Messages: 76,314 - Threads: 14,151
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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5,184
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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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89,311
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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
21-Nov-2009 08:34
by:
kristina86 »
420
replies
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30,239
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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
21-Nov-2009 15:46
by:
methos2000 »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 15:46
by:
methos2000 »
0
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location: Israel
I am traveling with my husband and 13 yr old son to Israel later this month. We are staying in a time share resort in Eilat most of the week, but have a couple days in Jeruselem when we arrive. My husband is Jewish and concerned about hotels that might be in an Arab section might not be safe. Does anyone have recommendations for reasonably inexpensive hotels near tourist areas? thanks!
posted
21-Nov-2009 10:03
by:
jpmo »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 10:03
by:
jpmo »
0
replies
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14
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location: Yemen
Could anyone update if the foreigner could get the visa on the broader from Al,azunah, Oman to Yemen? I understand I could get the visa if I fly in but I would like to travel via road.
Also if I took the bus from Salalah to Sayun, do I should get the permit? Once across the broader?
From Sayun I will go down to Aden, is it possible to go by the public transportation? I am a budget traveler so prefer not to join the tour or using the tour guides that will be too much for me. I dont mind to take a longer time to wait for the public transportation.
Pls give me some budget traveler ideas instead of asking me to join the tours.
Thanks.
posted
21-Nov-2009 06:34
by:
mtan01 »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 06:34
by:
mtan01 »
0
replies
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16
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Hi all,
I'm a Malaysia citizen and my wife is US citizen flying from the US.
We are planning to go to Jordan (fly to Amman), then to spend some time in Egypt before flying home. My question is, do we require a VISA to get into Jordan and Egypt? Do we have to get it before arrival or just get it upon arrival at both countries?
Oh, and, the entire trip will be no longer than 12 days.
Thanks very much for your help.
posted
21-Nov-2009 04:12
by:
travela »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 04:12
by:
travela »
0
replies
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25
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location: Syria
Aleppo reminds me a lot of Damascus, but the old town, although larger (or is it just that I've spent longer lost in it!?) is not as well kept/picturesque, to my mind. I really wouldn't like to live in some of the parts that I've seen, but since that was an area that sold garden/house and car stuff, at least no one tried to sell me anything! Walked around the area that the Germans have been renovating, near the old asylum and that was much nicer. A local (who found me lost...) walked me to the hospital and told me how much the area had improved since he was a child...then he took me to his shop, oh well, afraid he was very disappointed when he finally realised I'm not the shopping type, especially not $400US shatuss (spelling?) shawls, even though they were cheaper than I had been offered them in Kashmir. I do have some principles and buying products made from endangered species is de... more »
posted
21-Nov-2009 03:22
by:
jerardjardin »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 04:35
by:
genghis_caterpi... »
1
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35
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location: Oman
Hi,
I am traveling to Oman to install some equipment to measure sea level. I arrive on 11/28 but nobody is working (due to national holiday) until 12/4. My work will be in Muscat at the port, Salalah and Masirah.
I wanted to try and get to see some of the country along the way but since one of my weeks of work will be gone, I will be pretty busy once things start. So my plan has shifted and now I want to spend the 5 days purely traveling around.
I looked at some of the threads and sounds like some really knowledgeable people out there.
I only learned about the holiday a couple of days ago and now trying to make the most of my free days. My budget is not super tight but unfortunately my time is. I am up for whatever and particularly interested in some cultural experiences.
Please send me some suggestions so I can research further.
thank you.
Jerard
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posted
21-Nov-2009 02:24
by:
alibanjo »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 05:19
by:
marcopoloo »
3
replies
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54
views
location: Syria
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a decent Syria/Lebanon or Middle East guide book? Most reviews of the recent LP ones seem to say they are pretty poor, especially the Syria section in the Syria/Lebanon one.
Thanks
posted
21-Nov-2009 01:37
by:
rome_the_globe »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 01:37
by:
rome_the_globe »
0
replies
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20
views
location: Jordan
Hi fellow travellers,
am based in Dubai and have 7 days off start of Dec. Decided to definately tackled Jordan see as much as I can and when and if I feel im done i'll fly back to dubai.
Here's my thoughts, interests and proposed itinerary, no accommodation currently booked, single male travelling alone. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, gossip?
1.get to amman early morning - bus to Wadi Musa/Petra
2. find accomm (maybe prebook) stay a night or two, see Petra
not interested in seeing anything else south so back to Amman will do day trips from there, and perhaps stay a night or two at Wadi Mujib dead sea area
3. back to amman. stay in amman and do day trips to Mount Nebo and HAMMAMAT MA’IN and get around seeing historical sights of amman etc
4. then go to dead sea, visit.......should I stay? people talking about Mujib Chalets (looks nice)?
