US citizens are required to obtain a visa for travel to Syria, which typically lasts 90 days and expires within 90 days. To apply for a Syrian tourist visa, a passport and visa must be obtained from a Syrian diplomatic mission in the traveler’s country of residence. American citizens must also be present when applying for the Syria Sticker visa.
Currently, most nationalities require a visa to enter Syria unless they hold a passport from Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or another country. As of March 2023, American citizens can apply for a Syrian visa again. However, the Department of State continues to warn US citizens against travel to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, hostage taking, and armed conflict.
As of March 2023, US citizens can apply for a Syrian visa. Getting a Syrian visa is relatively easy, but it is something that cannot be done on one’s own. Citizens of Syria do not require a visa to enter, reside, study, or work in Syria. It takes around 1 month for a US citizen to get a Syrian visa approved, and without government-approved security clearance, they cannot travel to Syria.
A visa is required for travel to Syria, and it must be obtained at an Embassy or Consulate of Syria in the traveler’s country of residence prior to arrival. Some nationalities, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, and Russia, can obtain a visa upon arrival.
In summary, US citizens need to obtain a visa before traveling to Syria, and there are two types of visas available: a passport and a visa. While most foreigners must secure a visa before their arrival, some nationalities do not need a visa to enter Syria.
📹 Crossing the USA Border with Syrian, Yemeni, Iraqi Passport Stamps
I’ve been travelling across all of Asia and the Middle East, and ended up collecting a lot of passport stamps that don’t make your …
Can you enter the US if you’ve been to Syria?
It should be noted that travel to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and/or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, may not qualify for an ESTA. For further details, please consult the Customs and Border Protection FAQs.
Do US citizens need a visa for Syria?
A visa is required for travel to Syria, and it must be obtained at an Embassy or Consulate of Syria in the traveler’s country of residence before arrival. However, the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Washington, DC, suspended operations in March 2014, and Passport Health Passports and Visas is unable to assist with visa processing. A passport is also required for travel to Syria, but Syrian authorities will not permit anyone with an entry or exit stamp from Israel to enter the country. If you have evidence of past travel to Israel in your passport and plan to travel to Syria, it is recommended to obtain a second passport.
US citizens interested in traveling to Syria should contact the Honorary Consulate of Syria in Montreal, Canada, for the latest visa requirements. Additional information can be found on the Consulate’s website.
Is America still fighting in Syria?
The United States officially intervened in the Syrian civil war in September 2014 to fight ISIS, supporting the international war against it, Operation Inherent Resolve. The US continues to support the Syrian rebels and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, opposing both the Islamic State and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In 2011, the Obama administration placed sanctions against Syria and supported the Free Syrian Army rebel faction, under the covert authorization of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Following the Islamic State’s occupation of Eastern Syria in August 2014, the US conducted surveillance flights to gather intelligence. In September 2014, the US-led coalition launched an air campaign against the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front inside Syria.
The US missile strike on Shayrat Airbase on 7 April 2017 marked the first time the US deliberately attacked Syrian government forces during the war. This marked the start of a series of direct military actions against the Syrian government and its allies, mainly in defense of the Syrian Democratic Forces or the Syrian Free Army opposition group. In mid-January 2018, the Trump administration indicated its intention to maintain an open-ended military presence in Syria to accomplish US political objectives, including countering Iranian influence and ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, on 19 December, President Trump unilaterally ordered the withdrawal of 2, 000-2, 500 US ground troops in Syria, which was to be completed in 2019.
Why would an ESTA be refused?
Travel authorization applications may be refused due to various reasons, such as nationality or criminal convictions. To travel to the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), individuals must satisfy eligibility requirements, including obtaining an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). While securing ESTA authorization is preferable to applying for a US visa, not everyone is eligible.
If an attempt is made without the required permission, or if an incorrect answer is given, such as failing to declare a past conviction, entry may be denied, impacting future US immigration applications.
Is Syria friendly with the US?
Diplomatic relations between Syria and the United States were suspended in 2012 following the Syrian Civil War. Priority issues between the two states include the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Golan Heights annexation, the Iraq War, alleged state-sponsorship of terrorism, and the occupation of Lebanon. The US added Syria to its first list of “State Sponsors of Terrorism” in 1979 due to its funding of Palestinian and other insurgent factions. Since then, the US has imposed economic sanctions on Syria, including export sanctions and ineligibility to receive most forms of US aid or purchase military equipment.
