Israeli Tourist Denied Booking in Sinai Resort Due to Israeli Passport

In early August, an Israeli woman named Yuli planned a vacation with her husband in Sharm El-Sheikh, Sinai, a destination they frequently visit. After booking a room at the Riviera Resort Apartment, Yuli received a message from the resort stating they could not accommodate tourists holding Israeli passports due to security concerns. The resort explained that their security team would not approve her entry if she presented an Israeli passport, although they would accept a Russian passport. Yuli, who was born in Russia but only holds an Israeli passport, was surprised by this unprecedented request and immediately canceled her reservation.

Following this, Yuli booked a room at a nearby resort, where the owner assured her that Israeli tourists were welcome without any restrictions. She emphasized that in her many years of traveling to Sinai with an Israeli passport, she had never encountered such a demand before. Despite the incident, Yuli acknowledged that many Israeli tourists continue to visit Sinai and are generally welcomed warmly.

The National Security Council of Israel recently raised the travel warning for the Sinai Peninsula to level 4, citing a high threat to Israeli tourists and advising against travel to the area. Nevertheless, many Israelis still choose to vacation there, even during heightened tensions. The resort’s refusal to accept Israeli passports highlights ongoing security sensitivities in the region.