5.back to amman then ba...
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posted
21-Nov-2009 01:03
by:
oomwesam »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 11:55
by:
vaniacroccia »
3
replies
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91
views
location: Syria
Ok so its sad to say I think we are nearing the done everything stage now. What I want is something new to see this coming Eid. We are in Hama. Done the crak, the coastal mountians, the coastal cities including banyas tartus and lattakia. What we havent seen much of is the North East. Like St. Simeon and such. Is it really worth the drive out there? Any other suggested places to do in Syria over Eid? We have already done Palymyra and Bosra too and even the dead cities. I have four boys in tow as most of you know ;) So that has to be also kept in mind. But they are hardy troopers. We drive our private car so accessiblity is not an issue. Thanks in advance.
Aisha in Hama
posted
21-Nov-2009 00:45
by:
stag »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 05:14
by:
marcopoloo »
3
replies
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39
views
I am a Norwegian. I will probably go by train through Turkey in February 2010. The I plan to visit Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Maybe the Palestinian West Bank too.
My questions:
1. Can I buy visa on the border between Turkey and Syria? Can I return again to Turkey after two weeks in Syria?
2. Can I buy Lebanese visa on the border between Syria and Lebanon. Can I return again to Syria?
3. Can I buy Jordanian visa on the border between Syria and Jorda. Can I return again to Syria?
4. Can I cross the border between Jordan and the West bank and return to Jordan, Syria and Lebanon?
Any response would be appreciated.
stag
posted
20-Nov-2009 23:57
by:
parytak »
last reply
20-Nov-2009 23:57
by:
parytak »
0
replies
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24
views
http://parytak.blogspot.com
i was at Aleppo and Damascus
week end ....
posted
20-Nov-2009 19:38
by:
Coconut_Wireless »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 03:59
by:
DubinNYC »
2
replies
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63
views
location: Syria
Aloha (Merhaba)
can anyone give me the direct website of the Al Riad Hotel in Hama?
What about a website for Damas Tours mentioned in the Lonely Planet also in Hama
Also need a current website for the train (new trains) from Aleppo-Hama
Shukran
traveling with Aloha the coconut wireless
posted
20-Nov-2009 11:21
by:
ranme »
last reply
20-Nov-2009 11:21
by:
ranme »
0
replies
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33
views
location: Syria
Hi.
My family of 5 ( wife and 3 boys below 5 years old) thinking of staying in Syrian Capital (Damascus) for 2 - 3 years to study Arabic.
Can u advise what is cost of apartment, food and education generally like?
Are the residents interested in learning English? I can teach that as a source of income while studying.
posted
20-Nov-2009 11:20
by:
ranme »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 03:11
by:
Hobiecat »
3
replies
,
65
views
location: Yemen
Hi.
My family of 5 ( wife and 3 boys below 5 years old) thinking of staying in Yemen Capital for 2 - 3 years to study Arabic.
Can u advise what is cost of apartment, food and education generally like?
Are the residents interested in learning English? I can teach that as a source of income while studying.
posted
20-Nov-2009 09:23
by:
bertyboy »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 00:39
by:
marcopoloo »
1
replies
,
52
views
location: Syria
Hi guys, has anyone out there taken the train from Damascus to Tehran recently? If so, how was it, in terms of comfort, price, time taken etc. Any info much appreciated.
cheers
ian
posted
20-Nov-2009 04:25
by:
Schlomo »
last reply
21-Nov-2009 00:47
by:
Schlomo »
6
replies
,
104
views
Hello all,
After booking flights to Caïro and from Tel Aviv, I stumble upon the question how to spend the 2 weeks in between. Since there are (too;) many great things to see, this shouldn't be much of a problem, just how to spend them wisely.
Absolute necessities in my opinion seem to be the Egyptian Museum in Caïro, the Gizeh Pyramids, Petra and Jerusalem.
The rough plan is as following:
Day 1 Arriving Caïro, visiting Egyptian Museum
Day 2 Visiting Pyramids
Day 3 Leaving Caïro, Alexandria or other city?
Day 4 Towards Sinaï/Nuweiba?
Day 5 Nuweiba-Aqaba ferry, Wadi Rum
Day 6 towards Petra
Day 7 Petra
Day 8 towards Amman
Day 9 Amman - Jerusalem
Day 10 Jerusalem
Day 11 Around Israel (what to see?)
Day 12 Around Israel
Day 13 Around Israel
Day 14 Around Israel
Day 15 flight from Tel Aviv
Does anybody have advice about whether this is feasible? Or things t...
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