Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: usually somewhere between 30000 and 40000 feet...but actually the English countryside
Programs: BA GGL/Lifetime Gold, EK Gold, Lowly M&M, Marriott tit, Hhonors Diamond, numerous others
Posts: 1,156
Thought I would just update this thread based on this weeks trip.
As before entry is with prior permit and you actually need a $100 dollar bill, not 2 x $50 or permutations thereof. Must be 2009 onwards, there are still plenty of 1998 onwards bills in circulation.
You also need to register with the central Police and have a permit inserted into your passport - most hotels will offer to do this for you, I suggest you don't do at the airport when exiting as there can be long queues and it takes time. You need to pay $57 for this privilege if on a single trip visa. If on a multi entry visa the fee is waived.
The Al Salam Rotana remains the best hotel option being 10 minutes from the airport and is far better than some other "chain" hotels.
Room rate runs to about $220 per night including taxes, payable in cash.
Local rumours about sanctions being lifted possibly in June / July this year.