Going to Tel Aviv on Friday however ive heard that if you have an Egypt stamp in your passport it could cause problems on getting out/getting into Israel? Ive been to Sharm El Sheikh!
2007-03-19 07:27:32 · 12 answers · asked by Lorraine A 3 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Israel
Hello/Shalom
I have been to Israel and Egypt - Egypt first.
I have been to Israel twice - on Kibbutz.
You will have absolutely no problems in entering Israel. Before you leave - from the UK? Everyone gets questioned on why they are travelling to Israel - this is why you have to check in at least 3 hours before the flight takes off.
I felt safer being questioned - something most other airlines are doing as well after 9/11. Just answer their questions - don't worry about it - unless you are planning something bad.
The passport issue is actually the other way round - the majority of Arab countries won't let you in with an Israeli stamp in your passport - except for Jordan and Egypt.
You will have a great time - I am jealous - have fun
2007-03-19 10:04:47 · answer #1 · answered by thumberlina 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
You shouldn't have any problem coming from Egypt as the relations between the two countries is relatively okay. Be careful about getting an Israeli stamp in your passport (or even a departure stamp from a land crossing that would show you've entered Israel) since other Muslim countries might not allow you to enter if they see you've been in Israel. You should be able to ask the officials to stamp a separate form rather than your passport. You will probably be asked a few questions upon entry and departure, especially if you are headed back to Egypt.
That said...
In my particular case, I went from Jordan (and back to Jordan by plane, long story, part of a longer trip). I had relatively normal screening in Amman, Jordan and no problems entering Israel. I have passport stamps from just about every country in the Middle East except Saudia Arabia due to work.
I did, however, have an awful experience leaving Israel -- my work computer was confiscated for over an hour (presumably my hard drive was copied), I was questioned/detained for two hours, the Israelis insisted that my box of shortbread cookies showed traces of explosives, my entire suitcase was unpacked in front of everyone checking in (i.e. unfolding everything, looking at my papers, looking through wallets, opening every piece of makeup, etc.) and I was escorted through the airport by a security official to board the flight to Jordan. This is because I admited that I had stayed in East Jerusalem (muslim part of Jerusalem).
Up until that point, I had had a great trip...with that treatment, I refuse to return to Israel since it was obvious harrassment and was no longer security screening. I also note I was travelling on a diplomatic passport so this was also an infraction of protocol.
I hope my case is less common but several friends of mine who work/live/study in Arab or Muslim countries go through similar departure nonsense so be warned in advance so that you are not surprised. I was polite for about the first 60-75 minutes but once they prattled on about my Walker Shortbread cookies, I didn't take them seriously anymore...My job takes me to several insecure places so I am used to thorough airport screenings and I can appreciate this -- the five officials who dealt with me were making a political point.
Inshallah, your trip is hassle-free. There are some nice places to go and see.
2007-03-20 19:09:34 · answer #2 · answered by elf2002 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you could get problems the other way. with an israeli stamp on you passport you can't enter some muslim countries (though not egypt). at tel aviv you should only pass the average security control, which can take some more time compared to other airports in the world. (but still, its more meticulous when you exit the country)
2007-03-21 11:52:18 · answer #3 · answered by maroc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No problem, I have many stamps from Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco and some African countries in my passport and I never had any problem at the airport in Tel Aviv...
(I didn´t have a problem in all these countries with my Israeli visa either...)
So don´t worry, just enjoy your holidays...
2007-03-20 08:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anita P 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No it won't be a problem. But if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport it may cause problems going to Muslim countries in the future (Egpyt, Jordan and Turkey are ok though). You can ask for the Israelis to do your stamp on a separate piece of paper if you want.
Expect a very thorough grilling by the Israelis, possibly on arrival, definitely at departure. Not very fun, but sadly necessary.
2007-03-19 22:12:02 · answer #5 · answered by massadaman 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I've been to egypt too it shoudlnt be a probelm
they will just ask you why you were there... People go to egypt all the time its a major tourist spot ...
if you have a ton of coutnries like sudan qatar, iran or lebanon then they porbably wont let you in
2007-03-19 14:30:34 · answer #6 · answered by hanntastic 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just don't run through the concourse with a tea-towel on your head shouting "Death to the Infidels" - they have very itchy trigger fingers on those Uzis.
You should be fine - Egypt and Israel are pretty OK with each other these days, and I know someone who has been in the exact situation and had no problems.
2007-03-19 14:31:58 · answer #7 · answered by The Transporter 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Going into Israel with an Egyptian stamp is no problem.
However - going into Egypt with an Israeli stamp can be a problem (they still remember the war!)
You can ask the Israelis to put your stamp on a seperate piece of paper and attach it to your passport, a few of the people I work with offshore work down that way and thats what they do.
2007-03-19 19:33:39 · answer #8 · answered by arealhighlander 3 · 2⤊ 6⤋
i dont think you would have a problem because israel has good relations with egypt
2007-03-21 17:50:46 · answer #9 · answered by Israelichick 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Only if you create problems...
2007-03-23 04:10:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