BootsnAll Travel Community

I have a passion for the Middle East and would like very much to travel there in the next couple months. My question is this: exactly HOW unsafe is it for an American to backpack through the Middle East? I would really like to travel through Turkey, into Syria (if possible), Jordan, Egypt, and maybe Israel last.

I am sure this question has been answered previously but I wanted kind of an updated answer if possible.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

My girlfriend and I travelled to all those countries, except Israel, last spring, and I'd say it's generally quite safe.

There's really nothing to worry about at all in Turkey. It's an awesome country and everyone who goes there loves it. It's having some severe flooding right now though, so maybe not the best time to be going.

In Syria, I'd say that physically it's quite safe, I've never heard of a tourist getting hurt there. You might get the odd anti-American comment (our taxi driver when we first arrived in Damascus was very vocal, but didn't have much English, and was going on and on about how Canada, France, Italy = GOOD, USA = bad. He then demanded payment in US dollars instead of giving change for our large bill Syrian pounds.) But really, Syrians are very hospitable to tourists, and the government also appreciates it, because the word of mouth from visitors is the only good international publicity they get.

Be sure to arrange your visa with the Syrian Embassy in the US, because for some strange reason, they're pretty strict about not issuing visas at the border, or even at embassies outside a person's home country.

Jordan is also quite safe. It's had occasional incidents - a bombing a couple years ago, and a lone psycho with a pistol earlier this year, both in Amman, but not really any different from the danger level in large western cities.

Egypt, I must admit is a bit sketchy, and definitely feels dangerous...the police with large guns everywhere didn't really enhance my feeling of safety. We also had the misfortune of arriving in one town about 15 hours after it was bombed. But millions of people visit Egypt every year without incident, so it's likely you'll be fine too.

Glad to hear you're going. I'm in Cairo at the moment but did a similar route- Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt- solo. Neil is right in one aspect, get your Syrian visa in advance. It is possible at the border, but the wait could be 6 or 7 hours and the main border by Antalya Turkey closes at a certain hour. As far as safety concerns, don't worry. I feel safer here than many parts of western Europe or the US for that matter. Syria is cheap, has beautiful sights (don't miss Palmyra) and the people are more interested in talking to you than selling you some crap (sadly the case in Turkey). The surprise is Lebanon. Not only does it have some of the best ruins (Baalbek, Biblos, al-Bass in Tyre) but the people are wonderfully kind, interesting, many of the younger people speak perfect english and it's impossible to walk into any cafe or pub without leaving with a new friend. Beirut seemed very safe and I stayed at Talal's New Hotel which is in Gemmayzah (sp?). There's a lot of fun clubs and a bus station/microbus station is very close. All of the Hezbollah controlled areas (i.e. Bekaa Valley) are very safe and the people are very kind. Even though they may not like US policy, they can definitely draw the distinction between the gov't and the people. Do not, I repeat Do NOT miss out on Lebanon! Jordan is OK but expensive and very touristy in places like Petra. Egypt has been a blast, but can be very maddening at times. You must bargain for EVERYTHING. Dahab is touristy but the Gulf of Aqaba has some of the best diving in the world. Do not skip this place and avoid Sharm el Sheik (expensive) which is to the south. Enough rambling, I would give a thorough thumbs up to the Middle East and don't listen to anything anyone says who hasn't been here. Go my friend and you will never forget it! If you have any questions about border crossings, where to stay, etc. feel free to ask.

Hello,
from your list of places that you want to travel to - these days i would say that Syria might be problematic- they're not a big fan of the US, but the rest of the places shouldn't be a problem, especially Turkey - they're very tourist friendly and Israel- lots of americans here..- if you need any info about Israel- i'd be happy to answer.

Hi ther,
I am located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East. It is not unsafe, actually it's much safer than maany other places.If you like to get some information upfront, you can check out:
http://dubaimalls.blogspot.com
http://shopping-in-red.blogspot.com
Hope it gives some ideas.
QUOTE]Originally posted by duballstar:
I have a passion for the Middle East and would like very much to travel there in the next couple months. My question is this: exactly HOW unsafe is it for an American to backpack through the Middle East? I would really like to travel through Turkey, into Syria (if possible), Jordan, Egypt, and maybe Israel last.

I am sure this question has been answered previously but I wanted kind of an updated answer if possible.

Thank you in advance for your responses.[/QUOTE]

Also check out passport restrictions re: Israel and its neighbors. I have read that some of those countries will not permit you to enter if, on any part of your passport, you show an entry stamp from Israel. I would look into that.