After the 2011 Syrian revolution, the US withdrew diplomatic recognition of Bashar al-Assad and imposed further sanctions against his government. A 2012 U. S. Global Leadership Report found that 29 of Syrians approve of U. S. leadership, with 40 disapproving and 31 uncertain.
Can tourists travel to Syria?
Travel to Syria is advised due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, criminality, arbitrary detention, torture, and forced disappearance. The Syrian conflict began in 2011 and remains an active conflict zone, with the Syrian regime and its allies conducting regular strikes in northwest Syria despite a ceasefire agreed to in 2020. Since September 2014, the global coalition against Daesh has carried out aerial bombardment operations on terrorist targets across the northeast. Additionally, frequent shelling by Turkey near the northern border due to longstanding tension between Syrian Kurdish groups and neighboring Turkey.
Is Syria still at war?
The Syrian civil war is a multi-sided conflict involving state-sponsored and non-state actors. In 2011, popular discontent with Bashar al-Assad’s rule led to large-scale protests and pro-democracy rallies across Syria. Armed rebel groups like the Free Syrian Army formed, marking the beginning of the Syrian insurgency. By mid-2012, the crisis had escalated into a full-blown civil war. Rebel forces, receiving arms from NATO and GCC states, made significant advances against government forces, who were receiving arms from Iran and Russia.
In 2015, Russia launched a military intervention in support of the government, shifting the balance of the conflict. By late 2018, all rebel strongholds, except parts of the Idlib region, had fallen to government forces. In 2014, the Islamic State group seized control of Eastern Syria and Western Iraq, prompting the U. S.-led CJTF coalition to launch an aerial bombing campaign against it. The Islamic State was territorially defeated by late 2017.
In 2016, Turkey launched a multi-pronged invasion of northern Syria, fighting both Islamic State and government forces. Since the March 2020 Idlib ceasefire, frontline fighting has mostly subsided, characterized by regular skirmishes.
Do we have a U.S. Embassy in Syria?
The U. S. Embassy has suspended operations since February 6, 2012. President Biden, who represented Delaware in the Senate for 36 years, aims to restore America’s leadership and rebuild communities. Kamala D. Harris is the Vice President of the United States of America, elected after a lifetime of public service. Anthony J. Blinken, the 71st U. S. Secretary of State, was nominated by Biden in November 2020, confirmed by the Senate in January 2021, and sworn in by Harris the following day.
How long can a US citizen stay in Syria?
A Syrian visa is a simple process that requires a security clearance and an email. Upon arrival, a stamp is issued, allowing for up to 30 days of stay. The country offers a variety of attractions, including Damascus, Homs, and the medieval Krak Des Chevaliers. The second largest city of Aleppo, which was destroyed by ISIS, is currently undergoing rebuilding efforts. The ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO site, is located east of the desert and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country offers a rich history and culture, with UNESCO sites like Palmyra and the UNESCO-listed city of Damascus. For more information on traveling to Syria, contact info@rockyroadtravel. com.
📹 How I visited Syria as an American (in 2023)
I visited Syria in May, 2023 as an American citizen I think Syria is incredibly overlooked when it comes to the general world stage.
I realize I’m almost a year late here, but take my word for it, you were screened before you even stepped on the plane to New York. The interrogations at U. S. Customs and Immigration are for those for whom they have incomplete information, have questions about, or for whom there is some suspicion. There is a lot that goes on in the background that you aren’t aware of.
It’s also the passport you travel with. I used to travel with my South African passport and border officials loved chatting to me. Would take me to back rooms in many countries and ask me all sorts of questions. Then when I finally got my New Zealand passport all those friendly officials stopped talking to me. The only thing they would comment on was how cool the passport looked then would wave me through. Not even a single cuddly dog to sniff my bags.
