Israel

I'm so happy you are going!  I can't wait to see your pictures!!!!

Yes, we expect to see photos of you floating in the Dead Sea!

Have fun.

I have a friend who made Aliyah last year, and lots of friends who go there regularly.  I haven't got around to it yet, but one day I hope to, if only for the diving and the beaches, let alone the history.

Vicky

Booked!

I am going to Israel. 

Sorry for being nosey, but are you going by yourself?

Booked!

I am going to Israel. 

Mazel tov! Be safe and have FUN!!

I'm jealous! Have fun .

You will have problems with arab world but not Morocco, algeria, Tunisia, Egypt,Jordan,UAE  ..
You cannot enter Lebanon or Syria  or Saudi  or Iran or Qatar,Bahrain, Oman  ...

You have to check each country...
kal

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Israel/Visa

Passport/Visa Note:

Passports must be valid for at least six months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Israel. Travellers intending to visit Arab countries (other than Egypt, Jordan or United Arab Emirates) after leaving Israel should ensure that their passport does not contain Israeli visas or stamps, otherwise entry into Arab countries with such passports will be denied; it is sometimes possible to have a separate sheet of paper stamped instead. However if travelling to the Occupied Territories proof of entry to Israel must be shown in passports. Since February 2007 all foreign nationals need a multiple re-entry visa to enter and exit Gaza through the Erez crossing point.

You will have problems with arab world but not Morocco, algeria, Tunisia, Egypt,Jordan,UAE  ..
You cannot enter Lebanon or Syria  or Saudi  or Iran or Qatar,Bahrain, Oman  ...

nb Iran is not an Arab country.

nb Iran is not an Arab country.

There's a very interesting and quick information from Slate.com on why that is so.

http://www.slate.com/id/1008394/

However, they are one of the countries that deny entry to people who've visited Israel. I'm sure such admirable moral stand takes quite a chunk out of their booming tourism business. 

Hi all!

I am just back from a week in Israel. I had a fantastic time. Since I only had a week of holiday left to use up, I decided to take it slow and just see where I ended up.

A friend and his wife greeted me in Tel Aviv. The sunshine and warm weather was welcoming. I spent four days in Jerusalem. It was Palm sunday when I arrived and I giggled when I heard all of the American voices... reminded me of all of the Americans I met in Ireland. I did one organized trip to the Dead Sea, Masada and Jericho but tourism has been down in Israel so it was only me and a Canadian. I went to the West Bank on my own and saw Ramallah (my favorite day of the whole trip) and Bethlehem (my saddest day). Ramallah is a bustling city. The wall the Israelis are building around the West Bank is unbelievable. The worst checkpoint in my experience was at Bethlehem. The guidebook wasn't lying when it described it like entering a maximum security prison. I took public transport and had to arrange a taxi to drive me into town once I got to the other side. The driver I had was really good. I shared the taxi with an Austrian woman living in Munich. I regret that! The driver was cool though and after we split from the Austrian he took me to see the refugee camps just near the wall. Many foreigners are starting to draw pictures and phrases on the wall.

I spent Purim and shabbat with two families. They were great and so welcoming. I met all sorts of travelers and locals. I have too many stories and lots of thoughts running through my head.

This was one of my most favorite trips in a long time. It was indeed one of the most humbling trips.

Sounds like you had a great trip!  Hope you post some pics soon!

Glad you had a good time! Just curious, why do your regret the shared ride with the Austrian?

hi, egypt is on that list, i used to live there, i know that if u have the stamp for israel, they will not let u enter is what i have been told. know im late with that...

Glad you had a good time! Just curious, why do your regret the shared ride with the Austrian?

She was one of those people who vocally condemned the way of life (albeit not an ideal one) and compared everything to the way life is back in Austria and Germany. She told me a story about a woman she chastised about littering and how this would not happen in Germany. She openly called the West Bank hell. She wouldn't listen to the driver's perspective. Oh the stories go on!! Being with her was the least safe I felt in the whole country. She was married to a Palestinian man for 20 years and had been traveling back and forth to Israel for years so it wasn't as if she was a newbie.

hi, egypt is on that list, i used to live there, i know that if u have the stamp for israel, they will not let u enter is what i have been told. know im late with that...

There is no problem with traveling to and from Egypt. It is quite common for people to travel between these countries. Immigration is tough though and it is not uncommon to be detained and thoroughly questioned. Even leaving the country is hard.

She was one of those people who vocally condemned the way of life (albeit not an ideal one) and compared everything to the way life is back in Austria and Germany. She told me a story about a woman she chastised about littering and how this would not happen in Germany. She openly called the West Bank hell. She wouldn't listen to the driver's perspective. Oh the stories go on!! Being with her was the least safe I felt in the whole country. She was married to a Palestinian man for 20 years and had been traveling back and forth to Israel for years so it wasn't as if she was a newbie.

Oh my!