What if I want a stamp as a souvenir?

You can request a stamp, but this defeats the purpose of avoiding stamps for future Arab country travel. Consider buying a souvenir passport stamp from tourist shops instead.

Will Arab countries know I visited Israel anyway?

Possibly. Some countries check flight records or look for other evidence. Research specific country policies before traveling.

What about overland crossings from Jordan or Egypt?

Most crossings use the entry card system, but Allenby Bridge (Jordan) still stamps passports. The Taba crossing from Egypt typically uses entry cards.

Can I lose my entry card and still leave Israel?

No. You must visit an immigration office to get a replacement card before departing. This can take 3-6 hours and requires bringing your passport and explaining the loss.

How to visit Israel without getting your passport stamped

Israel stopped stamping passports in 2013 and now issues separate entry cards instead. Your passport won't be stamped unless you specifically request it, making travel to Arab countries afterward much easier.

Understand the current system. Since 2013, Israel automatically issues a blue entry card (Form AL-17) instead of stamping passports. Immigration officers place this card inside your passport when you enter. Keep this card with you throughout your stay - you'll need it to exit Israel.
Let the process happen naturally. Do nothing special at border control. The officer will scan your passport, ask standard questions, and insert the blue entry card. They will not stamp your passport unless you specifically ask them to (which you shouldn't if you want to avoid stamps).
Handle the entry card carefully. Store the blue entry card safely in your passport. Don't lose it - you cannot exit Israel without this card. If you lose it, you'll need to visit an immigration office in Israel to get a replacement, which can take several hours.
Present the card when leaving. When departing Israel, give the immigration officer your passport with the entry card inside. They will remove and keep the card, letting you leave with a completely stamp-free passport.
Know the exceptions. The Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan still stamps passports. If avoiding stamps is crucial, use Ben Gurion Airport, the northern border with Lebanon, or other land crossings - not Allenby Bridge.

What if I want a stamp as a souvenir?: You can request a stamp, but this defeats the purpose of avoiding stamps for future Arab country travel. Consider buying a souvenir passport stamp from tourist shops instead.
Will Arab countries know I visited Israel anyway?: Possibly. Some countries check flight records or look for other evidence. Research specific country policies before traveling.
What about overland crossings from Jordan or Egypt?: Most crossings use the entry card system, but Allenby Bridge (Jordan) still stamps passports. The Taba crossing from Egypt typically uses entry cards.
Can I lose my entry card and still leave Israel?: No. You must visit an immigration office to get a replacement card before departing. This can take 3-6 hours and requires bringing your passport and explaining the loss.