As an American citizen, a person of color with an Islamic sounding name. I do travel a lot abroad but not in those places. I have even some black and white European friends who visit the US often. I do believe racial profiling exists and real. However, I think your case was not merely pure luck, or they let you go because of color or national origin, etc. This simple answer is that they checked you thoroughly even while you were in flight and probably watched your vlogs too and saw you were no threat. If still need the long answer and how here it goes: There is something called Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). US congress passed back in 2005, allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review passenger information prior to boarding for commercial flights arriving into or departing from the United States and for commercial vessels destined for or departing the United States. In other words, every airline, including the one you were on your way to the US, was legally required to transmit the complete manifest for all passengers 30 minutes prior to departure. APIS includes even your seat information and whether you asked the airline to serve you specific dietary requirements, Halal, Kosher, vegetarian etc. So they have 8 hours of your flight to check you before you land. Besides, if you have a passport of one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) then you must have obtained approval through ESTA prior to traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
My Iranian born husband and I have traveled frequently. My skin and hair color are much like yours, his is way darker. I have been pulled out for extra searches, interrogated and once was escorted for questioning by Greek police with uzi’s because the incoming customs person didn’t stamp my passport (she did, but it didn’t transfer the ink) and I didn’t double check (never make that mistake again). My husband has never been pulled out for extra screening or questioning either here in the US or abroad. Guess my point is, if you are looking for the negative, you’ll find it, even if it’s not there.
I am a blonde, blue-eyed woman, also called Eva. And I am always completely shocked by the lack of checks on me at border crossings and the stark contrast with other people. I once (accidentally) took a knife and scissors with me on an international plane and nobody batted an eye. I only found out I did it when I found them in my bag at my destination.
As a white male, who travel the globe (well not so much right now due to Covid) I have trouble entering a few places. I’ve been questioned in numerous places about the purpose of my trip. In Feb. 2020 I entered Indonesia and was greatly questioned about the purpose of my journey. I was on a new passport, the old one was full, and they knew I had previously been there and had a new passport. US Immigration all ready knew who you were before you ever landed. Also, you were traveling on an EU country passport. Really enjoy your VLOG’s.
I’m a black American. I’ve been to many European countries. I’ve flown to and from many different places around the world. Every border crossings I’ve been (including my country or Europe), I’ve had ZERO incidents with any border patrol agent. It doesn’t matter what race, sex, religion, or background. If you respect the laws of any country, you’re should have ZERO issues getting into any country. I think you’re making too big of a deal of this. You used Drew Brinsky as an example who is white get questioned by border patrol agents when he returned to the US. Also, many US patrol agents different who have different races, sex, and religious backgrounds. I’m not saying racial bias doesn’t exist, but it’s a tiny fraction.
I think it’s not quite right. As a 22-year-old male, I visited the United States many times with a Turkish passport (although my skin color is white) and I was never asked any questions other than “why are you traveling to the United States?” It was also very easy to get a tourist visa. I applied in 2018, after only 2 minutes of interview, a valid, 10 year valid and multiple entry tourist visa was issued which is valid until 2028. No other country has issued such long-term tourist visa to me.
I actually was in Algeria past week and just get back to the US taking in consideration that I am green card holder and my full name is Mohamed Ali Larbi Daho Bachir. I stayed 20 days in Algeria since I am an Algerian nationality. The only question I got from immigration officer was “Is there any food in your luggage” . Ofc said NO,except bread . And then took picture of me and check my Algerian passport and my green card and scan them and then I am good to go. I have black long hair, kinda white with some tiny red screen looks like Hispanic or Native American as people tell me always in America even in Algeria sometimes. But wasn’t any problem entering back in the US . and planning to be world traveler as soon as I finish my school here and obtain my American passport in couple years, hopefully. Thank you Eva for sharing with us this experience. I just got cross of your articles to learn from expert traveler and make my decision to travel the world and still thinking about having partners to be able to get pics and stuff like that for safety as well.
Eva, I love your articles, and I’m a new subscriber. I just want to say that I truly don’t believe this is what you think it was. I also truly do believe they had your information beforehand, and so it wasn’t an issue requiring interrogation. Last, I think your apolitical articles are much better! Thank you for all the great content!
Many countries, almost certainly including Poland, have an agreement with the US that they will tell the US if citizens of theirs who have asked permission to enter the US are on the radar of their security services. You get on their radar for instance by being in touch with extremists. Saudi Arabia, for example, is extremely cooperative with the USA on this, and since these procedures were adopted the USA has never or at most extremely rarely had problems with Saudi citizens it has let into the country. You should be praising the professionalism of the Polish and British security services rather than making vile and insulting claims without any knowledge of how the procedures work.
