Saudi - Jordan - Israel: Possible?
 

Hello All,
First post here, just joined.

I'm looking for some first hand experience or expert knowledge here. I'm in Saudi and will shortly be leaving. The plan is to drive to Jordan and then cross into Israel to get a ferry from Haifa to Athens.

I will have my Saudi registered car, with export plates. Does anyone know about the process of crossing the borders at Eilat in Israel - difficult, easy - what paperwork is required?

Thank you in advance.

Hello All,
Second post! Firstly, apologies, didn't read the main theme of this forum, which is related to motorbikes and travellling. I'm not a biker ( never ridden one in my life! ) , and will be travelling with my car. Yeah, boring, I know....

Anyway, I have since posting this question, spoken to a couple of people. One of those did the trip last year in a car, from Saudi to Jordan through to Israel, so it *is* possible.

Good luck with all your respective adventures.

Cheers.

I did just that with my uk registered motorcycle in November. Not sure if this translates to a Saudi registered car.

You can find more details here

https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showth...e-Congo/page55


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Only pain was the cost of insurance for Israel, which delayed me at Eilat crossing on a Shabbat.


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No special paperwork required


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How's soon is soon, nottmbantam?

I fancy the same journey, but not until July. Maybe we will be en route at the same time.

It would be good to hear more from Simon. I will be riding out from Jeddah. How long did you take and where did you pass through?


Cheers,

Simon

Details are in the link to my blog (above).

I was fair shifting because I needed to be back home so, after a couple of days in Jeddah (oil change etc on bike) I ride to Duba on day 1 (800 kgs). Next day I rode into Jordan, spent 45 minutes there [emoji849](as I had toured there extensively on my Moto in 2008) and then crossed at Eilat into Israel.

Overnighted in Eilat (not really my kind of place, rather too sybaritic, hedonistic and touristic ).

Then rode through Negev desert and up to Jerusalem where I spent a few days before heading North to Akko, an interesting and historic city. Finally dropped down to Haifa where I put the moto on the Salamis lines ferry to Lavrio (south of Athens) on a Thursday.

As it does not take passengers I flew Ryanair the following Sunday from Tel Aviv to Athens.

In the meantime I enjoyed Haifa and the lovely beaches to its South, an easy and cheap train ride away.

Two things to remember:

Insurance in Israel is incredibly expensive so try to get in advance.

Israel is incredibly expensive compared to anywhere (even Angola!) earlier on my trip pictured below
Attachment 24010


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Hi Simon, how much was the ferry charges to ship your bike? At some point I am planning to ride back and unfortunately it appears that the Duba to Iskendrun Ferry no longer operates so the only viable route is via Israel.

450 euros plus some Haifa port fees. Salamis lines. Grimaldi do Ashdod to Italy I believe which costs more and takes longer


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Thanks Simon, looks like the only way back :) Not particularly keen on trying to exit via Egypt given previous experience there..

Ever thought of going Turkey through Iraq to Kuwait? I know passing Iraq maybe sketchy. But pretty sure it can be crossed in 2 days, 1 day if youre brave.

Did you call the ferry agent in saudi for the Turkey/Saudi ferry? Why was it cancelled because of corona? I think all foreigner entry into saudi is all blocked, I believe the same for cargo aswell. As I placed an order for parts from china and the seller stated theres a block on all shipments.

I could get no response from Turkey or Saudi agents for the ferry over a 3 week period of trying in October


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Thats too bad! If your're still wanting to go that route, I have the number to the agent in Saudi. He is the go to man and he is the one who does the applications and payments. Pretty sure he can give you the latest info on the Turkey/Saudi or even other routes to Saudi.

His name is Zain and his mobile # is +966509176813 probably best time to reach him is at 8:30 am to 12am Sun-Thur Saudi time.

What was the pricy stuff in Angola?

I just remember the cheap fuel, because of only wildcamping we did not had to spend a lot.

We did spend one night in the harbor (4free) in Luanda and did had dinner / breakfast in the Yacht-Club Restaurant - even that was not that pricey what we had expected (Luanda was on top of the most expensive cities at 2012).

Too european stuff like a small glas of nutella - was not at 11-13 Euro like in the countries above (Congo, Cameroon)...

Surfy

I was advised the Iskendrun Turkey to Duba KSA ferry route is permanently closed due to a fire on the ferry last year. If you know different I would be grateful to hear.

Obviously travel suspended at the moment due to Covid 19

Plan B for Dubai to Istanbul?
 

Hi everyone, I was planning to ride from Dubai to Istanbul via Saudi, Jordan, Israel, ferry to Cyprus and on to Turkey. Needless to say the pandemic messed up my plans.

So a couple of questions I'd appreciate your thoughts on - any indications that Saudi will open its borders after the Ramadan? And second, suggestions for shipping agents in Istanbul which can process an ocean shipment from Dubai?

Thanks in advance!

If the border opens it will be likely mandatory quarantine on entry

I suggest you reschedule any travel plans if possible.

Correct! Saudi has a 14 day quarantine