Turkey and Israel - Visas?

[sarar]

Does anyone know if I will need visas for Israel and Turkey?  TIA

[John Bull]

If your cruise starts or finishes in Turkey (ie you fly in or out) you need to pre-purchase an e-visa

Costs $20.

Use ONLY the  Turkish Govt website https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

Other website try to look official but are agencies who will charge a fee.

The Turkish govt has been phasing out visa-on-arrival. I don't know if it's still available,but if it still is, it's more expensive than an eVisa

 

But if your Turkish ports are mid-cruise ports-of-call, under a concession to cruise ships you don't need a visa  

This from the Turkish govt website..............

"According to the Law on Foreigners and International Protection which entered into force on 11th April 2014, those foreigners who arrive at sea ports and intend to visit the seaport city or nearby provinces for touristic purpose are exempt from visa provided that their stay does not exceed seventy two (72) hours. However, if you arrive in/depart from our country by air for your cruise tour, you must obtain a visa."

 

I don't think you need a visa for Israel.

Your passport will be inspected but not stamped - they stamp a separate piece of paper to fold into your passport - they are aware than an Israeli stamp in your passport can create difficulties in some Arab states.

 

JB 

[SimplyMarvie]

If you're an American you don't need a visa for Israel. If you've got any kind of Palestinian relatives or ancestors, you should probably check out travel.state.gov before you travel, to make sure you won't encounter unexpected questions/problems coming in, but probably not an issue if you're coming in as a cruise passenger.