Love your website, But I’ve been o most of those countries, last trip was Lebanon came back the didn’t asked any questions at all the only one they asked was how was your trip. I’m a Hispanic guy. In Europe I travel without being question as well. It just depends how you approach them and the time of the day.
You had a visa – that helps. I‘m a white blonde woman that got questionned for an hour or two hours at the US border in the past. They were always respectful but they asked some uncomfortable questions not because I didn‘t want them to know the answer but because I knew my answer wasn‘t the one they wanted to hear as their number 1 favourite answer. I just treated it with an it‘s their job attitude. After all I knew what could be expecting me at the border so I came prepared with just the right kind of documents. I always felt like their main goal was to make sure you follow the law and leave again after whatever time you were granted in their country. And they make it very clear that it is up to you to prove that.
I feel like you raised a very important point and are really happy. As an Israeli passport holder, many countries in the world do not accept me (currently traveling with family and children). And in the past attempts to enter Australia, the United States, Japan have been very challenging because of the passport..and I am a “white” man. Thank you for raising this important issue.
I am Canadian I travelled to Israel and Jordan. I was questioned by US immigration about my visa stamp from Jordan. I was questioned the purpose of the visit and if I was in contact with anyone from Jordan. I believe it’s the discretion of the immigration officer, not so much your gender, skin colour or accent.
Wow. Thanks for your honesty. I’m African American. Please know that the hateful comments from other Americans in the comments is most likely due to the cloudy lens of their privilege. But what you said is spot on. And you are very brave to say it. Safe travels. Gotta get Mardi Gras in your bucket list of travels if ever in the US again.
Eva, you attempted to provoke an interaction with customs and immigration that you believed would “prove” your opinions and view of reality. Your attempt failed. Your facial expressions once you finished with customs evidenced your disappointment. You seemed truly miffed that you weren’t treated with more suspicion. Nonetheless, because of your bias, you’ve decided that the lack of racist behavior towards you was itself evidence of racism/white privilege. No matter what you experienced, you were determined to find racism, weren’t you? This is pretty much the definition of PREJUDICE. Congratulations, you are part of the problem, not the solution. Suggestion: take off your blinders, try to open yourself to ideas and beliefs that differ from yours (especially if you prize diversity), and stop regurgitating divisive nonsense. Really, why travel if you’re only going to fit your experience into your pre-conceived world-view? You might as well stay home.
Alright so I kinda have an issue with this. Visiting Pakistan doesn’t restrict your right to an ESTA like visiting Syria or Iran does. If an immigration officer sees you have a Pakistani stamp, they may ask you a question or two but will most likely not care. Visiting Syria is different as it prohibits you from applying for an ESTA. I can’t believe you compared Pakistan to Syria lmao.
I would like to add that I have a Lebanese friend that worked for years for American companies in Sandi Arabia after he graduated from the same university that I got my degree from. He did not want to go home to Lebanon. He returned to the USA and didn’t have a lot of problems getting into the country and yes they started to question him but the USA companies he worked for were contacted and this dispelled the fears at immigration. It turns out that what they really wanted was information on his last job with a UK company that had information about the Saudi government. They were not interested in denying his access to the USA but their really interested in information about the Saudi government.
A German friend of mine who looked very European and he was searched thoroughly at the JFK on his way out of the country. It is just pure luck dear. There is random screening. You come to the US with a renewed EU passport next time, cleared of visas, and who knows how you are going to be treated :)) And the treatment may vary from gate to gate. The US customs people at the gates “are” from different races, first of all. They are not specifically giving clearance to “all white” people, despite countless unfair incidents take place – which I definitely not vouch for. The other thing about customs officers (everywhere) is, they are authorized with wider powers we can imagine because where they question you is technically, still outside the gates, meaning outside the country you are trying to enter. So, they are outside the legal jurisdiction of the country they are authorized to represent. So they have wider powers than the regular law enforcement guys. It is a great responsibility to let incoming people through the “doors” ahead. Even citizens are questioned for long time. It is sometimes the “hunch” they feel, so they trust you and let you past the gates.
