Question about Border Control

[u/SirBanterlot6000]

I’m thinking of visiting Israel in the upcoming months as I enjoy travel to controversial places and with all the constant news around Israel I thought it’d be a cool place to visit firsthand.

My only worry is that I see on social media a lot of people having issues with entry, with border control pulling people aside and denying entry at the airport. I am a British citizen but I also hold a Libyan passport through my parents. Additionally, over the past 2 years I’ve travelled to a few “high risk” nations across the world (e.g. Afghanistan, Pakistan). Does anybody know (from experience) if I’ll have any serious issues entering at all?

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[u/Glittering_Bath_6637]

You'll definitly be questioned given your background (I think having visited Afghanistan would raise some eyebrows) but this doesn't mean you will be denied entry. Just come prepared for a long and somewhat unpleasant experience at the airport

[u/lunch22]

When you are asked why you are visiting, do not say, “I enjoy visiting controversial places” unless the only part of Israel you want to see is the inside of the airport.

Have you applied for the ETA-IL yet? If so, how did that process go?

[u/Select-Beyond-123]

They might question you.  Have good responses in order. You enjoy the middle east, you like seeing things from the news for yourself etc.

Also make sure things are quiet on the Iran front before your flight. They do tend to stop all international flights when this starts...

[u/Gnr2525]

If you have an Arab name, they will ask what your ancestry is. When you say Libyan, they may interrogate you in secondary for a while. Asking what your purpose is, if you know anyone in the Levant. If there are stamps in your current passport from Afghanistan, Pakistan etc., they may ask about those trips.

They might allow you into the Holy Land, they might not.

[u/balddoberdaddy]

Your British passport itself isn’t the issue, but in your particular circumstances I would absolutely be prepared for additional questioning.

Holding Libyan citizenship and having recent travel to places such as Afghanistan and Pakistan are both things Israeli border/security officials may be interested in. That doesn’t mean you’ll be denied entry, and nobody here can reliably predict whether you will be.

As a British citizen, you’ll need an ETA-IL before traveling. I’d apply well in advance rather than leaving it until the last minute, and I’d be completely truthful about your other citizenship and travel history if asked. Be prepared to explain where you’ve traveled, why you went, what you did there, and what you’re planning to do in Israel.

Also, “I enjoy travel to controversial places” is probably not how I’d describe the purpose of the trip to border control. “I’m a tourist and want to visit Israel” will lead to a considerably less philosophical conversation.

[u/No-Birthday9816]

They’ll certainly talk to you, probably before you get on the plane heading to Israel.

When I flew to Tel Aviv out of Heathrow, security asked me several questions before I could go to the gate. They were friendly and chill, even when they learned I’ve worked with Afghans. The El Al kiosk was at the very end at Heathrow and it was the only one with armed soldiers, because it is a target for attack.

Funnily enough, they spent far more time talking to me when I was leaving Israel. I’m fairly sure it’s because I was wearing a big hat and carrying two suitcases. Again, though, it was relaxed. It wasn’t a big deal, but I nearly missed my departing flight, because I hadn’t expected to spend an hour and forty-five minutes on it. Thankfully, staff very kindly helped me hurry through checking my bags, racing through security, and getting me to the plane. 🙏 As soon as my plane lifted off, I wanted them to turn around and take me back to Israel. 

They aren’t looking to fit you up for something you didn’t do. They’re trying to keep people safe.

Just plan accordingly and give yourself a lot of time—at the airport where you will depart for Israel, at Ben Gurion when arriving, and again when you leave.