Just out of curiousity does anyone know if I need visas to various MENA countries, if I am legally married to a MENA man and have a residency pending in Algerie? I am asking since I know anyone with MENA citizenship can travel within the MENA without a visa...and there is page on my husband's passport (I think others countries do this too) for the name and photo of his wife and children... I am mainly interested knowing about NA (Maroc, Tunezia and Egypte) and Saudi Arabia...I think this would make my life easier in the future if I did not need visas...anyway just wondering...

Nobody wants to reply?

you know, i'm not really sure...but that's a fantastic question. I guess I just assumed we'd travel to those countries without a problem .....I hope someone has the answer ....

amal

i am pretty sure that MOST arab countries we can travel to and obtain a visit visa in airport, as for Saudi, nope there are no 'visit' visas or tourist visas allowed there except in a tourist group..............

No actually I have found the answer to my question regarding countries I stated in the orginal post, but am not sure about other countries in the ME.

• Egypte you aquire a tourtist visa upon arrival
• Tunezia requires no visa for US citizens (my native country is also included in this )
• Maroc doesnt either...Libya issues no visas for tourtists (the few that are issued are for family members of nationals)
• Dubai requires a visa for no US citizens (unfortunately does require one for my country and also for all MENA, which I found strange since countries like France, Greece, Japan and Spain.
• Saudi Arabia requires a visa for people except nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.Also tourtist and pilgram passes are processed differently in SA. One may aquire a pilgrim pass which is valid for 2months and elhamdullah is free through if a travel agent arranges it for you. A tourtist visa or family visa is only obtainable if invited by a Saudi born national and sponsored by this national with a introduction letter and authorisation from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Even though their national website says that processing takes about week for Pilgrim visas I have talked to people in the USA and also here in Algerie who said their process took more like 2-3months. I donnow...Allahu Allem!

Anyway I will be sooo happy when I get my *legal* residency status here in Algerie. I thought by being marrried to an Algerien I donnot have to apply for visas when entering, but I do. Only residents donnot have to it seem.

I saw the question earlier and had no clue so I just stayed out of it, but its an interesting topic.
Henia-Do you think about what you would need for algerian citizenship? I would imagine that an algerian passport holder could travel as freely as they wanted through the ME, but I have nothing to support that. I am curious tho, whats the point of being able to write a spouse into his passport, if you are still required a passport and visa of your own to travel? It would seem that being written into his passport would allow you to leave your passport in your pocket at any ME border his passport could cross. No experience here to draw from so I don't know anything here.
Interesting question
Dawn

Remember the boarder is closed between Maroc and Algeria. Morocco allows crossings from Algeria, but Algeria will not allow crossings from Morocco. You may have to fly in an out of Morocco. But definately worth the trip

whoa - I believe Tripoli Libya welcomes all the european tourists they can get...can your Hungarian (thats you, right?) passport not get you in anytime?

This is my whole question...whats the point? Ye it doesnt make sense...

I am not sure about that, but it would make sense to open the border for city of Tripoli...I asked my husband about the borders and he said Libya is closed...so that is what I based that comment on...Sorry if I am wrong...I think I will google it.

Yes my Backpages, I do remember the border btwn Maroc and Algerie is closed...hmmmm not sure why thou...I am going to ask my husband...but maybe cos of the terrorism here? They really concerned about terrorism here and it a top propiorty here... that is why there are police and military everywhere.I donnow...

It has a lot to do withthe conflict between Morocco and Algeria over the Westrn Sahara region. Long story there.

Ahhhh ok my husband briefly told me about that issue.

Henia, I'd be really curious to know what you've found out about this... are you trying to get your Algerian residency right now? What step do you have to go through to get it?

My husband and I have talked about this because we plan on visiting his family at least once a year and it'll be a pain in the @ss if I have to get a visa each time we would like to go. I'm assuming I'm out of luck because I know that we will never actually LIVE there, but I would really like to know what you've found out about the residency requirements.

Each country has its own regulations. Some require a visa from certain countries, but not from others -- so as you've found out, it depends on which passport you're travelling with. And, as you now know, you can't "travel on your husband's passport" -- each person must have his/her own.

Most countries allow U.S. citizens to obtain a vistor's visa for a limited time period upon arrival at the airport/border, but not all of them. Some Muslim countries allow travellers with passports from other Muslim countries to visit without a visa or fee. The fees and time limits vary -- you'll have to check each individual country for the specific rules. Luckily, the answers are usually at your fingertips on the net !

Hope you get to see all the beautiful places !



-MK

Along the same lines, to get into Saudi Arabia do you just have to have the proof that you are a Muslim or do you also have to be invited by someone who lives there?

