Messages: 77,596 - Threads: 14,385
posted
12-Jun-2008 16:43
by:
Irene_Adler »
last reply
09-Jan-2009 07:18
by:
Irene_Adler »
0
replies
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5,362
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Welcome to the Middle East branch!
Welcome to the Thorn Tree's Middle East branch.
We hope you find plenty of useful information about this exciting part of the world here. It is highly recommended that new users check out the Middle East FAQ thread before posting a new thread as you may find many of the answers you seek there. It also contains helpful information about how to search the forum and post your questions, and obsolete information was deleted as recently as January 2009!
Keeping it travel-related:
We want to remind you that this forum is a place for travellers and travel enthusiasts to share tips, information, and their experiences about the Middle East. Though we understand and respect that many of our posters have strong political beliefs, we ask that you debate these in a more appropriate environment, like a political ...
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posted
24-Jan-2004 05:32
by:
Apollo »
last reply
15-Oct-2009 17:19
by:
a1 »
46
replies
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90,504
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The countries covered by this FAQ are: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
Please read this thread first if this is your first visit to the Middle East. There is some travel information about the Middle East in Lonely Planet's Destination pages.
If you don't find the information you are looking for in the FAQs, please start a new thread outside the FAQ thread - don't add your question to this thread. Read the tips below before you start your thread. Anyone who has information they believe needs to be in the FAQ section, please feel free to add your tips and info. We will go through and delete obsolete content when we can. Thanks!
*Tips for getti...
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posted
13-Jul-2009 19:18
by:
amiriniran »
last reply
10-Dec-2009 17:59
by:
terifc »
459
replies
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35,972
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location: Iran
Hi.
I am trying to figure out what the 'real story' is with Iran visa especially VOA these days. It seems like there are now much fewer tourist visas being granted by Iranian embassies than before June 20, 2009 (when govt. crackdown on protesters began), while for all practical purposes VOA (airport visa) has 'ceased to exist' as well. So, if you got visa since July 1, please tell us your nationality, where you got visa, how long it took you, and what travel agency (if any) did you contact. For VOA however, please just indicate your nationality and the questions the 'Airport Immigration' asked you before stamping your passport or deporting you! And if you have also extended your visa quite recently since late June, please bring us up-to-date too. Thank you. Amir.
Edited by: amiriniran
posted
11-Dec-2009 10:53
by:
solarisglobal »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 10:53
by:
solarisglobal »
0
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5
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location: Syria
Hi,
I will be taking a bus to Syria from Istanbul, probably to Aleppo then onto Damascus and the usual itinerary. Can anyone recommend recently visited cheap but nice hotels or hostels with private rooms?
I travel on the cheap, am flexible and adventurous, but not at all into the college-age party scene.
thanks!
Also, any advice on the bus trip and anything else most welcome!
posted
11-Dec-2009 10:01
by:
Yakkalot »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 10:01
by:
Yakkalot »
0
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4
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location: Lebanon
I'll be in Lebanon in two weeks and was wondering if it was possible to visit Beaufort Castle these days or has it been occupied by the Lebanese Army or Hezb'allah?
If so, any details on how to get there? Is hiking required?
Any details appreciated.
Cheers, Luke
posted
11-Dec-2009 09:12
by:
vanjan17 »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 09:12
by:
vanjan17 »
0
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11
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location: Syria
Has anyone entered Syria with a US passport & visa issued by the Honorary Consulate in Texas? I've read that sometimes people have trouble at the border when the visa is not issued by the embassy in Washington, DC. Please let me know your experiences.
Also, does anyone know if the Embassy in Washington, DC still has a 1-day turnaround time on the visas?
posted
11-Dec-2009 08:33
by:
Solihull »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 08:33
by:
Solihull »
0
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location: Saudi Arabia
Will be spending some time in Saudi Arabia soon.
Being a heavy smoker I'm wondering what's the best way to get hold of them.
I smoke both cigarettes and tobacco,and do prefer English brands like Benson and hedges,and Golden Virginia Tobacco.
Can I get English stuff in Saudi,or is it better to buy at Heathrow? Also any idea of prices? English Duty free is quite expensive these days.
Thanks.
posted
11-Dec-2009 07:29
by:
lilacpea »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 08:53
by:
dow204 »
1
replies
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8
views
location: Bahrain
Hi
I have a South Korean passport and I saw somewhere in the Internet that I need a visa in advance. Where can I get a 100% sure information about this ? I'm going there soon.
Thanks
posted
11-Dec-2009 06:57
by:
jptiger »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 08:58
by:
dow204 »
2
replies
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28
views
location: Israel
I did a search on this was surprised to find the latest post on the subject was dated Dec 20th, 2008. I'm currently in Lebanon and heading south. I hope to enter and leave Israel via Jordan (King Hussein bridge). I'm a little concerned about the exact same thing all travelers are concerned about with this tactic: the Israeli passport stamp. It's not a huge deal for me since I'm going south instead of north this trip, but my passport is good through 2015, and I would like to see Iran (among others) someday, probably before then. So it would be nice not to have evidence of a visit to Israel in my passport.
