Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Security Checks at Borders
Travel to Palestine (primarily the West Bank) requires entry through Israel or Jordan, with Israeli authorities controlling most access points. Expect thorough security screenings and potential interviews at Ben Gurion Airport or Allenby Bridge; always carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds to avoid delays or denials.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the region, with multiple blank pages for entry stamps from Israel, Jordan, or other borders.
Avoid passports with stamps from countries like Iran or Lebanon, as they may lead to entry denials by Israeli officials; consider using a new passport if needed.
Photocopy your passport and keep digital backups, as checkpoints may require ID verification multiple times during your stay.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days when arriving via Israel, which grants access to the West Bank (Areas A/B).
Gaza access is highly restricted and requires separate permits from Israeli authorities, often limited to humanitarian or approved purposes; most tourists focus on the West Bank.
Entry via Jordan (Allenby Bridge) may require a Jordanian visa first, but Israeli entry is free for eligible nationalities upon arrival.
Visa Applications for Restricted Nationalities
If your nationality requires a visa (e.g., from India, China, or certain Arab countries), apply in advance through an Israeli embassy or consulate, submitting documents like invitation letters, proof of funds (around $100/day), and travel insurance.
Processing can take 2-4 weeks; fees range from $50-100, and approval is not guaranteed due to security considerations.
For longer stays or work/study, apply for a B/1 work visa or student permit through Israeli authorities, which may involve Palestinian coordination.
Border Crossings & Checkpoints
Main entry points include Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) for air travel, Allenby Bridge from Jordan, or Sheikh Hussein Bridge; expect 1-3 hours for processing with baggage scans and questioning.
Within the West Bank, Israeli checkpoints are common—carry your passport at all times and respect instructions to ensure smooth passage between cities like Bethlehem and Ramallah.
Avoid traveling near sensitive areas like Hebron during tensions; use shared taxis (servees) for internal movement, which are efficient but may involve waits at barriers.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory and crucial, covering medical evacuations (due to limited facilities in some areas), trip cancellations from political unrest, and activities like hiking in Jericho.
Policies should include coverage for the West Bank; providers like World Nomads offer plans starting at $5-10/day with 24/7 assistance.
Declare any pre-existing conditions and ensure the policy covers border-related delays or checkpoint issues for full protection.
Extensions & Overstays
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days are possible by applying at Israeli Ministry of Interior offices in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, requiring proof of funds and reasons like tourism extension.
Fees are approximately $30-50; overstaying can result in fines up to $1,300 or bans, so apply at least two weeks before expiration.
For Palestinian areas, coordinate with local authorities in Ramallah for residency permits if planning a longer stay, but Israeli approval is key.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Palestine primarily uses the New Israeli Shekel (ILS), with some areas accepting Jordanian Dinars (JOD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Tel Aviv (for West Bank access) by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during shoulder seasons like spring or fall.
Consider flying into Amman, Jordan, for Allenby Bridge entry to access Jericho affordably.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at hummusiyas or street vendors for meals under ₪20, avoiding tourist traps in Bethlehem to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Local markets in Ramallah offer fresh falafel, knafeh, and produce at bargain prices; buy picnic supplies for hikes to the Dead Sea.
Opt for family-run spots where portions are generous and authentic Palestinian flavors shine without high markups.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared servees taxis for inter-city travel at ₪10-20 per ride, or get a weekly bus pass in Ramallah for unlimited local hops at around ₪50.
Avoid private taxis at checkpoints; collective transport cuts costs by 70% and provides cultural immersion.
For day trips to Nablus or Jenin, join group tours via apps like HiAce for shared expenses under ₪30/person.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like the Old City walls in Jerusalem (accessible from West Bank), olive groves in Bethlehem, and street art in Ramallah, all at no cost for authentic experiences.
Many mosques and churches offer free entry; visit during prayer times for community vibes without ticket fees.
Hike free trails around Jericho or the Samaritan village near Nablus, combining nature with history on a shoestring.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in larger hotels and shops in Ramallah, but carry cash (small ILS notes) for markets, checkpoints, and small eateries where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from Bank of Palestine ATMs for better rates; exchange at authorized bureaus in cities to avoid 10-15% airport fees.
Use mobile wallets like PayPal sparingly due to connectivity issues; keep ₪200-300 daily in cash for flexibility.
Site Passes & Discounts
Purchase a West Bank heritage pass for bundled entry to sites like Herodium and Qumran at ₪80 for multiple visits, ideal for history buffs.
It covers 5-7 attractions and pays off quickly; student or senior discounts (20-50%) are available with ID.
Group tours through Palestinian agencies often include free transport and meals, reducing per-person costs by half.
