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[justajaunt]

Do people here have experience travelling between countries in the Middle East? I am going to be in Amman, Jordan for awhile and I would like to go to Lebanon but it seems kind of tricky in terms of visas and going through Isreal or through Syria. Does anyone have advice on this matter? Should I just try to fly from Amman to Beirut?

[kilgiraffe]

I've never crossed land borders in the Middle East [with the sole expection of UAE-Oman, which is VERY easy, VOA system ], but my understanding is that there shouldn't be too many issues going between the Muslim countries. It's Israel that's the problem. Jordan itself doesn't have much of a problem with persons that have visited Israel to cross the border but Syria is very strict about it, and Lebanon may be too. Also, right now the Lebanon-Israel border isn't the safest place in the world- is it closed at current? My memory fails me..

Anyway, if you really want to travel overland then go through Syria. However, this depends on how much time you have and if you even want to see anything in Syria. If not then yes, your best bet is probably to fly.

As for visas, you may want to check with your embassy for that but I was under the impression that most Middle Eastern countries do Visa-On-Arrival. This may be completely wrong however Always best to check!

[aopaq]

Kilgiraffe pretty well answered your question but I will add that entry to Lebanon is not allowable with an Israeli stamp in your passport. Going to Beirut via Damascus is not that difficult as there is a bus that goes direct with a stop at the border to get your Lebanese visa. However, you must make sure you are covered with a multiple entry visa for Syria if you want to return. Getting a Syrian visa outside your home country has also been known to be a bit of a hassle at times.

If you don't want to deal with the Syria visa issue, flying from Amman is definitely your easiest way!