ISRAEL VISA REJECTED.

27/8/2015

Yes, I'm aware I'm using the I-word. But what's the Malaysian Government going to do to me at this point? Charge me for failing to get into Israel?

Anyway, tough luck. After spending 8 days in Amman waiting for news on my visa, I was informed about the rejection today at the Embassy. I don't know if this means I can never visit Israel again, or I can reapply again at some point in the future. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.

I'm deciding on where to go next. Probably Lebanon. But they're burning cars in street riots at the moment. Sounds like heaps of fun.

I spent my down-time in Amman researching Arab-Israel relations. And although I'm disappointed at not being able to enter Israel, I'd like to share my findings in the form of the article published below.

Update soon.

UPDATE (03.09.15): The situation in Beirut has calmed down significantly. The water canons and tear gas we see on the news were only deployed in the first few days of the protests. As of now, the gatherings still happen on a nightly basis, but in one specific area of Beirut and the 1,000 - 2,000 protesters are conducting themselves peacefully, as are the police keeping a close watch on the situation.

14 Comments

chong

27/8/2015 11:53:16 pm

Better not take the risk as our government prohibits this. l have heard my Christian friends did manage to go into this country without any proper documents. As l said, don't take the risk.

Neoh

28/8/2015 06:32:37 am

Hi Chong! Yeah, the Christian route is possible, but usually with a group (I really don't like tour groups). And they arrange for the passport not to be stamped. The Home Ministry used to approve these excursions, but I think it's now on hold due to (perceived) instability in the Middle East.

suef

28/8/2015 12:26:50 am

Hang in there and stay safe! I once said to my friend YOLO and she's like Suef you only die once but live every day so maybe the country that must not be named will be a visit tomorrow but not today.

Neoh

28/8/2015 06:34:54 am

Hey there Suef. I guess that's true. It's just so frustrating because I really pulled out all the stops for this one. 8 days twiddling my thumbs plus cost. Oh well, at least I can go home knowing that I tried. Otherwise I'd kick myself forever. Hope your trip is going well :)

Suef

28/8/2015 08:22:57 pm

aww Israel can be on your next bucket list! Can't hit all at once then you may have nowhere else to go..I just left Cinque terre, it was amazing. You should definitely go there if you haven't although it might be too commercialized for you 😝

Neoh

29/8/2015 10:11:00 am

Yes ma'am! I think we should always leave ourselves with reasons to return! I've actually never been to Italy. Despite desperately wanting to go. I'm waiting until I have enough money to do a proper Italian tour. You know, open top classic Italian sports car with beautiful girl in the front seat zooming down the sun-kissed coastline type of thing :)

Cinque terre looks wonderful though! Enjoy!

Suef

29/8/2015 12:24:31 pm

Hey I'm doing something similar! Minus the car and beautiful girl though. More affordable this way 😝. Enjoy your next stop..hope you've decided on a place already. X

Neoh

29/8/2015 01:47:54 pm

Sounds very cool. Well, I'm sure there are no end of hunky Italian men who would be happy to escort an "exotic Asian girl". How many times have you heard "bella" shouted in your direction eh :)

I'm in Beirut now. Trying to process how different this place is from the rest of the Middle East.

Just realised that you're just across the Mediterranean from where I am here!

Suef

29/8/2015 02:37:48 pm

Hahaha no bella..more like "niii haooo". Ooh cool If I pass by the ocean I'll drop you a message in a bottle. Look out for it!

Neoh

2/9/2015 09:07:38 am

Yeah, I get a lot of "ni hao" and "konichiwa". It does get on your nerves after a while!

Akiko

28/8/2015 11:53:20 am

I wanted you to go to Jerusalem.

It's a beautiful, historical, holy, and amazing city..

Full of history and the three great religions. just an amazing experience for me..

Ohh nooo! That's too bad. But why? I wanted you to go to Jerusalem. Full of history and the three great religions. Just an amazing experience for me. However I couldn't understand many things there. Why is he asking only that guy? Why are they showing their passport? Why are they shouting? Maybe you're safer..maybe. Good luck with your trip!!

Neoh

29/8/2015 10:05:53 am

Hi Akiko!,

Yeah, I think it could be the Iran stamp in my passport. Or simply because they rarely allow Malaysians in (The Malaysian Government does not recognise Israel as a nation). They don't give any reasons for the rejection.

I have to move on, but I hope to be able to return one day!

16/9/2015 09:48:52 pm

If you noticed the first few page of your passport , you can spot the "I" word and that's the ultimate answer to the rejection. Anyway, salute to your determination :)

Neoh

17/9/2015 03:32:04 pm

Yeah, this is true. But other Malaysians have gotten in before! I will try again. Maybe it's the Iran stamp in my passport.

ISRAEL VISA REJECTED.

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