Originally Posted by
kurt_kessler
"Entering Israel: For non-dual nationals an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry. Although the Israeli government does not require that a passport be valid for six months from the date of entry, airlines routinely do so and may decline boarding if a traveler has less than six months' validity on his or her passport. Travelers normally receive a free, three-month tourist visa upon arrival in Israel, which may be extended. Travelers carrying official or diplomatic U.S. passports must obtain visas from an Israeli embassy or consulate prior to arrival."
Furthermore, Israel is listed as a member of the "Six Month Club".
Independent of Israel's regulations, though, I am trying to understand why BA is suggesting that it's a UK immigration policy.
I cannot see that paragraph you quoted in the gov.uk link. You are given a visa on arrival in Israel, which requires 6 months validity on your passport from date of departure from Israel.
BA's email is not suggesting you were refused due to the UK immigration policy. BA may have consulted UK Immigration as to the requirements for you entering Israel, with requirements you did not meet.
The simple fact is, BA correctly denied your travel to Israel as you did not meet Israeli entry requirements, and BA is responsible for ensuring you do. Else you would have been turned away on arrival at Israel at BA's expense.
From TIMATIC:
[KVS Availability Tool 7.2.9902/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]
Code:
National USA (US) /Embarkation USA (US)
Destination Israel (IL)
[Visa Information - Destination] Israel (IL)
[Information For Normal Passports]
Passport required.
- Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
for at least 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.
Passport Exemptions:
- Holders of Emergency or Temporary passports.
Visa required, except for A max. stay of 3 months:
- for holders of normal passports issued to nationals of USA;
Additional Information:
- Travellers may:
- enter Jordan over land directly from occupied territory,
[[TIDFT/IL/PA/AI/ID6575]]
- enter occupied territory overland directly from Jordan.
[[TIDFT/IL/PA/AI/ID6576]]
- Former nationals of Israel holding a foreign passport
[[TIDFT/IL/PA/AI/ID6577]]
Warning:
- Visitors must hold return/onward tickets [[TIRULES/R38]].
[Health Information] Israel (IL)
Vaccinations not required.
CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.): 72-HOUR VISA-FREE
TRANSIT AT GUANGZHOU
01 Aug 2013 / 15:34 [UTC]
http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/...ages/Visa.aspx
"All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country."