So, why am I asking this forum? Because I've started hearing rumors that, very recently, Israeli border guards no longer want to stamp separate pieces of paper. Is there anyone who has made this crossing recently who can confirm or refute this? In case it's relevant, I have an ...
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posted
11-Dec-2009 05:02
by:
mykimike25 »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 08:23
by:
lukeyleicester »
3
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18
views
Hi there!
I am a New Zealander who is planning a bit of a middle eastern tour. I am doing a 16 day guided tour of Egypt & Jordan that is a loop from Cairo. I am doing this with a friend and wanted to get off in Amman but am not allowed due to company regs. So I must return to Cairo and take it from there.
I am thinking of flying to Damascus from Cairo to save time and hassle. I will then tour Syria and head to Lebanon. From Lebanon I will fly back to Amman and bus to Jericho/Jerusalem. I will tour Israel & The Palestinian Territories and head back to London out of Tel Aviv.
I am pretty sure I need a multiple entry visa for Jordan as I will be re-entering. I am unsure however if I should state that I am going to be leaving via Israel in case they put is on the visa and it screws me up in Syria. Also does anyone know weather I need to pre-apply for visas for the other countries...
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posted
11-Dec-2009 04:40
by:
travelheinz »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 09:00
by:
dow204 »
1
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12
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location: Yemen
hi.
in two days i will head off to yemen. thought it would be an easy thing to get a travel insurance, but apparently, since there is an official travel warning (eu, uk), most insurance companies won't cover yemen.
anyone knows an insurance company that covers yemen?
cheers.
posted
11-Dec-2009 04:19
by:
simeus »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 06:41
by:
marcopoloo »
1
replies
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13
views
location: Jordan
Hi. I have a couple question I'm hoping peope can answer for us:
Is there a way to do the Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, Madaba as a day trip without hiring a driver?
Do we have to leave from Amman to catch the bus to Damascus?
What time do the buses leave to Damascus?
Would it be possible to get to the border from Jeresh, and then continue on to Damascus from there?
Thanks for any help.
posted
11-Dec-2009 03:01
by:
Laurence »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 05:58
by:
Ruth »
1
replies
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14
views
location: Jordan
Is hiking in the Wadi bin Hammad safe in the winter (January or early February), or is it a wet trail?
posted
11-Dec-2009 01:26
by:
guitoudebuch »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 01:26
by:
guitoudebuch »
0
replies
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7
views
location: Iran
well, i just discovered a week ago that there are overnight buses from esfahan to dezful/andimeshk every day at 8pm, calling at andimeshk at 8am. you could ask the caretaker at the apadana museum in shush to arrange transport to the ziggurat (100/120,000 irr), although make sure that you'll be staying at least on hour on the spot. the way there is very scenic. khuzestan as a whole feels very distinctively arabic (iraqi) and the last kilometers to reach choqa zanbil make you feel like you're in a bbc documentary on mesopotamia. definately worth it.
there are overnight buses from andimeshk to esfahan and tabriz, and lots of options to other places in western iran.
posted
10-Dec-2009 21:48
by:
zberman »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 00:42
by:
chriskean1 »
1
replies
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23
views
location: Yemen
Im contemplating flying to yemen from india....but was a bit put off by the flight prices i found...what are the best airlines for yemen...i was thinking of flying from mumbai.....and how much should i expect to pay????
posted
10-Dec-2009 14:17
by:
Dave »
last reply
11-Dec-2009 06:28
by:
dr_amerali »
1
replies
,
20
views
location: Iraq
Thanks to those who answered my earlier question about obtaining a visa on arrival at the airport in Erbil, Kurdistan (northern Iraq). Forgot to ask one very important piece of information, though. How long is the visa on arrival good for? And does everyone have to register with the government authorities no matter how long their stay, or is that only a requirement if you stay longer than 10 days (all I can find out online is that you must register within 10 days, but the language is vague).
Thanks!
posted
10-Dec-2009 13:25
by:
yoda9999 »
last reply
10-Dec-2009 13:25
by:
yoda9999 »
0
replies
,
12
views
If you are interested in a group tour to KSA, please message me. Minimum of 2 people. I and another person already paid the deposit. Full payment is due on Dec 28, and the tour is Feb 28.
posted
10-Dec-2009 07:37
by:
hildevangorp »
last reply
10-Dec-2009 08:31
by:
marcopoloo »
1
replies
,
45
views
location: Syria
Hi all,
I would like to go to Syria in august 2010 with husband and 2 kids. Is it necessary to make hotel reservations in advance?
Thanks
H
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