I’m Iraqi living in Germany and have permanent residency and a permanent work contract and My parents living in U.S and I didn’t see them for a long time. My mother did an open hart surgery and I applied to visit her and I provide the U.S embassy all the evidences and documents and after all that the employee rejected my visa in 3 minutes without even bother himself to check the documents!! So yes I know exactly what you talking about !!
Late to the comments section, but the reason you were let in easily was not white privilege. It’s because you were screened even before you boarded your flight. Once you booked your flight and entered your passport information the US started looking at your info. You simply didn’t have any red flags or gaps (missing) information. Also, it helps you carry a Polish (EU) passport. That’s it, simple as that.
i have a syrian passport and i want to study in other countries (other than the country im living in(not syria)) and it’s kinda hard to go to other countries, although im still in highschool, i cant wait to go to college, and i do hope things change over time, hopefully i can study in my dream university 🙂
I had this kind of experience, not for entering into a country, but in an administration in my country. I needed a certificate that proved that I had French nationality and I had to go at an office where around 30-40 people were waiting so I was expecting a quite long waiting. But these other people were there because they were foreigners (and most of them were not white-coloured) and needed some documents for staying in France. When they saw me in the line, they immediately came at me and asked me what I needed. They immediately took my application form and asked me to come back two days later – that document normally needed one week or more to be done. So I came back two days later and when the guy saw me in the waiting room, he opened a desk for me.
I started perusal your website in 2020 so I hadn’t seen this article before but I loved this! I’m currently writing an essay on securitisation as part of a two week course I did on Conflict and International Development and I so appreciate your incorporation and exploration of privilege and racism in the travel system.
I love your articles but I think maybe just maybe you’re coming at this one with your own biases while you scold your perceived bias of a system of a country that you don’t live in and have no internal understanding of the systems and procedures of US customs. There are certain “red flags” put in place for a reason at security check points, and lets not kid ourselves, the job of customs and border protection is to profile the people passing into the country, that is why they exist, and if you can’t understand the reason for that, especially when you’re talking about those countries in particular considering you’re entering the USA, you either have your own bias you can’t see past, you don’t understand the world you’re traveling in or you are just making a click bait article. I enjoy how much you open up the world and show how we are basically all the same all around the world, but security needs are still a real thing and are continually evaluated and change based on real events. So I’m sure you can understand why in the context of statistical data some people are evaluated more in depth at security checkpoints than others and if you can’t you’re never going to live in the world you want to, because as much as 99 percent of people on earth are great there is still one percent shitbags that we have to account for and unfortunately there are only a few ways to do that. I’m sure there is room for improvement, there always is in everything in life but maybe a little gratitude that you get to come here and experience our country with absolutely zero hassle.
It’s hit or miss with immigration. I remember leaving the Bahamas and being sent to a second check in another room after the 1st US custom woman officer asked me a whole bunch of questions and wasnt satisfied with my answers. 2nd officer had same questions and smiled, called me a “little rebel” and said I was free to go. On actual USA land i’ve been good though, really no questions. I am a Latin American gal from USA lets see how my return from Jordan is going to go.
I got an hour of questioning at a US airport once… Single, 40, white, south american passport with a tourist visa and a return ticket. 2AM. Apparently my drawing pencils and pad were very suspicious, and I “didn´t have enough clothes for two weeks”. The guy was very respectful and thorough, I mean THOROUGH. Apparently the guy thought I was planning on drawing portraits on Venice Beach or something. He let me through when he realised I had a much better job back home, I guess.
I’m from the Netherlands and we can by a 2nd business passport because for visa from some country’s you have wait 3 month with your passport on the embassy. Your can then business travel with your 2nd passport. As a traveler we use 1 passport for the east world and the 2nd for the west world. Then they won’t see your stamps from the other passport in the usa.
