Israelis are increasingly leaving the country for Europe and the United States via Egypt’s Taba border crossing, in what has been described as a wave of “reverse migration” driven by fears of Iranian missile attacks, according to Israel’s i24NEWS channel.
The channel reported that large numbers of Israelis are choosing to travel overland through Sinai to reach Taba, before continuing their journeys abroad on connecting flights.
It noted that changes to flight schedules out of Israel have pushed thousands of travelers – including families and foreign students – to cross the border at Taba and proceed from there, using separate flights to their final destinations.
The report added that the southern crossing has turned into a round-the-clock hub, particularly after Egyptian authorities increased entry fees. Aid groups and private operators are reportedly arranging secure bus transport from Jerusalem to transit points in Sinai, making the lengthy journey a viable option for those seeking to leave the country.
This comes as some Israelis have launched a boycott campaign against the Taba crossing after Egypt raised border crossing fees last week from $25 to $60 per traveller.
The move has sparked anger on Israeli social media, with calls for a boycott gaining traction. Some travelers have also filed complaints with Israel’s Tourism Ministry and the Airports Authority.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted members of a Facebook group who initiated the boycott campaign, expressing frustration over the sharp increase in fees over the past two and a half months. They also claimed that such charges are not imposed on tourists entering via Sharm El Sheikh.
According to the report, Egyptian officials believe that more Israelis are currently using the Taba crossing to access outbound flights from Sharm Al Sheikh Airport, particularly as no alternative options are available from Ben Gurion Airport at this stage, where only evacuation flights are operating.