Latest Lists

As of June of 2009, what Arab countries can an American citizen visit for tourism?

The Department of State lists Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Syria and Somalia as places that Americans shouldn't visit (some more obvious than others). I wish people would help me confirm if all of this Arabic speaking countries or any others are dangerous for a normal, middle class tourist with no business interests or government contacts in the region.

Public Comments

1. "Shouldn't" or "Cannot"? That is the question. And it also depends on the other country. It may be laws from the other countries.
2. I am sure they are not dangerous, but I have never been there so I wouldn't know the conditions. It is a shame the Middle East is like this, because they are such great countries with great cultures. Just a quick question for you, do you speak Arabic? Just wondering. But, I hope you go to the Middle East and have a great time on your vacation.
3. Add Libya to the list.
4. There are only three places really. Egypt: Pyramid, Sphinx, Sharm el Sheikh, nice beaches, markets. Try not to get mugged. Dubai, UAE: Very expensive, but has all these million-stars hotels and restaurants (you can look at them if you want ;) ) and nice feats of Engineering. Traffic can be troublesome. Jordan: Petra (one of the new seven wonders), Jerash, the Colosseum, Dead sea and a bunch of other castles and sites. No downsides really, probably the best security in MENA is there too.
5. Just say you are Irish ;)
6. Jordan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are more archealogical sites than you can ever imagine (google Petra, Jerash, the Roman Colliseaum, Castle of Ajloun, etc). You will find TONS of touristy things to do. Better yet, it also has a city life. Amman, the capital, is a beautiful place that will remind you of the states to tell you the truth. It's not so different, but there is the element of culture. Plus, most people are bilingual in Arabic and English, so you would be able to get by with just English. Also, the Dead Sea is one of the most beautiful places in the entire globe. and Aqaba, the port city by the Red Sea, has the blue-est waters you will ever see. Take a glass boat tour or a scuba diving trip---the Red Sea is more dense with corals and underwater life than the Great Barrier Reef. All in all, JORDAN's the way to go.
7. dont listen to this u can go anywhere
8. i agree with Theo. I am going to Jordan tomorrow :))
9. well, they are not dangers! but Palestine and Sudan probable, anyways,I visited Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi, UAE, Qatar and I'm from Kuwait but I recommend Egypt; it has its own beauty, the culture the people the mood, the Nile, the Giza the pyramids just lovely <333 I've never been to Yemen OR Oman but I'd love to Visit one of them at least! :) i think we can see the culture there! and I never been to Tunisia or Morocco ! but i think both would be nice to visit! .. Dubai in UAE .. a modern life! pretty hot!! but it's fun. Jordan and Saudi sounds boring to me! sorry =), syria is way interesting than Jordan and Lebanon could be the best out of those three. Good Luck