Israel

I agree wholeheartedly, and personally would never go to a country that engages in the practice. However, it is a legitimate concern for people contemplating a visit.

Isn't it more or less the same as the US denying entry to people who have been to Cuba?

Isn't it more or less the same as the US denying entry to people who have been to Cuba?

do we do this?

loads of Brits go to Cuba.

Isn't it more or less the same as the US denying entry to people who have been to Cuba?

Does U.S. deny entry to people who've been to Cuba?

loads of Brits go to Cuba.

And Canadians. But this is a thread about Israel so I'm not sure what Cuba has to do with it.

I think it's that the US forbids its own US citizens to visit Cuba.

Yep, although don't know if this is still practised:

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/your_say/article1305714.ece

Yep, although don't know if this is still practised:

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/your_say/article1305714.ece

What's still practiced? I just read the article but there's nothing there about U.S. denying entry to people who've visited Cuba.

The US needs to get over itself if that is the case.

I've never been, but my sister has twice and my parents once.  They all loved it and could not say enough wonderful things. 

I hope you go!

By the way, while there if you can splurge for a private tour guide in some places, it'll be some of the best money you can spend. Some people hire a person for the entire trip, but I'd just stick to someone to show me parts of Jerusalem (Old City, especially) and similar sites. I mean there's absolutely no experience like walking outside the old city walls and then having the guide tell you "Oh by the way, when David wrote 'As I walk through the valley in the shadow of death...' it's this place he was writing about." or "This is the desert the tribes of Israel wondered after they fled Egypt."

There's almost no chunk of that entire country that isn't tied into history in a huge way. It just gives you a completely different perspective if you have someone knowledgeble around to point some of these things out to you.

Michael Moore got hassled, from what I understand, for filming in Cuba while making Sicko.  It's the thing about US citizens aren't supposed to go there, but not that the US denies entry to people who have gone.  Just that if you're a US citizen and you go to Cuba and the US authorities find out, you could be in for some legal problems.

It's unfortunate that those other countries deny visas to people who have been to Israel.  Similar to what Mort has said about Israel, so much history (including major world heritage sites and antiquities) is involved with places like Iran, Lebanon and Syria.  My in-laws have been to all of them & highly recommend them as well -- they found the people lovely & everyone agreed that the government everywhere is pretty much crap.  Unfortunately, I think Americans might find it rough going to them -- even if you don't have an Israel stamp in your passport.  There was an American guy on the Iran tour they did (it was a couple years ago) & he really got hassled there.

What's still practiced? I just read the article but there's nothing there about U.S. denying entry to people who've visited Cuba.

You can read the full details on the State Department's site. However, according to Wikipedia the latest is that The current regulation does not limit travel of US Citizens to Cuba per se, but it makes it illegal for US Citizens to have transactions (spend money or receive gifts) in Cuba under most circumstances without a US government Office of Foreign Assets Control issued license

So, it only applies to US citizens but I do know non-US citizens who on travelling to Cuba were advised not to have their passports stamped in case they wanted to go to the US at a later date. 

Some countries will not grant you a visa if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport.

Which countries? I only thought it was Sudan?

Nevermind..

FYI as of 15 January, the FCO is advising against travel to some parts of Israel. I highlighted some information from its website (I work in travel insurance,so I'm in the "know"  )

 
 

Still Current at: 22 January 2008 
Updated: 15 January 2008 

 
 Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)
   

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments throughout. We now advise against all but essential travel to parts of the West Bank (areas other than Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho). We no longer advise against all but essential travel to Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho.


SUMMARY


GENERAL


Most visits to Israel are trouble-free.  However, the situation is unstable in the OPTs.  We advise against all travel to Gaza. We advise against all but essential travel to the West Bank (except Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho where we do not advise against travel, although you should avoid doing so during the hours of darkness).


The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2006 involved replacing lost and stolen passports or helping those who encountered security problems in the OPTs or difficulties at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Many policies do not cover you if your claim is the result of terrorism.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.


ISRAEL–see the Israel section of this travel advice for more details on all the following:


We advise against all travel to Sheba’a Farms and Ghajar on the border with Lebanon because of military operations.  We also advise against all but essential travel to areas within 5kms of the Gaza perimeter, including Sderot, because of rocket fire from Gaza.


There is a high threat from terrorism in Israel.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Following renewed Israeli military action in Gaza in May 2007, Palestinian militant groups have threatened attacks in Israel.  The most recent terrorist attack took place in January 2007 in the Red Sea resort of Eilat.


JERUSALEM–see the Jerusalem section of this travel advice for more details on the following:


We strongly advise you to maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem, and to follow local advice.  You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.  There remains a risk of demonstrations which have the potential to turn violent.


GAZA–see the Gaza section of this travel advice for more details on all the following:


We advise against all travel to Gaza. Although the situation has become calmer since violent clashes in June 2007, sporadic armed clashes continue. Groups in Gaza continue actively to target UK and other western nationals for kidnap. A British journalist was kidnapped in Gaza in March 2007 and released in July 2007. Despite his release, it would be reckless to travel to Gaza at this time.


If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in, Gaza you do so at your own risk. You should also review your security arrangements and seek professional security advice on whether they are adequate.  The level of consular assistance we can provide is very limited but if you wish to leave Gaza, you should contact the Consulate-General in Jerusalem for advice before attempting to do so.


WEST BANK (excluding East Jerusalem) – see the West Bank section of this travel advice for more details of the following:


We advise against all but essential travel to the West Bank, (except Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho where we do not advise against travel although you should avoid doing so during the hours of darkness).  Where possible you should avoid travelling even to Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho during hours of darkness.  Terrorist groups continue to maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners including British nationals.


If you intend to travel to Ramallah, Bethlehem or Jericho, you should avoid crowds, political gatherings or demonstrations which have the potential to turn violent.  For immediate, specific information about planned demonstrations or any other events which may affect the local security situation, you should register with the Consulate-General in Jerusalem
 

I still really want to go, but DH doesn't want to anytime soon

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_922.html

US State Dept. travel warning.