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AIBU?

Posting here for traffic. Travelling from Israel into Jericho...any advice?

99 replies

minouminou · 21/01/2014 18:43

Visiting Israel next week, with DS, who's seven. Both on UK passports, and we're hoping to fit in a day trip to Jericho, which is in the Palestinian Territories. I know we'll be alright as Brits and tourists, but I'm wondering if anyone's had any hassle getting out of Ben Gurion airport on the way home...do you get a stamp in your passport upon entering Palestine? Etc etc...

Thanks a lot!

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ScottishInSwitzerland · 21/01/2014 18:47

I'm posting so I can find thread again.
My mum used to do charity work in Palestine so I will check with her.

I know they often got grief but not sure if it was the simple fact of going over the 'border' or if it was because of the work they did

minouminou · 21/01/2014 18:52

Thanks for that...looking forward to you getting back to me.

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splasheeny · 21/01/2014 18:54

They will be very suspicious. I know friends who were taken for questioning and detained just for not answering questions right at border. I would highly advise against.

Also have you thought about how safe it is to go into the Palestinian territories?

minouminou · 21/01/2014 18:58

All the current advice and info points towards Jericho being a safe tourist spot...both sides like to keep it that way because it's such an attraction.

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minouminou · 21/01/2014 18:59

It's got a cable car lift! And cafés!
Or am I just being naive?!

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splasheeny · 21/01/2014 19:00

The situation can quickly change so I would exercise caution. If you are happy for the hassle at the border then go for it though.

minouminou · 21/01/2014 19:02

I'll take a view on the day we plan to go.
Staying with chums in Tel Aviv, so chances are they or their friends will know better than us and will deter us if they think it's too dodge!

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minouminou · 21/01/2014 19:07

Too dodgy on that day, that is...I'm not ignoring your advice, Splash.

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eeyore2 · 21/01/2014 19:12

I went once for the day, there was no passport stamp. It was easy.

MsAspreyDiamonds · 21/01/2014 19:14

One of my colleagues regularly travels to Israel & Palestine and has to have two British passports. As apparantly he can't enter Israel with a Palestinian stamp and vice versa. It is best to check with the foreign office website to see what they advise.

minouminou · 21/01/2014 19:17

Thanks, Asprey. That's the sort of thing I'm looking for.

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MsAspreyDiamonds · 21/01/2014 19:17

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel

minouminou · 21/01/2014 19:18

There's a bus service, though....
It's really bonkers.

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MsAspreyDiamonds · 21/01/2014 19:21

I can ask my colleague tomorrow as he is a frequent traveller to Israel for work purposes.

minouminou · 21/01/2014 19:24

You're all being very kind, thank you.
I'm quite prepared to sack off the idea if necessary, so don't worry about us!!!

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dogindisguise · 21/01/2014 19:55

We visited Nablus when we were in holiday in Israel and didn't have any trouble. We didn't receive a stamp when going into the West Bank. We were with a tour group and I don't know if that made any difference.

Chippingnortonset123 · 21/01/2014 19:59

I have just got back. We visited Jericho. We were going to ask for a stamp on a separate piece of paper but they automatically gave us a separate slip with a bar code to get in. You probably know but you need to keep your passports on you at all times. It is far worse for the Palestinians.

splasheeny · 21/01/2014 20:02

If you aren't already going, the dead sea and masada are great alternatives.

Chippingnortonset123 · 21/01/2014 20:03

Just re read the op. You will be fine on a day trip. There may be a checkpoint on the way back in but it will not affect you, with British passports.

Chippingnortonset123 · 21/01/2014 20:05

Just re read the op. You will be fine on a day trip. There may be a checkpoint on the way back in but it will not affect you, with British passports.

minouminou · 21/01/2014 20:32

Splash...our friends will take us to Jerusalem for a day, so if need be, that'll satisfy our need for very old cities (DS' big thing at the moment).
We'll also go to a beach and spend a day in the city.

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Bearsandtoys · 21/01/2014 20:39

I went 3 yrs ago from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, through the checkpoint. It was fine, we were obviously tourists. No passport stamps.

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Chippingnortonset123 · 21/01/2014 20:40

Found you!
I couldn't find this thread.
Pm me op and I will give you local knowledge and prices.
You shouldn't have any problems with uk passports.
Jericho was the biggest disappointment of our trip; make sure that you want to go up the cable car.
Trip to Masada and the Dead Sea was S240.
Dead Sea is fine in January and May be more memorable for Dcs.
No problems with checkpoints as long as you keep your passports with you and you are not Palestinian. If you are Palestinian be prepared to be treated like a black in apartheid South Africa.

Bearsandtoys · 21/01/2014 20:40

By the way, Jerusalem is AMAZING, I'm so jealous! The wailing wall is fantastic and I suggest you go to the via dolorosa (stations of the cross) for some good people watching.

Chippingnortonset123 · 21/01/2014 21:06

I know, bears! I have just returned and I am still walking on air.

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