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posted
12-Jun-2008 16:43
by: Irene_Adler »

last reply
09-Jan-2009 07:18
by: Irene_Adler »

0 replies , 5,242 views

Thread Locked 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 ... more »

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posted
24-Jan-2004 05:32
by: Apollo »

last reply
15-Oct-2009 17:19
by: a1 »

46 replies , 89,712 views

Pages 1 2 3 4

Middle East FAQ thread

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... more »

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posted
13-Jul-2009 19:18
by: amiriniran »

last reply
26-Nov-2009 18:28
by: reefdog »

435 replies , 32,359 views location: Iran

Pages 1 2 3 4 ... 30

HELP - Please Update Iran Visa News

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

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posted
28-Nov-2009 06:41
by: angava »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 06:41
by: angava »

0 replies , 12 views location: Yemen

Safe places in Yemen

Hi, I want to visit Yemen in february 2010 alone and using public transportation. I would like to know which areas I can visit considering safety and transportation issues.
As far as I know there are not many problems towards the east and south of Sanaa? Any updated info?
Thanks in advance

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posted
28-Nov-2009 01:38
by: blueman »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 01:38
by: blueman »

0 replies , 15 views location: Qatar

One day visa to Qatar

Please, what is the easyest way to get short stay transit visa (I will arrive early morning and departure same day late evening) for Qatar (without expensive hotels etc.)? I am Czech passport holder, not the lucky 33 nations one.
Thnaks

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posted
28-Nov-2009 00:39
by: radi »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 00:39
by: radi »

0 replies , 18 views location: Yemen

Aden (Hotel)

Hey guys

Off to Aden from Jordan (Amman) on friday 4th Dec.Does anyone have any contacts or address for cheap hotel in Aden ?.I will be working for UNHCR in Khormaksar so any places located in and around there would be great.Its very hard to find contact details for any on the web.

cheers.
Phil

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posted
28-Nov-2009 00:09
by: llamaa1 »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 03:13
by: fluffy_bunny »

2 replies , 37 views location: Iraq

cycling across kurdistan alone

Hey guys I'm a Canadian cycle tourist that will be cycling across Kurdistan at the start of January by myself. I Will be enetering from Turkey across the Ibrahim Khali boarder and will be leaving through the Haji Omran boarder into Iran. I just have a couple quick questions.

1. Will I be able to cross the Ibrahim boarder into Iraq by myself or should I hire a taxi across to handle all the paper work?

2. Will it actually be possible to Cycle on the roads at this time of year or will there be to much snow on the ground? I have loads of warm kit so temperature isn't to big of an issue for me.

Any info would be super helpfull

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posted
27-Nov-2009 22:28
by: TourDeTim »

last reply
27-Nov-2009 22:28
by: TourDeTim »

0 replies , 55 views location: Syria

SYRIA - some findings

I've just returned from a 8 day trip to Syria - taking in Damascus, Bosra and Palmyra.
The place has everything I could hope for and more: great sites, lovely people, decent food, nice weather and excellent overall value for money.

For your reference: I spent about about 1500 SYP per day, half of which went to private accomodation.

So here are a few findings that might turn out to be useful for those preparing their vacation.

1. ACCOMODATION

Finding a cheap single room in DAMASCUS was a bit of a hassle at first.

  • I had booked in advance at Al-Rabie (800 SYP), but when I showed up at 3am they had given it away ("we had a large group arriving"). This seems to have happened to others as well.
  • Luckily there was the Al-Mahaba & Al-Salam Hotel (1200 SYP) nearby: back down to Shoukri al-Quwatli and then 2nd hotel on your right. Quite nice but make sure you get a room awa...
more »

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posted
27-Nov-2009 21:18
by: gingerina »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 05:46
by: chitralguy »

2 replies , 34 views location: Israel

Zionist Propaganda Poster

hi there,

I would like to know if anyone knows about a place in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem in which I could buy some original zionist/israel propaganda poster.

I've also found a website, but the contact page does not work.
http://www.zionistposters.org/

By the way, any suggestion will be very appreciated.

Gingerina

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posted
27-Nov-2009 20:17
by: garandian »

last reply
27-Nov-2009 22:15
by: garandian »

2 replies , 54 views location: Syria

Update needed about entry visa at Damascus Airport

As we all know, the rules are changing probably on a daily basis. I have a flight ticket at Sunday do Damascus, it is now possible to get an entry visa at airport Damascus? I am a Swiss passport holder. While living in Lebanon, I have been told by many tourists, that they just can cross to Syria with paying 60$ at the border! I called the Syrian Consulate in Switzerland, and they just told me, actually I do need a Visa but I can try to get one at Damascus! Does somebody made any experience in the last days/weeks?

