Can I enter Israel with UAE and Jordanian stamps in my passport?
As a Dubai resident (but UK citizen) who has travelled to various Middle Eastern countries, and wanted to visit Israel, I was initially very concerned about getting into Israel with Arab stamps in my passport as I had heard conflicting stories, but couldn’t find a solid answer anywhere online! Eventually I booked my flights and decided to go and see for myself.
Getting questioned at border control:
My airport experience was actually very straightforward phew. I was arriving to Ben Gurion airport from Turkey (that wasn’t so pleasant- read about that here).
Coming from Turkey and with UAE and Jordanian stamps in my passport, I therefore thought I might be one of the travellers pulled in for further questioning.
I arrived at the border control (be warned there are long lines) and to one side saw a group of people waiting for further interrogation. This is when my heart began to sink. As I reached the front of the queue I was asked a series of questions as to why I am in Israel, who I’m with, where in Israel do I plan to visit, do I have any friends or relatives in Israel, why am I travelling alone etc etc. I was also asked a few questions about why I live in Dubai.
Getting into Israel without any problems
I simply answered every question honestly, and I think the border control officer could see that I was being totally honest with him, had nothing to hide and simply ended with “enjoy your time here” and handed me my blue entry card. Israel doesn’t stamp your passport, but instead gives you a tiny entry permit.
Yess I felt so elated when I had this in my hand and almost ran away in case he decided to change his mind!! This little card is as important as having the stamp in your passport so keep it safe! Every hostel/hotel will want to see it as well as your passport upon check in too.
Crossing land borders into Israel.
I didn’t cross any land borders as I flew in and out of Israel. Read more about crossing land borders here. However, the treatment you get depends on a range of factors such as the person you speak to on the day, your individual situation, the political situation at the time in Israel , political relations between your home country and Israel, the political situation and relation between the countries you’ve been to before Israel and your answers and body language responses to the questioning.
What is an Israel entry card?
You will receive a permit- an entry visa in the form of a small piece of card instead of a stamp in your passport. This is because certain countries will not permit you entry if you have an Israel stamp in your passport. You must keep this card safe.
Leaving Israel – more security questions and checks
Israel also security checks visitors thoroughly when leaving Israel.
At Ben Gurion airport before check in, I was asked various questions about my intentions behind my trip to Israel, what I did and prior travel such as “I have seen you have travelled to Jordan. Why is that?” Again I answered honestly – basically to see Petra and you can read my posts about Petra here and here and Jordan here.
All hand luggage was opened and thoroughly checked and scanned before being put through the security machine. This meant that it does take longer to get through security in comparison to most places so leave plenty of time for this. Arrive at the airport no later than three hours before your flight.
Be aware that Israel can refuse entry at their own discretion- each case is unique and assessed on an individual basis. My advice is simply to be honest. After all honesty is the best policy!!!
And in the words of Border control- “enjoy your time in Israel”
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