I wish I knew why they singled you out tooThanks John, I hope I’m doing a fair job at that.Well I have to say it sounds like a major improvement on the TSA here in the US!Well I don’t think not having a guide book would be suspect (most travellers don’t use them now, they use much better blogs instead!) They are designed that way very specifically.So Mr Bemused BackPacker, you’ve left me a little bemused as to what other airports have had hijacks and terrorist incidents?
Much better than the UKNow a five isn’t really anything to worry about, the impression I got personally is that although technically it is considered a security concern, the majority of Western foreigners travelling through Israel will get this number and they will perform routine security checks on all of us.But the questioning was kept very informal and very friendly, he asked what I did, why I was in Israel, all the usual questions you might get at any airport, but he threw a few personal curve balls at me and repeated a few questions too. Would it lead to the maximum level of search/questioning (‘6’)? Please feel free to contact me on my travel clinic to discuss specific issues with specific meds in more details.I went to Israel back in 2009 and also had a “5” on my sticker which I didn’t even notice it had been put there at the time.To speed things up I would suggest to go when you have a new passport (less hassle with explaining stamps from what Israel regards as “enemy countries”), have a guide-book to hand (being a tourist without one would look highly suspect), smile (they LOVE it when people get angry), never say you are going to the west bank and try to get a flight which arrives late in the day when things are quieter.To get into the county for me it took an hour whilst leaving took almost twice as long: serious questioning by three people at the same time, endless bag rechecking and a final interview which went on so long I was thinking of the financial consequences of missing my flight.Israel is well worth a visit – just be prepared for the airport onslaught.I’m surprised they allowed you to take photos if they are so strict!I live in Israel so come in and out so this is nothing new for me, but thanks so much for putting it together.
I get that. Coming in was a walk in the park.Hi, does anyone know if it can cause a trouble to possess Palestinian products (food) in the bag when leaving Ben Gurion?
I don’t know if it is a cultural thing, but going through countless checks while watching Israeli citizens breeze through security, while foreigners wait up to an hour.
I’m glad you are dispelling the myths about the security in Israel.You are very welcome! Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael Huxley and Bemused Backpacker with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.I very much agree with you, rules are strict but they seem to on the whole do it very well.
Go and enjoy your trip to Israel, have a great time and let the security guys do their jobs on your way home.And she did.
No such unprofessional behaviour here!Iran does have a very vibrant and active Jewish community.Just remember to arrive at the airport a little bit early, 3 – 4 hours is enough, just in case they do make you wait, keep your calm and stay relaxed, and you will have no real problems getting through Israeli security at all.Very interesting, thank you. While details of exactly what the machine does are secret, passengers have reported that lines seem to be moving faster. What about a pill capsule with a little bit of ex inside mixed in with other pills? This does mean, however, that you should make sure you arrive at the airport early. I can honestly say it wasn’t anything too severe … a lot of questions and a very thorough x ray and bag search. We hire and train the best security people and teach them how to do their work in the best way and to identify those that arouse suspicion." There is no point in putting efforts into passengers that don't need it.