Doha, Dubai, Israel, Egypt and Jordan.

[Pushka]

We are looking at an Egypt journey late next year with a Nile River Cruise. We are looking at flying with Qatar through to Amman then a driver to take us into Tel Aviv at which time we will be on a guided tour through Israel, then Egypt, then into Jordan. We then plan to fly home not sure whether Dubai or Doha.

So, I know we need to be careful with any Israel stamps in our passport for Dubai. My understanding is that as Australians we won’t need Visas for Israel and can get visas on arrival into Cairo as we fly in from, Ben Gurion. After the cruise we go into Jordan. Visas for Jordan?

Any tips please?

 

[Pushka]

I’ve just realised we might be entering Amman twice - on arrival through to Israel then after the cruise from Cairo.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yes re your understanding for arrival in Israel. Your will get a paper slip as an entry 'stamp'.

BUT when researching entry into Iran after visiting Israel, I heard some things about land crossings. If the Jordanian stamp is identifyably at an Israeli crossing point, they will deduce that you have been to Israel and there may be consequences. Suggest you check this aspect some more.

 

[Pushka]

Yes re your understanding for arrival in Israel. Your will get a paper slip as an entry 'stamp'.

BUT when researching entry into Iran after visiting Israel, I heard some things about land crossings. If the Jordanian stamp is identifyably at an Israeli crossing point, they will deduce that you have been to Israel and there may be consequences. Suggest you check this aspect some more.

That makes sense. If I fly into Tel Aviv with just a transit in Amman it would fix that problem?

 

[RooFlyer]

I think so. You could actually enter Jordan, then fly into Israel and that would be OK. But you won't just take my word for it will you?

Jordan visa on arrival according to DFAT. I have just regular arrival/departure stamps from my visit.

You'll love Jordan! I did a driving tour there in 2013. Very easy to 'do'. Make sure you do the Dead Sea on the Jordanian side, not the Israeli side. The latter is dreadful in respect to the bathing experience (not to mention the hotel!!) - views are nice though.

 

[Pushka]

I think so. You could actually enter Jordan, then fly into Israel and that would be OK. But you won't just take my word for it will you?

Jordan visa on arrival according to DFAT. I have just regular arrival/departure stamps from my visit.

You'll love Jordan! I did a driving tour there in 2013. Very easy to 'do'. Make sure you do the Dead Sea on the Jordanian side, not the Israeli side. The latter is dreadful in respect to the bathing experience is concerned (not to mention the hotel!!) - views are nice though.

We are going to Jordan on a post cruise trip abc Dead Sea is definitely Jordan side. Also Petra.

 

[RooFlyer]

Envious, of course - but tempered by the fact that I'm currently arranging and booking my Balkans excursion for next year

 

[k_sheep]

I should do a trip report on my Jordan trip. In Oct//nov, spent 3 weeks around Jordan and Egypt, with stopovers in Abu Dhabi and Malaysia on the way home.

For Jordan you are generally better off getting the jordan pass Jordan Pass - it includes the visa cost and a trip to Petra (which at 40JOD visa fee and 50JOD Petra entry, you are already winning). Skips the visa line at the airport which can be horrid! Free entry to lots of other points of interest too.

Yes land borders to Israel / Palestine are a problem, unfortunately. But arriving by air should be fine. Sadly due to an Egyptian port closure we had no choice but to go via land via Israel, so we'll be forced to get new passports if we want to travel to some countries.

Egypt, you can get an e-visa online before going but honestly, way easier to get it on arrival. The website was a royal pain in the behind.

 

[Pushka]

Envious, of course - but tempered by the fact that I'm currently arranging and booking my Balkans excursion for next year

Well yes but I have Alaska, Grand Canyon and Hawaii in mid May.

 

[Pushka]

So I can see flights Adl - Doh on QR, then Jordanian airlines DOH-AMM-Tel Aviv using redemption on QF on same PNR. A couple of options to leave on Xmas evening arriving almost midnight into Tel Aviv (assuming I can nab them when released) the next day when the Israel tour kicks in.
Would QR get antsy if they see Tel Aviv as the final destination on our luggage tags? Or is it a Dubai issue only?