Well upon arrival I had to declare myself at the local police station....one of the steps to being married in Algerie... the ploice officer there told us about this...also if you plan to live (for anytime) in Algerie you would to gain residency via marriage or work. Also for our marriage to be approved (yes approved) we had to declare I wanted to live in Algerie. They said the process takes about 6 months to get the final ID card...inchallah it will make my life alot easier, traveling alone (ei: passing through the checkpoints, esp if I am driving) reentering Algerie without a visa or visa fees/wait time,if and when we apply for the DCF more prove (I guess)..I have been actually *trying* to go through this process but as you know the government here is corrupt...the ploice officer seems to think I am rich (I wish) and since my husband has a very good job wants us to *pay* him to do the investigation (yes anything to do with foreigners take an investigation...really all the investigation is they see you and want money from you)...well since we *paid* him to hurry along our marriage process (basically ensure that our file did not sit on his desk for months) we thought he was not going to ask for any more money....hahahaa we were wrong. Snaps we have already *paid* 5 corrupt people to get our marriage certificate here...ye nothing happens "normally" here...it is who you know and how many dinars in your pocket.

Anyway I was thinking to ask JPaula about this, she seems to know alot more then I do about things here...also I know some American and English ladies living here who could help me... I will get back to you inchallah Holly!

Most Americans need a visa to visit Saudia (unless they're military or government officials.) You do not have to be Muslim; however, certain constraints apply. You don't necessarily have to be "invited," as Saudia now allows tourist visas. There are also special permits for Muslim pilgrims coming for the Hajj.

I found this on the net -- read it in full for further specifics:



My husband's parents are there right now (his sister lives in Saudia.)

I don't know how those smilie faces got formatted into this -- not a part of the original website !

Thanks! Yeah specifically I was thinking of the Hajj. Didn't know they now accept tourist visas though so that's cool!

So, does this mean you would have to get married in Algeria or just be married to an Algerian citizen?




Hahaha, this reminds me of when my husband and I were flying back and forth from Algiers to Oran... to do our DCF. On our way back the first time we were a little early and wanted to get on and earlier flight but there were TONS and TONS of people ahead of us, all basically killing each other to get in standby for the next flight. Well, my husband is in the middle of it all and I'm just watching, and all of a sudden I see him emerge with a police officer and they GRAN me and we run through everything... security checkpoint, customs, everything. We didn't fill out any forms, we didn't put our bags through any xray machines, not one person talked to us an all of a sudden we are on the bus taking us to the airplane. And I'm just standing there like.... WHAT?!?! Turns out my husband's friend who's father is a general in the army called and said he would get us on the airplane. And voila.. he did! It was like magic.

Hajj and Umrah visas are usually fairly easy to get if you're an american. But I was talking with Tamer last night, and he said that only Egyptians over 40 can get one. He thinks that if he applies from america, it might be possible for him to get one earlier though, inshaAllah. Otherwise, we'll just wait until 2009, when (if) he applies for his american citizenship.

If you go through a reputable travel agency, they can usually point you to the right forms.

Also, for any converts wanting to make hajj or umrah, they may require that you submit proof of your conversion. If anyone is in Egypt, Al Azhar University will provide you will an official certificate. Otherwise, ask around at local masjids or maybe contact the Saudi Embassy or the Islamic Center in DC about a certificate or how to authenticate your conversion up to their standards.

Well of course you have to prove you are a Muslim. Either you were born into a Muslim family, so your roots are tracable (islamic name, muslim country birth,etc) but if you are converted to Islam, an Islamic certificate must be presented.These are usually obtained from an Islamic Center you attend or converted in.Conversion is somewhat hard to prove, since Muslims have no legal way to convert like Christians do...I mean no ledger to sign. The masjid I converted in issued me a certificate saying my name, birthdate, date of taking the shahada, witness signatures and the Imaan's signature. have heard about Non-muslims reporters going to Mecca, lying saying they are Muslim...(but I did read this on the net, so I donnot give it much weight) I will ask my husband for some more info on Saudi laws, Hajj/Umra inchallah. He went to umra 3 times...

On slightly seperate note: All ladies are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram(male blood relative or husband). Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Any lady over the age of 45 may travel without a Mahram with an organized group (provided she submits a letter of no objection from her husband, son or brother authorizing her to travel for Hajj with the named group)

The Mahram should write his complete information on the application forms of his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling. He should also provide copies of marriage or birth certificates.Note: everything has to be notarized and translated by a certified translation office. You also have to have in your hand a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations and also proof of vaccinations.

Upon arrival you have to hand your passport to the custody of the "Unified Agents Office" representatives to enable the latter to complete all travel formalities to Makkah and Madinah.

Also you must leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after Hajj no later than the 10th of Muharram of each year.

Hope that answer your question, but inchallah as I said I am going to ask my husband more about this.



