Mubarak On Your Intention!

Alhamdulillah for your heartfelt intention to set foot in the blessed lands of Masjid Al-Aqsa. Embarking on this journey is like stepping into an abode of spirituality and history, where every corner resonates with the echoes of the countless Prophets (AS), Sahabah (RA) and the ritcheous who once graced its sacred ground. The serenity and profound connection one feels within the Masjid is unparalleled, boosting one’s iman and leaving a yearning to return time and again

Remember Your Purpose

As visitors to Masjid Al-Aqsa, it’s paramount to keep in mind the core intent of your journey which is to immerse yourself in prayer and worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa. While each individual may hold their own political views, this pilgrimage is an opportunity for spiritual reflection, not political engagement. Always remain conscious of this and prioritize your spiritual growth whilst visiting the sacred Masjid.

Standard Immigration Process

Should you be asked to wait by immigration officials, the vast majority of the time it is simply to confirm a few details. You’ll likely need to share your father’s name, and your paternal grandfather’s name, along with your contact number and email. Once immigration officials have reviewed the provided information, they will grant you your visa, allowing you to continue on your journey.

Enhanced Immigration Process

Occasionally, travellers might undergo a more comprehensive immigration check. During this enhanced process, immigration officers might request access to your mobile phone, including apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Given the inherent political sensitivities in the region, content that seems overtly anti-Israeli might lead to further questioning or even denial of entry. Once immigration officials have reviewed the provided information, they will grant you your visa, allowing you to continue on your journey.

Remember to approach this process with clarity about your reason for visiting which is to worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa and to visit the Old City of Jerusalem. It’s also beneficial to readily provide evidence of your return flights, planned itinerary, and hotel accommodation.

Importance of Your Visa Slip

For those travelling with a UK passport, you’re in luck. The visa process is relatively simple as you will be granted one upon arrival. However, if your passport is from a different nation, you may need to arrange the visa through the Israeli embassy prior to the trip.

Ensure you keep the paper visa safe with you and carry it at all times until you depart, this is important as security personnel may request to see this whilst travelling. This document acts as a record for your proof of entry. As with all vital travel documents, it’s essential to have it readily available if needed. 

Your pilgrimage to Masjid Al-Aqsa is a spiritually significant journey, and understanding the logistics of your visit is key to ensuring a smooth experience. With this knowledge about the immigration process, we hope you can embark on your journey with peace of mind.

Enjoy Your Visit!

The immigration process, even if it takes a few hours, is but a brief moment in your journey. What truly matters is the invaluable time you will spend in the sacred grounds of Masjid Al-Aqsa.

In addition to the blessed Masjid, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the locals, indulge in the delightful local sweets, eat at traditional restaurants, and lose yourself in the bustling souqs overfilled with life and colour. As you navigate this unique blend of spirituality and cultural richness, treasure every moment in this amazing land.

Masjid Al-Aqsa Terms & Conditions

Ziyara Tours is honoured to facilitate visits to the Sacred Masjid Al-Aqsa. However, it’s important to understand some facts and realities prior to your visit.

 

8.1 Immigration Procedures: Entry to Masjid Al-Aqsa requires passing through Israeli Immigration. This process occurs either upon landing at Tel-Aviv Airport or at the Jordan Border Crossing.

 

8.2 Standard Immigration Process: Generally, immigration is straightforward. However, you may be asked to wait for routine checks. In such cases, officials typically ask for basic information, including your father’s and paternal grandfather’s names, your contact number, and email. Following this verification, you will receive your visa.

 

8.3 Enhanced Checks: In some instances, travellers might undergo more thorough immigration checks. This may include examination of your mobile phone and social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Content perceived as anti-Israeli can lead to further inquiries or potentially, denial of entry. You may also be asked about your travel history and reason for visiting certain countries. Your cooperation and understanding in these situations are essential.

 

8.4 Clarity For Your Purpose: Remember to approach this process with clarity about your reason for visiting which is to worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa and to visit the Old City of Jerusalem. It’s also beneficial to readily provide evidence of your return flights, planned itinerary, and hotel accommodation.

 

8.4 Denial of Entry: Although rare, there is always a possibility of entry denial. Ziyara Tours cannot be held responsible for any package costs or expenses incurred in such scenarios.

 

  • Tel-Aviv Airport: If denied entry at the airport, you will be responsible for the costs of a return flight to your home country.
  • Jordan Border: If entry is denied at this point, Ziyara Tours will endeavor to assist. Our Jordanian ground agents can escort you to Amman Airport, but you will have to bear the cost of the return flight and reimburse Ziyara Tours for transport expenses from the border to the airport.

 

8.6 Ground Package Costs: In regards to ground the purchased package expenses, refunds are not guaranteed due to our commitments with suppliers and entry through immigration being beyond our control. At our discretion, we may offer a full or partial refund, conditional upon recovering costs initially allocated for your package.

 

8.7 Avoiding Political Discussions: Our journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa is primarily a spiritual and educational pursuit, aimed at enabling you to immerse yourself in prayer and worship. We recognize that individuals may hold personal political views; however, this pilgrimage is a time for spiritual reflection rather than political engagement. We urge all travellers to stay focused on their purpose during their time in the sacred Holy Lands. It’s important to avoid discussions or actions related to politics, as they can lead to unnecessary complexities. Remember, as a group, we share a collective responsibility to ensure a harmonious experience for everyone involved.

 

8.8 Engaging With Locals: While visiting Masjid Al-Aqsa and its surrounding areas, you’ll find opportunities to interact with the local community. It’s important to exercise caution in unfamiliar surroundings, but this doesn’t preclude friendly and respectful interactions with locals. Feel free to engage in polite conversations, ask for directions, or learn more about the local culture and traditions. Such interactions can enrich your travel experience. However, for your own privacy and security, we recommend against exchanging personal contact information with people you meet. This approach helps maintain a balance between enjoying authentic cultural exchanges and safeguarding your personal information and security.