Messages: 76,704 - Threads: 14,223
posted
12-Jun-2008 16:43
by:
Irene_Adler »
last reply
09-Jan-2009 07:18
by:
Irene_Adler »
0
replies
,
5,230
views
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
,
89,645
views
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
26-Nov-2009 18:28
by:
reefdog »
435
replies
,
31,918
views
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
26-Nov-2009 21:38
by:
nessaloves »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 21:50
by:
Shuffaluff »
1
replies
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11
views
location: Israel
Hi everyone!!
Next February i will travel to Israel. I was wondering if I could take a day trip into Palestine from Tel Aviv or an other israeli city, I have been to Israel twice now and feel its only right to go to Palestine.
Is it safe to go there or am i crazy?
Thanks for the reponse!
Nessa
P.s If any other travellers have the same idea let me know!
posted
26-Nov-2009 15:22
by:
ellalangoon »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 19:33
by:
Shuffaluff »
1
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20
views
Hi all
Can anyone tell me what it’s like travelling in the ME independently (in particular as a single female)? I’m considering planning a trip there for Dec 2010/Jan 2011 (only time I can get off from work) but have been told I should only go with a group (that should have at least 1 guy in it) to avoid harassment. Can’t convince anyone I know to go with me. I have looked into various tour companies such as Intrepid, Kamuka and Peregrine, but the problem is I’d like to take in Turkey (would like to, at the very least, incl. Cappadocia, possibly Gallipoli & Troy), Iran (mostly for Persepolis), Syria, Israel (mostly Tel Aviv, but also Jerusalem & maybe Bethlehem), Jordan (for Petra), Lebanon & Egypt. As one of my main goals is to explore the architecture of the places (I’m an arch. student) I’m not really sure if going on an organised tour would allow me the time/freedom to explore ...
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posted
26-Nov-2009 10:04
by:
winter_roses »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 19:25
by:
Shuffaluff »
2
replies
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37
views
location: Israel
Hello and shalom dear readers
I am totally new to this forum so please bear with me till I get used to it. I am in the middle of planning another trip to Israel and am desperate to get back in touch with an old friend I knew there from last time. His name was David Levy and he was living in Jerusalem. The neighbourhood was called something sounding like Nakalot (??). I remember that he spent a brief period living with a Dutch Jewish couple but can't remember their names. He made aaliyah from England I think in 2000 or 2001 and was originally from the city of Birmingham.
If any of you readers can help me find David again I would be eternally grateful and thrilled to hear from you.
In peace, winter_roses
posted
26-Nov-2009 07:04
by:
ldub09 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 07:49
by:
marcopoloo »
1
replies
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57
views
Is it possible to get a syrian visa issued at the airport of Aleppo with a Canadian passport??
posted
26-Nov-2009 06:53
by:
sandyfoot »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 07:03
by:
sandyfoot »
0
replies
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22
views
location: Israel
Anyone who likes a city stroll, and happens to be in Tel Aviv /Jaffa, can take advantage of three new themed walking routes. http://www.tlv100.co.il/EN
Edited by: sandyfoot
posted
26-Nov-2009 05:31
by:
singe00 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 05:31
by:
singe00 »
0
replies
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15
views
location: Israel
Hi
Unsure if this should be in the Israel Branch so will also post it in the Egypt branch.
I was told on Mon by the TA Egypt Embassey that visa process times are 5 days because of a Fast in Egypt instead of the standard 1 day service includrd in the guidebooks. Unfortunately, this doesnt suit my travel plans and I have since moved onto Jerusalem. I was told to try the Eilat Embassey on 08-636-0999 but they havent answered the phone to confirm their current visa process times.
Can anyone confirm the current Eilat Embassey process times and application procedure (documentation, application times, pickup times etc)?
I have found that I can catch a Cairo Express bus for a hefty USD145 fee and they guarantee a visa at the border. Has anyone used this service and can confirm that their claims are accurate? Or alternatively, as they can get visas issued at the border, is their a...
