Syria - Jordan - Israel - UAE

[AndyPLP]

I am planning on starting my gap year in the Middle East and plan to visit Syria, Jordan, Israel, and the UAE.

I have some sites in mind that I want to see, but has anyone any specific information that could come in handy? for example, I have read that some hostels in Syria offer free pick ups from the airport, or that you can get a lift to Palmyra, etc.

I really want to immerse myself in the culture, and would like to experience the food and society - is there anything anyone can recommend?

Finally - the UAE = anything that's a must do?

[Eldorado82]

HI ANDY!!

i can advise about everything about israel! please feel free to contact me via the forum or via my email, or SKYPE account that i can give you via the email! WAITING FOR YOUR LETTERS

[briggl]

Eldorado82,

It would be better if you help AndyPLP here on the forum so that all of us can benefit from the things you have to share.
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[Eldorado82]

hi,
it is understandable, i'I'll be very kind to share and offer things in this forum. by what i can see so frar this forum is more-or-less active, comparing to toerh ones.... happy that i've found this forum really

[willi]

Hi Andy,
There is something I think you should take in a account.
Having an immigration authority signature of Syria or UAE might be problematic
when you come to Israel and the other way around. Israel is more strict about its
border security so plan your trip accordingly; visit Israel first, then Jordan and later
on head to Syria and UAE.
Wishing you the best,
William
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Ah... don't worry, it's just a volcano.
http://www.timeinisrael.com

[Eldorado82]

[Red Tape]

But, check to see if you can enter Syria with an Israeli visa in your passport. There are some Arab countries where it isn't allowed. Check with a Syrian tourist office or look to see what is required.


.....http://www.syriagate.com/Syria/about/visitsyria/entry_exit.htm

Important Information on Entry and Exit Requirements
A valid entry visa granted by the Syria Embassy or Consulate in the visitor's country of origin or residence.

Where there is no Syrian mission in the passport holder's country, an entry visa may be issued by any other Syrian mission abroad, or at the point of entry to Syria.

Groups of tourists of ten or more are granted a group visa gratis (free of charge) provided each member of the group be in possession of a valid passport.

Visitors planning to spend more than 15 days in the country are required to apply to the security authorities for an extension of stay.

Every visitor must exchange $100 at the border.

Tourist group more than ten persons are exempted from this exchange.

Tourists who visit Syria more than once, within a period of two months are exempted from re-exchanging $100 for second time.

Every tourist must pay 100 SP as a departure airport tax.

Bills at all hotels are paid in hard Currency.

Passports of visitors to Syria must not carry an 'Israeli' visa.

Fees Charged for entry visas are subject to the principle of reciprocity with the country concerned.

Visitors are not required to obtain an exit visa if their stay does not exceed a period of 15 days.
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[Red Tape]

Frommers offers the following:

Watch That Stamp! -- If you plan to visit Arab countries, ask for your visa stamp to be placed on a piece of paper separate from your passport when you enter Israel (if your passport is stamped by Israel, that stamp will close the doors to many Arab and Islamic countries for the duration of your passport). Israeli passport control personnel are accustomed to this request and in most cases will cooperate, but an occasional ill-tempered clerk may decide to make extra problems for you by stamping your passport. With political conditions the way they are, even in relatively friendly places such as Morocco, Egypt, or even Bali (a Hindu island in Muslim Indonesia), Israeli stamps in your passport could cause problems should you find yourself in a local police station, or when you show your passport in banks, hotels, or post offices.



Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/israel/0227020032.html#ixzz0wU8yoQ3Q
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My flight map. A million miles and counting....Where I’ve been around the globe.

[AndyPLP]

I've heard it's impossible to get into Syria with an Israeli stamp in your passport. What is it like getting into the UAE? I know Jordan is OK.

[beijinger]

You can not get in to UAE if you have Israel visa stamp on your passport, I can confirm that.