Visa problem?
 

Hi all,
Daughter just moved to Bahrain, auntie wants to visit from UK but has Israeli stamp in passport from holiday trip. Getting mixed advise about gaining entry in Bahrain, some say no prob, some say get online visa and should be no prob, some say don't go because they were refused entry. Official line from embassy is of course 'no problem' but we all know how it probably depends on what sort of day the immigration officer at the other end is having.
Anyone with experience with this issue?

Re: Visa problem?
 

Get a duplicate passport. Advioce to others - EITHER do not visit "The Zionist Entrty" or ensure that you get no stamps from that institution in your passport if you intend to visit an Arab or Islamic country.

Re: Visa problem?
 

I don't know about Bahrain but as far as the UAE is concerned it is not a problem if someone coming on holiday has an Israeli stamp in their passport. It's an urban myth that it's a problem here and I doubt that it's a problem elsewhere either.

Re: Visa problem?
 

i didnt think they like them in their passports which is why they cut out all the labels from that said country in marks and sparks here etc.

Re: Visa problem?
 

Ha ha - I remember cutting the labels out when we first ventured to the ME in the early 90's - now the M&S in the Gulf Countries has much better stuff than my local M&S. Personally I would get a new passport rather than risk trying to enter with an Israeli stamp - the problem here is that this type of thing may be a problem on the day and then again it may not - you never know from one day to the next.

Re: Visa problem?
 

also there was a big hoohaa about the 'said' country being on a map..... quite a few years ago now tho.

Re: Visa problem?
 

'Said' country never appeared on a map in the GCC states. 'Said' country was either Magic Markered out, or, if printed locally refered to Palestine.

Re: Visa problem?
 

yeh it was never there, until one day on a map which i cant remember for the life of me where it was suddenly appeared..... not for long of course.

Re: Visa problem?
 

No doubt someone got a severe bollocking for that slip up....

Re: Visa problem?
 

yeh but a long time ago..... in the days when they would marker pen in a longer skirt for Princess Di!

Re: Visa problem?
 

Israel is mentioned in Oman. You just aren't allowed to enter if you have a stamp from the country in your passport.