Middle-East Travel Guides

Visas overview

Everyone needs a passport valid for at least six months, but unless you are a citizen of most African or some Central American countries, India, Singapore or some ex-Soviet republics, you do not need a visa to enter Israel. Tourists are allowed stays of up to 90 days. This visa can be extended for a fee at Ministry of the Interior offices, located throughout Israel's larger cities and towns. However, when crossing a land border customs might ask how long you intend to stay and what you state is generally what you'll get. If there is a chance you'll stay longer than your intended departure date you might as well ask for the full 90 days. You will be given a duplicate entry permit on arrival. Do not lose this very losable piece of paper!

The main hassle with visiting Israel is avoiding having your passport stamped - most Arab countries will not allow you to enter if you have visited Israel. You won't get into Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libya or Yemen with an Israeli stamp. In Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey or Jordan they don't care and in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman, a little discretion should get you through. The best thing you can do is ask the officials to stamp your entry permit rather than your passport, or put Israel at the end of your Middle Eastern tour.