AboutNancy B Expertise Travel, travel, travel! Been about 20 times, about 1 month each time to Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumba, Kalimantan, Sumbawa. Speak the language. Know the social and artistic culture and crafts/arts/textiles (since I`ve been importing from there for 14 years). I also know specific hotels, sights, even restaurants.
Expert: Nancy B Date: 4/27/2008 Subject: Israeli stamp in passport
Question Hello,
I am considering travelling in Indonesia for a month this July and August. I have been living/working in China as a teacher this past year and would like to see a bit more of Asia before I return to the US.
The question I have pertains to my passport which has a stamp from Israel. I am wondering if this is going to be a problem when trying to obtain my visa on arrival. I know that Israeli citizens are not allowed to visit from my lonely planet book, but it does not clarify about the stamp.
Also I am a 23 year old white women and I will be travelling alone. I have lived/worked/studied abroad in Asia, but I want to make sure that I am not being crazy travelling alone in Indonesia. I have travelled in 3 other Muslim countries: Egypt, Jordan, and Malaysia so I am aware of the proper dress and customs but I have never travelled alone before in a Muslim country and I am a bit nervous. What do you think??
Answer Hi, Eileen,
Stamp from Israel is allowed or at least not officially disallowed, but check with your nearby Indonesian embassy or if you're from the U.S. email the folks in D.C.
Yeeeesh! I wish everyone in the world will just stop being afraid of each other! I have traveled in Indonesia for more than 15 years, even as a Jewish young woman during the first Gulf War with NO issues or problems . . . I mean none! You'll find the Indonesians on the whole gracious, warm, inviting, generous, accommodating . . .and in general FAR less conservative in their religious beliefs than most Middle Eastern countries. The only thing that may bother you is too much friendly attention (though I haven't run into any of that being rude or inappropriate). So go! Have fun! And yes, dress politely . . . which means some sleeve (at least cap sleeves), nothing tight fitting, skirts or shorts below your knees. Also keep in mind that people elsewhere in the world generally think it's rude to wear your poorest traveler's garb to meet them. Dressing respectably in neat, clean clothes is what people in Indonesia strive to do even though they may have few resources. So show respect for others . . . and breakdown those preconceived ideas you may have about others based on religious beliefs!
Have fun!
Nancy B
