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Is it safe to travel to the Middle East?

Beautiful desert landscapes, heritage buildings, beaches and dive sites have long been big draws in the Middle East, but more recently Islamist insurgency and political instability have served to deter travelers. However, other than a few flashpoints the region is perfectly safe to visit, especially if you head here with a knowledgeable operator. Read our guide to help you understand where you can go and how to do as safely as possible.

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Is it safe to travel to the Middle East?

Don’t believe the hype about the Middle East; while danger spots do exist, for the most part this is a peaceful, hospitable and unforgettable region.

Mention that you’re going on vacation to the Middle East and you’ll certainly raise an eyebrow or two, but you shouldn’t be put off by negative perceptions or news reports that often only tell one side of the story. Yes, there are countries and regions that aren't safe to visit, and it always pays to have your wits about you when traveling there, but chances are you’ll be safer than you would be walking through a big city back home.

Just as you wouldn't write off France, or indeed the UK, because of terrorist attacks in recent years, you shouldn't assume that you’ll be at risk on a visit to the Middle East. Take the plunge and not only will get to know a beautiful and fascinating region, you’ll also be supporting local people, who, in many places depend on tourism for their livelihoods.

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The Fear Factor

From the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, to today’s horrors in Syria and Yemen, to long-standing troubles in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Lebanon, it’s easy to be fearful about a visit to the Middle East. However, don’t let problems in some areas colour your perception of an entire region – these are the exception rather than the norm, and some countries are entirely trouble free. When it comes to crime, rates are generally low, even in major cities, and muggings and theft are rarely a problem – with rates lower than in many major European and North American cities.

What’s more, experienced tour operators will always be aware of the situation on the ground and can take steps accordingly should any problems arise. And in many places, the tourist police are out in force. In Egypt, for example, tourist buses and taxis travel in convoy on certain roads.

What does the UK Foreign Office say?

As of November 2018, the FCO advice warns against all but essential travel to the Gaza strip, the Golan Heights border areas with Syria and Lebanon, the Iran/Afghanistan and Iran/Pakistan border regions, eastern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, and Egypt’s North Sinai region. It warns against all but essential travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, Egypt’s South Sinai (except for the perimeter around Sharm el Sheik) and the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions. Dual Iranian-British citizens are advised not to visit Iran unless absolutely necessary. Most of these areas are well away from popular tourist sites; Oman has no travel warnings at all, for example, and Jordan is only out of bounds within 3km of the Syrian border.

Be aware that each government issues its own advice for its travelers, and this can vary widely; check the advice from your home country before planning your trip.

What about insurance?

If you're keen to visit areas of the Middle East that have government warnings in place, getting travel insurance has to be a priority. Campbell Irvine Direct, who we work with, offers specially tailored policies for people traveling to countries which have FCO travel warnings in place, and often covers travelers when other insurance companies won't. You could, for example, be offered a policy that will cover you for illness, accident and theft – but it won’t cover you in the event of war, rebellion or terrorism.

What about visas?

In some countries, such as Egypt, Jordan and Israel, visas are available on arrival, but it’s always safer to arrange them in advance, and in many cases your operator will be able to help you with this. Other countries will need advance preparation; the process to gain a tourist visa for Iran can be slow and painful, taking up to eight weeks, so you’ll need to plan a trip here well in advance. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you’ll be denied entry to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.

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Middle East safety tips

Don’t ignore security warnings. Never leave your bag unattended, and do what the security authorities advise. It’s not scaremongering, and it’s always better to be on the safe side. In Israel it is very common to have your bags searched by security staff at shops, restaurants etc. Sometimes cars are stopped and have their boots searched. It’s always best to carry your passport as ID. Don’t go hiking off the beaten track without expert guides. In certain areas, around Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, for example, landmines are a big issue, although these areas are well signposted. It also pays to avoid public demonstrations. These can get out of hand very quickly and tourists have been hurt and arrested in the past. Keep abreast of local laws. Photographing military installations or insulting the prophet Mohammed is a no-no in most countries and dressing inappropriately or displaying overt affection in public won’t endear you to the local police either. Your tour operator will be able to advise.

Andrew Appleyard, from our supplier, Exodus Travels on traveling safely in Israel:
“I think what people get wrong before they travel, is that they expect to see an army presence everywhere. And you don’t see that in places like the Sea of Galilee, Caesarea, or some of the old sites. It is only in places like Bethlehem, or you go into the Old City of Jerusalem, maybe around the Dome of the Rock, where you will see the Israeli Defence Force. Usually around Friday prayer time. But the military certainly isn’t everywhere. However, I would suggest never going out after dark in any of the major cities on your own. Ever. Simple as that. Never hire an Israeli hire car and drive into the West Bank. And if you do, you should take all the hire car stickers off it as soon as you have hired it. Because if you go into a Palestinian area, it may get stoned, or if you park it, all the tyres might be removed.”