Smart Packing for Palestine
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees for respect at religious sites like the Church of Nativity or Al-Aqsa Mosque, including long sleeves and scarves for women.
Layer for variable weather with breathable cotton for hot days and light jackets for cool evenings; include quick-dry items for dusty checkpoint waits.
Opt for neutral colors to blend in; pack 5-7 outfits for a week, focusing on comfort for walking ancient paths in Jericho.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/H for Israel/Palestine), portable charger for long days at checkpoints, offline Google Maps for navigation, and a VPN app for secure browsing.
Download Arabic translation apps like Google Translate and phrasebooks; carry a spare SIM from Jawwal or Ooredoo for local data (₪20 for 5GB).
Include a compact camera for olive groves and markets; protect devices from dust with cases during desert excursions to the Dead Sea.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptics for minor scrapes from hikes, prescription meds, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense sun.
Include hand sanitizer, masks for crowded buses, and water purification tablets since tap water varies in safety; antacids help with spicy Palestinian cuisine.
Pack insect repellent for rural areas near Nablus and motion sickness remedies for winding roads to Bethlehem; consult a doctor for vaccinations like hepatitis A/B.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for site visits, reusable water bottle (insulated for hot weather), quick-dry microfiber towel, and small ILS cash in a secure pouch.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for valuables at markets, and a notebook for jotting checkpoint notes or cultural observations.
Include a scarf for dust/sand in Jericho and a compact umbrella for occasional rain; durable luggage tags help with baggage handling at borders.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking shoes or sandals for city exploration in Ramallah and Bethlehem, with closed-toe options for dusty trails around ancient ruins.
Sturdy sneakers are ideal for hiking to the Mount of Temptation; break them in beforehand to avoid blisters on uneven stone paths.
Pack waterproof shoes for winter visits to wet areas like the Jordan Valley; extra socks prevent discomfort during long servees rides.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, lip balm with SPF, moisturizer for dry desert air, and wet wipes for checkpoint hygiene.
A small umbrella or poncho handles spring showers; pack hair ties and modest head coverings if needed for cultural sites.
Opt for natural products to respect local customs; include laundry soap sheets for washing clothes in guesthouses without facilities.
When to Visit Palestine
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures of 15-25°C makes it perfect for exploring olive harvests in Bethlehem and wildflower hikes around Jericho, with blooming landscapes enhancing the scenery.
Fewer crowds at religious sites and comfortable conditions for walking tours in Ramallah; ideal for cultural festivals like Easter processions without extreme heat.
Rain tapers off by late spring, allowing easy access to Dead Sea beaches and ancient monasteries.
Summer (June-August)
Hot and dry with highs of 30-40°C, best for early morning visits to Nablus markets and evening souks, when temperatures cool to 20-25°C.
Peak season for religious pilgrimages during Ramadan or summer festivals; swim in the Dead Sea to beat the heat, but avoid midday sun exposure.
Accommodations may book up, but vibrant nightlife in Ramallah offers music and cuisine under the stars.
Autumn (September-November)
Pleasant 20-30°C weather is excellent for grape harvests in Hebron and hiking Samaritan trails near Nablus, with golden hues in the valleys.
Lower crowds post-summer allow deeper immersion in Palestinian olive oil tastings and heritage sites; comfortable for multi-day treks.
Festivals like the Jenin Olive Festival celebrate local culture with food and music at affordable rates.
Winter (December-February)
Mild 10-18°C days with occasional rain suit indoor activities like cooking classes in Bethlehem and visits to warm thermal springs near Jericho.
Budget-friendly for Christmas celebrations at the Nativity Church and New Year events in Ramallah, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Layer up for cooler evenings; the rainy season greens the landscapes, making countryside drives scenic and serene.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS or ₪). Jordanian Dinar (JOD) accepted in some West Bank areas. Cards accepted in cities but cash essential for markets and transport.
- Language: Arabic is primary; English spoken in tourist areas like Bethlehem and Ramallah. Hebrew common near borders. Learn basic phrases like "shukran" (thank you).
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2 (UTC+3 during Ramadan or daylight saving)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C (Europlug) and H (Israeli three-pin) plugs; adapters widely available.
- Emergency Number: 100 for police, 101 for ambulance, 102 for fire (Israeli system); Palestinian services via 04-251-1111 in West Bank
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% at restaurants, ₪5-10 for guides or drivers for good service
- Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water unsafe in many areas. Carry a refillable bottle and avoid ice in drinks.
- Pharmacies: Available in major cities like Ramallah and Nablus; look for "صيدلية" (saydalya) signs. Basic meds common, but bring prescriptions.