Currently in Lebanon, he is blogging about his journey here.  For real-time updates, you can also check out his Twitter feed here.

Of course, travel visas weren’t really an issue back when Alexander the Great traveled this route. Even if they had been, I seriously doubt he would have cared. You, however, are not Alexander the Great, and you don’t have the entire Macedonian army at your back. If you want to undertake a similar journey, researching travel visa requirements is an important first step.  Here’s a breakdown of the visa requirements for each country:

Turkey- Visas are required, but as long as you’re traveling as a tourist, they are easy to get and can be obtained for $20 on arrival.

Syria-You do need a travel visa to enter, and make sure you apply in advance. Also, you will not be allowed to enter if your passport shows entry/exit stamps from Israel.  For more information, see Syrian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

Lebanon-You do need a visa, but if you are an American citizen you can get a tourist visa at the airport.  Entry/exit stamps from Israel will get you into trouble here, too.

Iraq-You need a visa, and you need to apply in advance. Although you can get in via the Kurdistan Region without one, you won’t be able to travel anywhere else in Iraq unless you get an Iraqi visa prior to your trip.

Israel- You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof that you can support yourself financially in Israel and an onward ticket, but you should be able to get a visa on arrival.  Please note that the Israeli authorities may question you extensively and will do a background check, and if they see anything they don’t like, they don’t have to let you in.

Egypt- You need a passport and a visa. If you are flying in, you can get a visa on arrival at the airport or get one ahead of time. If you are entering via land, apply for your visa in advance For more information, see Egyptian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

Although not the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is the country’s largest city with 12.6 million people.  The city literally straddles the Bosphorus strait, with one part on the European side and the other on the Asian side.

Tourism is a major part of Istanbul’s economy. People flock here from across the globe, drawn by the city’s rich history, stunning architecture and fabulous Mediterranean beaches.

This post, by Two Drifters, gives a wonderful description of what it’s like to visit the city. No matter when you go or what you’re interested in doing, you should get a warm welcome.   To quote the Two Drifters:

Any tourist is warmly welcomed to Istanbul, from hotel owners and concierges, to the taxi drivers, to the café and restaurant staff. The locals love their country, the culture and their football, and are keen to show the world just how Istanbul is.

To travel to Istanbul, you’ll need a valid passport and a Turkish visa. The only exception is if you are on  a cruise ship that stops in Istanbul for the day.  In that case, you don’t have to apply for a visa unless you are spending the night on shore.

To apply for a Turkish visa, you’ll need a visa application and your US passport. If you’re just going as a tourist, you can get avisa sticker good for 90 days when you arrive in Turkey. If you are on an official or diplomatic trip, however, you need to apply for your visa in advance.

If you have an international trip planned, RushMyTravelVisa.com will be happy to help you understand what type of documentation you need and apply for any necessary visas.

Let us help you plan your next trip!