 

[RooFlyer]

I did a reply to this, but can't have posted it I think it would be extraordinary for a OneWorld airline to give you problems with your itinerary.

A bit off topic but be aware while in Israel just about everything shuts down for the Sabbath (Shabbat) - sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. That will be the evening of the 28th to the evening of the 29th this year. I avoided it on my visit so can't tell real experience.

Also, while I'm at it. When you fly out of Tel Aviv (I assume), don't head straight for the check-in desk. In the middle of the check-in 'hall', you'll see some rope lines with a queue. This is the pre check-in security check and they will send you to it at check in if you haven't been through. There should be a shorter business queue, but allow time for this (up to 30 mins, I was told before i went). In my case, I got asked questions about my time in Jordan. Why did I go there, did I know anyone there etc. Not aggressive, typical bored security guy type of thing. I don't know why he focused on Jordan other than maybe it had the first stamps in my passport. I have lots of UAE stamps there and he didn't see, or ignored the full page Iranian visa later on in my passport !!

They were building new hand luggage security points when I was there - badly needed.

 

[kpc]

We are looking at an Egypt journey late next year with a Nile River Cruise. We are looking at flying with Qatar through to Amman then a driver to take us into Tel Aviv at which time we will be on a guided tour through Israel, then Egypt, then into Jordan. We then plan to fly home not sure whether Dubai or Doha.

So, I know we need to be careful with any Israel stamps in our passport for Dubai. My understanding is that as Australians we won’t need Visas for Israel and can get visas on arrival into Cairo as we fly in from, Ben Gurion. After the cruise we go into Jordan. Visas for Jordan?

Any tips please?

Foillowing with interest as this is a trip I hope to do some day...

 

[Pushka]

I did a reply to this, but can't have posted it I think it would be extraordinary for a OneWorld airline to give you problems with your itinerary.

A bit off topic but be aware while in Israel just about everything shuts down for the Sabbath (Shabbat) - sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. That will be the evening of the 28th to the evening of the 29th this year. I avoided it on my visit so can't tell real experience.

Also, while I'm at it. When you fly out of Tel Aviv (I assume), don't head straight for the check-in desk. In the middle of the check-in 'hall', you'll see some rope lines with a queue. This is the pre check-in security check and they will send you to it at check in if you haven't been through. There should be a shorter business queue, but allow time for this (up to 30 mins, I was told before i went). In my case, I got asked questions about my time in Jordan. Why did I go there, did I know anyone there etc. Not aggressive, typical bored security guy type of thing. I don't know why he focused on Jordan other than maybe it had the first stamps in my passport. I have lots of UAE stamps there and he didn't see, or ignored the full page Iranian visa later on in my passport !!

They were building new hand luggage security points when I was there - badly needed.

Thats really helpful about the Friday. We will be with a tour group - and will be there on a Friday! We will fly out with the group too - into Cairo. I think at that stage we will only have been through Amman in Transit.

This is the Skeleton of the trip currently booked -



Theoretically on Sabbath we are supposed to do the following:

Day 2 - Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Begin on the Mount of Olives. After an orientation, drive down to Gethsemane to see the garden and church. Proceed through Kidron Valley to Mount Zion; visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu and the Upper Room. After lunch, drive past Rachel’s Tomb on the way to picturesque Bethlehem, and visit the Church of the Nativity before returning to Jerusalem for dinner. (B, L, D)

The company we are going with have been doing these tours for a couple of years now, and currently run them twice a week - their cruises are fully booked until 2020! And people waiting for 2021 to be released so they can book them.

And Cairo for NYE.

 

[RooFlyer]

Are you being driven from Cairo to Petra via the Sinai and a boat hop to avoid the transit of Israel at Eilat?

As you would have gathered, the Movenpick is very close to the start of the track to the start of the Siq (canyon) (I stopped there for an icecream on my way back to my hotel ). You will be 'encouraged' to ride a mule or similar along the track.