Well at this time you cannot even think of entering USA. The place where you are right now I think is the best place in the world right now. You should keep some memories there like keeping atleast 50 stones of memories at a secret place. So that if you return I can see those stones of your holy visit. Well you are so sweet. Miss u
I have a few issues with your claim to racial injustice by the immigration personnel and system. The YouTuber you mentioned (Drew) is also white, but got questioned. Also, the United States does not have good relations with some of these countries, so questioning is reasonable in my opinion. I also believe that the reason you were not questioned is because you have a large social media platform, meaning that your information is much more easily accessible to determine your purposes of travel. Your passport is a European one, so it may played a role in you not being questioned. Anyway, I do agree that there are still issues in the United States and other countries alike where minorities are more targeted simply based off of their place of origin, look, or complexion, but I find these instances to be less common, however this should obviously be fixed and is nonetheless inexcusable. With all that being said, Ido not believe that you were not questioned simply because of your white skin.
I am very happy you brought up this issue. Although some people will never understand or have a hard time understanding it is still important to recognize. I am a naturalized citizen in the U.S and when I have come back from far less “concerning” travel I was always stopped and questioned. I also travel often to many different parts of the world and it blows my mind that I always get stopped when all I want to do is go home.
I have had the same issues with a Canadian passport. I travelled in Saudi on my British passport, so I had not visible evidence of this travel in my Canadian passport. I am half Asian and I have beard. I think it boils down to the border crossing officer not the system. Your vlogs are amazing and I’m glad I found your website. Your cycle adventure was amazing.
Thank you for bringing up the uncomfortable and unfortunate truth about the racism in accessing different countries. As a Black American, my passport is met with suspicion of it’s authenticity, suspicion of my motives and intense questioning. Every. Time. Perfect example, I went on a group trip to France when I was 17 and the Black kids and Latina kid (a.k.a. me and two friends) were questioned about our trip without the presence of our teacher.
Security matters. There is a movie when the main character ask an american agent why he knew his email and all its content. The agent replied “we are americans we read all your emails”. That is if you are a person of interest or a potential threat. But to be honest they can do so to anyone. You are not a threat. You are just an observer.
Pre-9/11 I (White female) was traveling cross-country with someone who is Iranian (male) and I’m very blonde-blue-eyed Scandinavian looking. We were traveling to move a bunch of stuff. Best way to do that is in (back then) free luggage (100 lbs in 2x pieces) and also I wore my big Army coat with huge pockets. I packed my pockets as full as they would go with “stuff” (electronics, batteries, food, valuables, etc). The Iranian I was traveling with was just wearing a light jacket and just a small carry-on pack of toiletries and other misc. stuff, maybe a change of clothes or two. Me? I get waived through without even a check of anything at all (this was before TSA was a thing). My companion? practically had to go through a strip-search to get through the gate. After we both went through, I filed a complaint with the gate supervisor, letting them know I was quite upset that I was not searched at all and my companion who had virtually NOTHING on him was practically strip-searched. I also filed a complaint with the FBI that this is NO WAY to ensure bad guys do not make it through to planes. It could have been just as easy for me in my big Army coat to have had all kinds of bad stuff and used my companion as a diversion. I was much madder than you were about this. Fast forward almost 25 years? We are all bad people now. 🙂 I still have yet to walk through a scanner, though, and demand a pat down every time I go on a plane. They still hate me for doing that because of the extreme shortage of female employees they have, and they have to call one sometimes from another terminal just to pat me down to get through the gate.
I enjoy your vblog website, you’re an amazing person. Unfortunately when 19 slightly colored guys get on a plane and jam into two buildings in NY, America tends to be a little reluctant. Fortunately you happen to be a well known traveling sort of white woman whose has been all over including the U.S. I think even the obese, homeless, soldiers, veterans, handicapped, etc are profiled. Now what? It’s not America…its just people in general. Everyone, stop accusing America when even Australia is tough on people to get in. Btw, this thought is coming from a colored guy…but wait, arent we all colored? I happen to be whitish, oops. Love your articles tho! Awesome.
I was once pulled into an office, and had my 3day backpack and camera contents dumped on a table, strip searched and questioned for about 40 minutes with guns drawn. Why? because I was sweating due to being sick with dysentery and the guy in front of me noticed I wasn’t feeling well and offered me a ride home. Oh, and did I mention he had 8k in cash on him from his tech job. They finally let us both go after he paid a fine for non disclosure of his cash. Did I complain about my white privilege or lack of discrimination for being white? Nope, i was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I just knew that I couldn’t be denied entry at the time, because I was born in the USA.
