TLV Security
Jul 25, 2010 | 2:28 pm
#17
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Jul 25, 2010 | 2:42 pm
#18
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Well, the Israel stamp is proving problematic since I really want to vacation in Beirut. Of course, I can request a new US passport but I'm not motivated to go through the hassle; I can travel to many other parts of the world and countries not yet visited. I can also wait until my current passport expires in 2015. Or I can try to obtain the Lebanese visa here in the US., though it would be a disaster if I arrived at BEY to be turned away from entering into the country despite having the visa.
As an aside, I have absolutely no interest visiting a country that discriminates and refuses entry to people based on who they are and where they have traveled.
Jul 25, 2010 | 3:49 pm
#19
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The security folks are polite, friendly, yet serious about their job. The TSA is a different story.
When I entered Israel via the land crossing from Jordan, the Jordanians automatically stamped our exit stamps on a slip of paper they inserted in the passport. Upon reaching Israeli passport control, my friend asked them not to stamp his passport while I said nothing on the topic. They gave him several more minutes of questioning about his motives but quickly stamped my passport and sent me on my way. The 19 year old female border guards definitely got a little cross about his request!
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jul 26, 2010 at 2:43 pm Reason: merge consecutive posts
Jul 25, 2010 | 6:34 pm
#20
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First time to TLV. I heard and read that security is really tight there. I like to travel light (carry-on and laptop bag) especially when I'm gone for one week only. Should I just check in my bag (going to and coming back) if security is that intense and avoid the hassle? (I hate waiting for the bag at the carousel, but if I have no choice...oh well.) Thanks!!
Actually carrying on your bag will be LESS of a hassle. You first have to go through the slight interview. Then, if you are checking bags you need to put them through the X-Ray machines. Only afterwards can you go to the counter to get your BP and check in your bags.
If you carry-on you can skip step 2.
If you carry-on you can skip step 2.
You will be interrogated as to your motives and it might not be a short discussion.
Jul 25, 2010 | 8:43 pm
#21
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That's a silly reason not to visit! You don't have to wait until you visit BEY or until your passport expires. If you don't have an Israeli passport you can request they don't stamp and they will politely comply. There are some reports that the agents can get cross if you ask they don't stamp, but they will accommodate your preference.
Jul 25, 2010 | 9:29 pm
#22
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if traveling on business, be sure to have meeting agendas and minutes for the screening questions. also a good idea to collect business cards from everyone you meet and have those ready as well. the more detail you have that shows you were there in meetings, the better.
Jul 25, 2010 | 10:04 pm
#23
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If you are in Middle Eastern restrictions and that mean you cannot go to any Arabs country. You will denying to denied entry into Arabs country if you have Israeli stamp. You will be barred to Israel for 10 years. You will have to get second passports if you visits in another country without Israeli stamp.