Movenpick Dead Sea is right next to the Marriott, where I stayed, so if you look up my TR you'll get an idea of the views ( ie good ). The fastest way to get to Amman from Dead sea is via the road to the north. If this is a private transfer, see if they will take you the longer way, which starts south, and go via Madaba, where there are some fabulous mosaics, and also Mt Nebo, where Moses stood and saw the Promised Land.

 

[Pushka]

Are you being driven from Cairo to Petra via the Sinai and a boat hop to avoid the transit of Israel at Eilat?

As you would have gathered, the Movenpick is very close to the start of the track to the start of the Siq (canyon) (I stopped there for an icecream on my way back to my hotel ). You will be 'encouraged' to ride a mule or similar along the track.

Movenpick Dead Sea is right next to the Marriott, where I stayed, so if you look up my TR you'll get an idea of the views ( ie good ). The fastest way to get to Amman from Dead sea is via the road to the north. If this is a private transfer, see if they will take you the longer way, which starts south, and go via Madaba, where there are some fabulous mosaics, and also Mt Nebo, where Moses stood and saw the Promised Land.

Cairo to Luxor is a flight - then board the river boat for a few days.

Cairo - Early this morning, fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes beautifully set on the Nile River, where history will be brought to life by your expert Egyptologist. At the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, long buried beneath desert sands, walk among monumental peristyles and obelisks, and learn how ancient hieroglyphics hint at the beliefs and lifestyle of ancient Egyptians. Proceed to your Nile cruise ship for check-in and a welcome lunch. Join an excursion to the Luxor Library and Heritage Center, where the city’s past is preserved and shared in engaging exhibits. Enjoy an onboard dinner. (B, L, D)



Jordan extension - Cairo & Petra
After breakfast at your Cairo hotel, we take you to the airport for your morning flight to Amman, Jordan. Transfer to Petra, having lunch on the way and stopping at the ancient town of Madaba, Mt. Nebo (where tradition tells us Moses was buried) and the ruins of the Crusader-era Kerak or Shobak Castles. Upon arrival in Petra, check in to the First-Class Petra Marriott Hotel (or similar) and relax at your hotel this evening. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Jordan so you can make the most of your visit. (L)

 

[Daver6]

So I can see flights Adl - Doh on QR, then Jordanian airlines DOH-AMM-Tel Aviv using redemption on QF on same PNR. A couple of options to leave on Xmas evening arriving almost midnight into Tel Aviv (assuming I can nab them when released) the next day when the Israel tour kicks in.
Would QR get antsy if they see Tel Aviv as the final destination on our luggage tags? Or is it a Dubai issue only?

No issues with QR seeing TLV as the final destination. Also, try get QR from DOH to AMM rather than RJ.

 

[Pushka]

No issues with QR seeing TLV as the final destination. Also, try get QR from DOH to AMM rather than RJ.

QR did come up as an option on that sector so I can lock that in then.

 

[Pushka]

@RooFlyer Witnout holding you the least bit accountable.
We will be flying out Christmas Day probably on EK or QR as they are late at night. We need to be in Israel on 26th. We can easily get to Amman by morning of 26th but it seems more difficult to get to Tel Aviv on the same PNR at a reasonable time on that day.

So, if we book Adl-Amman on the one PNR, we exit and collect luggage and then rebook on a (much later) flight to Tel Aviv - 45 minute flight on El Al - do you see any issues likely? I’ve checked the Amman airport website and they give instructions for those who have to collect luggage and then rebook again.

There will be a minimum gap of 6 hours to do this.

I’m thinking we might need to fork out for dual entry VOA as we will be returning to Jordan a couple of weeks later.

 

[Daver6]

Presume you mean RJ as I'm pretty sure LY doesn't fly to AMM.

Is flying QR to LCA and then connecting on Aegean to TLV an option for you? That I know can be done on a single PNR and gets you into TLV mid afternoon.

 

[Pushka]

Presume you mean RJ as I'm pretty sure LY doesn't fly to AMM.

Is flying QR to LCA and then connecting on Aegean to TLV an option for you? That I know can be done on a single PNR and gets you into TLV mid afternoon.

I’ll check that out! Thanks.