Please do not even brush your teeth with the water. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water for this purpose.

Drinking the water is likely to result in hospitalisation.

In Turkey the water is clean, however, different chemicals are used during the purification process so it could still cause a mild stomach upset. We would still recommend drinking bottled water in this instance.

Middle Eastern and North African food consists of a lot of grilled meats and vegetables.
Rice and cous cous are also common.

People from these cultures tend to eat large meals. It is not uncommon for a meal ordered in a restaurant to automatically come with soup and salad – which are both a sizeable meal on their own.

In most places dietary requirements can be accommodated as long as these are disclosed at the time of booking.

Your trip leader may not be able to accommodate any dietary requirements that have not been disclosed in advance.

We will do our best to accommodate dietary requirements in Sudan and Algeria, although we cannot guarantee restaurants here will be able to provide a variety of meals for vegetarian, vegan or gluten free diets. We would recommend you bring some snack food from home if possible if you are planning to undertake a trip to either of these countries.

Most countries in the Middle East & North Africa are Islamic countries and as such quite conservative. While not forbidden in most countries, women should consider whether short shorts or mid drift tops are culturally sensitive. If visiting a mosque women will be required to cover their hair and in many instances wear a long skirt and cover their arms. Men may be required to wear long trousers. Your trip leader will let you know when these items will be required, however please ensure you bring these with you on your trip.

In Iran and Sudan women must wear a head scarf, cover their arms and wear either a long dress (floor length) or loose fitting trousers with a long sleeve khaftan of at least mid thigh length. This is the law in Iran and Sudan. If you arrive with out these items you will not be permitted to join the trip and you could be arrested. Men must wear long trousers.

The situation in Saudi Arabia is fairly similar to Iran and Sudan, however some cities may be slightly more relaxed. Please come prepared to dress conservatively (as above) your trip leader will let you know of any places where the dress code may be less restrictive.