A visit to Israel

[MWazir]

At a recent job interview I was asked if I did not mind travelling a couple of weeks on business trips to Isreal. I did not have a problem with that and I said OK.

However, when speaking to a friend, I was told that once you have an Isreali visa, you will not get a visa approval in any Gulf state. How far is this true. Conversely I have been to the Gulf before, even stayed in dubia for 6 years, would that be a problem if I want to travel to Isreal?

Appreciate input from you guys.

[Kayalami]

It is usual practice for various countries in the region particularly the core Gulf States to refuse entry of travellers with proof of previous or intended travel to Israel as evidenced by Israeli entry/exit stamps and/or visas or even those of Jordanian/Egyptian land border crossings with the state of Israel.

I am aware that those nationals who do not require a visa to enter Israel (visitors class) can request the Immigration Officer at a Port of Entry to issue a 'stand alone' entry document with accompanying entry/exit stamps. The IO does not have to adhere to such a request.

Visa nationals AFAIK do not have this option but you can always request it via their consulate in London - due to the 'security' situation on the ground I wouldn't expect much if any joy. Keep us updated.

[MWazir]

It is usual practice for various countries in the region particularly the core Gulf States to refuse entry of travellers with proof of previous or intended travel to Israel as evidenced by Israeli entry/exit stamps and/or visas or even those of Jordanian/Egyptian land border crossings with the state of Israel.

I was afraid that might be the case. I also got the oppurtunity to speak to someone who visited both the Gulf and Israel and he said he went to Jordon first and got paperwork sorted from the local Indian embassy and his passport remained uneffected by immigration control. I didnt really understand that part of it but explored him no further.

I am aware that those nationals who do not require a visa to enter Israel (visitors class) can request the Immigration Officer at a Port of Entry to issue a 'stand alone' entry document with accompanying entry/exit stamps. The IO does not have to adhere to such a request.

Does this apply to an Indian national? Do Indian nationals require visas to go to Israel, particularly in my scenario where I will be on a business visit?

Visa nationals AFAIK do not have this option but you can always request it via their consulate in London - due to the 'security' situation on the ground I wouldn't expect much if any joy. Keep us updated.

The job offer is contigent on my making these trips to Israel and the US plus we have still to work out all the terms of employment. I will probably go ahead only if it doesnt effect my travel status to the Gulf. I still have family in that part of the world.

Interestingly in one of the interview rounds, conducted by an Israelie, said that he knows people who have travelled from Israel, on Israelie passports to Dubia. I could only claim ignorance on the issue.

I have one hypothetical question for you Kayalami, assuming I do have exit/entry stamps on my Indian passport. If all goes well and as per plan I do get to apply for a British citizenship eventually (I am due for an ILR in 1.5 years). Does that make it any easier for me to make a visit to the Gulf states as there will be no evidnce of exit/entry stamps on the new passport.

[Rogerio]

Was just wondering what the outcome of this was.

Rogerio

[MWazir]

Rogerio,

I did not take up the job offer. There were too many doubts in my mind regarding the travelling. Plus the terms of employment offered were not convincing either.

[Rogerio]

Oh well, I am sure that you made the right choice for yourself. I too would be confused over the visa thing. All the best, R.

[rogerroger]

i know this pakistani with a british passport who had a bunch of pakistani entry stamps in his passport.

he was questioned for hours at the port of entry and also when he was about to leave israel !!!

[first2last4]

Most of gulf and muslim countries do not recognise Isreal for obvious reason.
See the History or Israel from a reputed news site

http://news.sky.com/skynews/picture_gal ... 05,00.html

My cousin had an offer in a American company based in India and was asked if he minds going to Isreal for couple of trip, of course he denied that upfront. People would deny it for 2 reason either they too do not approve a state of Israel or do not want to jeoparadise thier visit to gulf states in future.

[rogerroger]

i think the sky site lacks the following critical maps and a brief mention of an important issue

map showing jewish settlements (and their growth) and how the "security barrier" cuts through palestinian households,and also a map showing how the barrier divides up the all important water resources, showing how it is denied to the palestinians.
perhaps also a map showing palestinian settlements in 1948 and the present scenario.

also a brief mention of palestinaians "losing" their right to live in palestine and their right to live with their spouse because the spouse is a palestinian who does not satisfy israeli criteria (one can get this of israeli sites too nowadays, ironical!!)

[torrenova]

Why not just get a second passport ? Use one for Israel and the other for all other trips.

[rogerroger]

can one possess two british passports t the same time?

[archigabe]

I have heard that Isreali Immigration will not issue a stamp on your passport on request and issue you a separate paper with stamp so as not to jeopardise your future visits to gulf states. Please verify with Isreali consulate.

[Traveler33]

Don't know about UK but US does allow two US PPs at the same time for the situation you mentioned.

If not able to get two at the same time, you could try asking for a new one and have the old canceled even though it still has many years to expiration.