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posted
27-Nov-2009 19:10
by: Coconut_Wireless »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 07:00
by: amagribi »

4 replies , 68 views location: Syria

ST. SIMON OR SALEDIN CASTLE?

IF I HAD TO CHOOSE between the two and only had time for the one which would you recommend and why?

Mahalo (Shukran)

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posted
27-Nov-2009 16:44
by: simeus »

last reply
27-Nov-2009 21:01
by: nomad0421 »

1 replies , 59 views location: Israel

West Bank

My friend and I will be in Jerusalem for 3-4 days (maybe longer) in January. We would like to head over to the West Bank for at least a day trip. We were wondering where people would recommend? Bethlehem would be high on this list, but we are open to any ideas. Perhaps we can travel further on after visiting Bethlehem? How would people suggest we do this? I have seen a few people mention a taxi driver they enjoyed showing them around. I have also seen alternative tours mentioned. I'm a bit confused as when I googled 'alternative tours' I got a website alternativetours.ps ; and another one toursinenglish.com. I'm not sure which of these groups people are talking about. Any thoughts on either? I'm not big on the tour group thing, in fact the only time I have taken one was in Tibet. What would be our other alternatives?


Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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posted
27-Nov-2009 14:58
by: kerram »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 01:31
by: thasos »

2 replies , 46 views

Travelling from Amman to Ramallah via Allenby

I am Canadian female travelling from Amman into the West Bank where I will spend most of my time in Ramallah.
I think I understand most of the process from what I've read, but I am still confused about a few things.

1) Is it possible to get from the Israeli terminal at the Allenby border by a shared taxi to Ramallah? Is there a way to go to Jericho and then change and bypass Jerusalem totally? And would this be quicker than going to Jerusalem and changing?

2) I know I am going to have to be pretty vague with the Israelis at the border about my purpose of my trip.
Would having a hostel booked in Jerusalem help my case? Followed by a "I am just here to see Jerusalem, and then onto Tel Aviv for some nightlife."

3) I've heard there is a new "Palestinian Authority Only" stamp which I would need to get to travel to Ramallah...but I have also heard you pretty much don't want to t... more »

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posted
27-Nov-2009 14:54
by: lambtiger »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 02:28
by: vaniacroccia »

1 replies , 35 views location: United Arab Emirates

Burj Dubai Tower

Hi

What is the best metro station to use to see the tower? I guess not too close or we won't see it properly...

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posted
27-Nov-2009 11:20
by: toad9 »

last reply
27-Nov-2009 19:41
by: marcopoloo »

1 replies , 37 views location: Syria

From Homs to Baalbek

Hi,
Am hoping to travel from Homs to Baalbek this December and then return to Homs and onto Hama (will stay overnight at least).I have a Syrian multi entry visa. Do the buses still go in winter and do they continue into the afternoon as I will probably be coming from Palmyra in the morning? What bus station do they go from?

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posted
27-Nov-2009 09:32
by: hermesalfa »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 05:48
by: chitralguy »

2 replies , 46 views location: United Arab Emirates

Does Etihad Airways has bad reputation?

I have found a cheap flight ticket with Etihad Airways, but read about several complaints about this airline: lost baggage etc.

Anyone with experience of flying with them?

Also, how generous are their luggage overweight policy? I will be carrying a lot over the allowed 20 kg.

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posted
27-Nov-2009 04:42
by: travellingdaze »

last reply
27-Nov-2009 04:42
by: travellingdaze »

0 replies , 21 views

BUS from DUBAI to OMAN

Hi
I'm going to Oman for a short visit in January. I'll be taking the bus from Dubai - and am not sure exactly where it arrives in Oman. I'm thinking of staying in Muttrah - is it far from the bus station? And has anyone stayed at the Corniche Hotel in Muttrah?

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posted
27-Nov-2009 00:52
by: bxfresh220 »

last reply
27-Nov-2009 00:52
by: bxfresh220 »

0 replies , 33 views location: Syria

BMI cancels Aleppo service

Not much good news for BMI recently -

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article6932432.ece

and...with today's announcement, starting in January they will no longer service Aleppo!

Still waiting to hear my options from them for my London->Damascus, Aleppo->London flight that I have booked for March, don't really want to have to fly in and our of Damascus, really frustrated as had my holiday planned out perfectly.

Sorry whinging over! But thought I would pass along the news...

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