As far as border crossings go, they aren’t unconscious racial profiling decisions – they’re conscious ones. It’s a fact that racial profiling works for border security and preventing terrorism. Israel has some of the strictest border security procedures of all countries and, despite being surrounded by countries that hate the state and plot attacks against it, it has a relatively low amount of terrorism there especially as of recent. Their security admits to excessively using racial profiling to secure its borders. Is it fair for a different skin colour individual to be questioned more just because of their skin colour? Perhaps not. But all those stamps you have are suspicious, and if I’m being completely honest, I’d rather not have the effectiveness of border security undermined so people don’t feel like they were racially targeted because they have to go through extra security processing.
came across your website and started binge perusal. Very interesting contents. The only issue i have with what you said in this article is that “these countries are caught in the crossfire of Western interests…” A lot of people, both those from the less advanced countries themselves, as well as those from the so-called Western liberal democracies, seem to think that these countries were paradise before Western influence came in. Young people especially have this tendency (i myself is a 90s kid from East Asia). This is too simplistic of a view, if not outright false. Slavery and terrorist activities started long before Western influence. What i’m saying is, try to look at things objectively instead of feeling the white guilt.
Ewa, I really liked your website and really enjoyed your articles until I saw this episode. I love how you advertised other counties and promoted travel to them; especially Pakistan. Your comments related to entering US were really disappointing to me. Especially when you were disappointed how you didn’t’ experience racial discrimination from a United States immigration officer. This to me sounded like you expected discrimination from a US official and when you didn’t experience this, you started to promote racial discrimination versus promoting how this was a pleasant experience. I want you to know that your attitude in this vlog was not helpful in promoting equality and only contributed to the racial divide in the US and the world. Pleasant experiences should be cherished as an example and not exploited to further you’re and your viewers agenda. I am still considering, if I will subscribe and continue to watch your website going forward, after viewing more than hundreds of your articles. Sincerely, your bucket list viewer of Pakistan and middle east travel articles.
While I do not disagree with you. I will have to say it was you where lucky that day and maybe your attitude at the officer put them at ease. I am a US-Citizen, white and male with an Italian name and last name, and recently flying back from the Dominican Republic with my brand new passport (and I have never been to any of the countries you have been), I got so many questions and moved to a second officer. And that was my first time ever I experienced this, not even when I went to Belarus, Estonia and Rusia got questioned, but after a trip to the Dominican Republic. So It was luck, as that day I wasn’t lucky and I had an officer that wanted to do his job very thoroughly. I mention also the attitude, because I have seen that people that look all relaxed and compliant with the authorities usually do not get questioned. Or the officer knows who you are and is a follower of you
Hi Eva I’ve been perusal your vlog for a while and I really like it,however…i disagree with your statements. I am a white female, who has an US passport and there were many times when I was ” interrogated ” upon entering US after a long absence from the country. The process of “interrogation ” has NOTHING TO DO with ones race, skin color or gender. It’s a measure of security.
…”White privilege”… article ruined. Also, you could definitely pass for a non white female, so I’m sure “white” had nothing to do it it. All it was, was luck and an immigration officer in a good mood. I truly hope you’re not one of those anti-white propaganda pushing sjw types… cause I was beginning to really like your articles. I’m Russian, I’m white, I have no idea what white privilege is. Always have to work hard for what I have, never been given any hand outs just cause I’m white. I get asked questions, I get discriminated against. So dont tell me about this non existent “white privilege”. And if you say you have white privilege, please do send it my way, I’d like to experience some privilege.
Hi Eva I liked your travels. I am a Filipino-Spanish, holding a Filipino passport, I went to USA and my entry was JFK airport also last Feb 12, 2020 and I had the same nice experienced with you, I was just asked what is my purpose to enter the United States and answered them simply for a holiday, btw I worked as a Nurse in Saudi Arabia for 6 years up to present, and I had recent travel to Egypt last 2019 for twice as well and pretty sure they saw it on my passport stamps.
Btw it’s not true that US Officers treat people with other nationalities differently! My first name is Mohammed and my 2 blonde German friends were denied entry at Miami airport and me as an Middle eastern German got my passport stamped without any problem! So your article isn’t telling 100% the truth!