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posted
26-Nov-2009 02:55
by:
askcathyw »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 04:26
by:
marcopoloo »
1
replies
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33
views
location: Jordan
Hi! What is the easiest way to go from Amman to Jerusalem overland? I will be doing so around December 8th. How long does it take? Many, many thanks!
posted
26-Nov-2009 02:53
by:
askcathyw »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 17:25
by:
Ruth »
3
replies
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49
views
location: Israel
Hi! I am wondering what is the easiest way to go from Amman, Jordan to Jerusalem overland? How long does it usually take? Many, many thanks!
posted
26-Nov-2009 02:36
by:
crazyy0009 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 07:28
by:
neckervd »
1
replies
,
31
views
location: Syria
I'm planning to go to Istanbul early December. From there I will take a plane to Gaziantep. I couldn't find a flight to Antakya (Hatay) in a good timing so I think this is the best solution. Please if you have better one, advice me.
But I don't know exactly what I should do next.
I heard there are only taxis which can take me to Aleppo but it is too expensive.
Is it right? There are no buses to go to Aleppo?? What should I do?
Please, any advice would help.
thanks
posted
26-Nov-2009 02:21
by:
eric92 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 11:37
by:
rjr144 »
2
replies
,
40
views
location: Syria
Hi,
Has anyone a recent experience of the minibuses b/w Hama and Afamia e.g. frequency, price, first and last departure from both places?
Thanks in advance.
Eric
posted
26-Nov-2009 02:19
by:
eric92 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 06:37
by:
oomwesam »
1
replies
,
29
views
location: Syria
Hi,
Does the minibus coming from Homs stop at Hosn in the village or goes up to the citadel in this season?
Thanks
Eric
posted
26-Nov-2009 02:16
by:
eric92 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 11:26
by:
vaniacroccia »
3
replies
,
36
views
location: Syria
Hi there,
I've travelled between Aleppo and Palmyra some years ago and have terrible memory of the stop in Homs on the way (everlasting...).
Has anyone here a recent experience of the Palmyra/Aleppo bus ride with Qadmous ? How long is the stop in Homs ? Can it be shorted if I take Qadmous from Palmyra to Homs then Al Halia from Homs to Aleppo ?
Is it feasible to arrange a direct trip from Palmyra to Aleppo and, if so, has anyone any recommendation regarding a company (and recent info about fares)?
Mant thanks in advance
Eric
posted
26-Nov-2009 01:37
by:
sbsl_1981 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 18:11
by:
Ruth »
1
replies
,
32
views
location: Jordan
I am planning visit Dana after visiting Madaba. I want to join the Marium Hotel's tour to Petra but drop me off in Dana village. I have some questions that I need good-knowledge fellas to help me, esp. Ruth :)
1) I do not plan to stay that hotel in Madaba (even though LP and many ppl recommend it) cuz its too expensive. But can I just go to the reception and ask for joining the tour? I am alone and will the boss charge me price for 1 car or just 1 person?
2) If I arrive in Dana in late afternoon, I plan to sleep one night there. According to LP, there are 2 private Hostels there (not RSCN ones), do I need to book in this particular time (end of the year)? Are those hostels in Dana Village?
3) I want to take popular Wadi Dana (the 14 km self-guided one) trek from next morning and it will take 6-7 hours. Where is the trailhead? Is it from the Dana Village or I need to hire a ...
more »
posted
26-Nov-2009 00:24
by:
zfactor »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 17:38
by:
a1 »
5
replies
,
92
views
location: Iran
Anyone out there with experience of successful entry into Iran or visa application with this stamp in your passport?
Very grateful for responses.
posted
25-Nov-2009 16:56
by:
Rockland »
last reply
25-Nov-2009 16:56
by:
Rockland »
0
replies
,
27
views
location: United Arab Emirates
Hello,
I got a great deal on a new Air Asia route from KL to AUH. Unfortunately it arrives at 1:30 in the morning and my connection to Cairo doesn't depart until 15:50. Is it comfortable to sleep in the airport such as on a bench?
Is there a transit hotel there? One that isn't expensive?
Is it worth leaving the airport to go see something?
This will be my first...maybe last...time in UAE.If there something worth seing there I would like to.
If I leave the airport is there a place to leave luggage there?
Thanks for your advice!
Middle East: Destination information
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