Hmmm I guess I misunderstood the question...I thought Doodle was talking about requirement to be Muslim for making Hajj and Umra...not general enterance into SA. Ooops sorry!

[quote name='hollyw' date='Oct 18 2006, 11:56 AM' post='513192'] [quote name='Henia' post='513147' date='Oct 18 2006, 11:45 AM']
also if you plan to live (for anytime) in Algerie you would to gain residency via marriage or work.
[/quote]

So, does this mean you would have to get married in Algeria or just be married to an Algerian citizen?

[quote name='Henia' post='513147' date='Oct 18 2006, 11:45 AM']No, as far as I know residency in Algerie is gained by marriage or work... but I could be wrong so donnot quote me But the officer gave me that *impression*....[quote]
ye nothing happens "normally" here...it is who you know and how many dinars in your pocket.

[/quote]


Hahaha, this reminds me of when my husband and I were flying back and forth from Algiers to Oran... to do our DCF. On our way back the first time we were a little early and wanted to get on and earlier flight but there were TONS and TONS of people ahead of us, all basically killing each other to get in standby for the next flight. Well, my husband is in the middle of it all and I'm just watching, and all of a sudden I see him emerge with a police officer and they GRAN me and we run through everything... security checkpoint, customs, everything. We didn't fill out any forms, we didn't put our bags through any xray machines, not one person talked to us an all of a sudden we are on the bus taking us to the airplane. And I'm just standing there like.... WHAT?!?! Turns out my husband's friend who's father is a general in the army called and said he would get us on the airplane. And voila.. he did! It was like magic.
[/quote] Ye thats the Algerien way... Money !!! Money!!! Money!!! Can you believe the officer asked my husband to bring him a computer from his work?

It's actually not something new. One of my favorite books is One Thousand Roads to Mecca, a book of Hajj narratives. Several of the narratives are from explorers who snuck in, or from other non muslims who wound up in Mecca.

This is not 100% accurate. One can get a tourist visa to Libya now but it has to be arranged through an approved tour company. You have to stay with the tour group and stick to the agenda.

There were lots of tourists over there from all over the world (including the US) for the eclipse this year

I was thinking of Hajj but I didn't originally write it down so you read my mind Henia. lol

Hmm astagfurullah for people lying...but inchallah they did some of Allah's *light* while there ...I will check that book out Rahma! Saha...Jazak Allah Kheiran sis!

Well I was thinking Hajj...maybe cos that is the only reason I would go there. Not saying it is bad there...one of my good friends lived there for 8 years...she lives now in Vancouver and is wishing daily to return...

This link off of Delta's site has everything you need to know about visas for international travel for pretty much anybody.

thanks I am sure that will be helpful for everyone, including me

rclouse,
this is off topic BUT is that a jet plane humping a star trek space ship in your avatar???

It's the Millenium Falcon humping the Starship Enterprise. It was an entry in an animated Photoshop contest and it just struck me funny.

I would have never noticed that if my husband didn't ask me... "Habibity??? Why is there two small things humping each other in your inbox????? "



Ana asfah ya habibi

I got my residency fairly easily. We had to get our marriage registered and recognized there first. From there it is pretty standard. Lots of papers with stamps from various people. Copies of these papers with stamps to other people, repeat several times...wait and...voila. We were living there at the time, but nothing in the paperwork seemed to require it. So long as you have a local address?

But, for traveling I do not think that Algerian residency gets you access to other countries. Visas are usually granted (or not) based on citizenship not residency. My experience trying to travel with my husband is that a US passport allows you to travel within NA more easily than does an Algerian. Go figure. I could get an Egyptian visa on the spot at the Embassy, but they had to send my husband's app to Cairo so it took a few weeks to get it. Maroc is no problem for either of you and is an easy trip. Tunisia, too.

Curios to know what you find.

Go to Maroc!!! Easy, right next door and really wonderful.

Really? That is good to know I would love to see Tripoli! and the eclipse...

I was wodnering the same thing...but thought maybe my eyes are just seeing strange things...so I didn't ask...

Thanks JPaula for the info...I am just curious (if you prefer reply to me in PM) were you married in Algerie or elsewhere...and if you were did you have to go through all this red tape (basically corruption) that I am going through... Seems we are going broke just *paying* people off...almost can say it would have been cheaper to have waited for my citizen, applied for k1 and went through all the marriage and AOS...then just getting married here But anyway we are doing it right, so my husband says the money is no issue...but I am like...o yyyyeeee right honey... we still have to buy 2 sets of tickets from the USA to Algerie in the next 9 months...hmmm that is what $4000 at least? And we are trying to lease/buy a home here, plus everything I have on my plate in the US...hmmm and you say money is not a issue? Hmmm we have a lemon tree, not a money tree babe!

But I am happy to know that I can go to Maroc, Tunezia and Egypte no probs...