Palestine

The Land of Olives
and Origins

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Palestine, a region in the Middle East, is renowned for its rich historical significance, diverse cultural heritage, and complex geopolitical situation. Home to iconic landmarks like the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the ancient city of Jericho, and the beaches of Gaza, Palestine offers a unique blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The region's geography ranges from the Mediterranean coastline to the Jordan Valley and includes parts of the Negev Desert.

Palestinian culture is a vibrant mix of Arab traditions, reflected in its music, art, and cuisine featuring dishes like musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac) and maqluba (an "upside-down" rice and vegetable dish). Known for its warm hospitality, ancient olive groves, and as a cradle of major world religions, Palestine presents a captivating destination steeped in history and cultural significance, despite ongoing political challenges.

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Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip).
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Palestine. Passports with Israeli stamps or visas do not typically prevent entry into the West Bank, but entry into Gaza may be restricted by Israeli and Egyptian authorities.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from many nations (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries, Australia) can enter the West Bank with a valid passport and receive an Israeli visitor visa (B/2) on arrival at Israeli-controlled border points (e.g., Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Ben Gurion Airport), allowing stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a separate Palestinian visa, as Palestine does not issue its own visas.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations requiring an Israeli visa (e.g., some African and Asian countries) must obtain it prior to entering through Israeli checkpoints to access the West Bank. Entry to Gaza requires special permits from Israeli or Egyptian authorities, not a standard visa.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; entry is governed by Israeli visa policies unless the traveler’s nationality is visa-exempt for Israel.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; Israeli visa rules apply unless visa-exempt, facilitating access to the West Bank.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; Israeli visa rules apply.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Palestine using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers. Palestinians with a Palestinian Authority (PA) ID can enter the West Bank with an Israeli-issued permit, but this does not apply to foreign nationals.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 90 days (tourist visa, issued as an Israeli B/2 visa on arrival). Can be single entry, with validity up to 3 months; extensions are possible through Israeli authorities.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, family reunification). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit through Israeli or PA authorities, depending on purpose and location.

Important Links

  • Official Israeli visa information: https://mfa.gov.il/ (Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Visa regime information: https://www.mofa.pna.ps/ (Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Palestinian Authority travel advice: Limited online resources; check embassy updates.

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays via Israeli entry are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period. Extensions require Israeli approval, as Palestine lacks independent border control.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work permits are issued by Israeli authorities for the West Bank, and special permits are required for Gaza. Travel to restricted areas (e.g., Area C in the West Bank, Gaza) may require additional permissions.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Israel and the PA may impose measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in Palestine

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Palestine (West Bank) does not have toll roads under PA control. The main roads, such as Route 60 (connecting Jerusalem to Hebron via Bethlehem), are managed by Israeli authorities in Area C, with no tolls currently imposed. Gaza has no toll roads due to its limited infrastructure.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; there are no toll roads in Palestine.

Driving in Palestine

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement varies in PA-controlled areas.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60-80 km/h
    • Highways: 90-100 km/h (e.g., Route 60)
  • Road conditions vary; main roads like Route 60 in the West Bank are paved but can be congested or disrupted by checkpoints, while rural roads (e.g., near Nablus or Jenin) may be narrow or damaged. Gaza’s roads are limited and often in poor condition due to conflict.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year in the West Bank under Israeli regulations. A local license may be required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Palestine does not use a vignette system; there are no toll roads or vignette requirements.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to Israeli military checkpoints, roadblocks, and occasional unrest in the West Bank. Night driving is risky due to poor lighting, security concerns, and potential closures, especially near settlements or Gaza borders.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Ramallah, Bethlehem), but connectivity can be spotty in rural regions or near checkpoints; use apps like Google Maps and keep an updated physical map as a backup. Avoid GPS routes through restricted areas (e.g., Area C without permits).
  • Emergency Number: Dial 100 for police, 101 for ambulance, or 102 for fire in the West Bank (PA-controlled areas); services may be limited in conflict zones.

Useful Links

Palestine Currency

The official currency of Palestine is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS).

  • Note: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and US Dollar (USD) are also widely accepted, especially in the West Bank.

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200 ILS
  • Coins: 10, 50 agorot; 1, 2, 5, 10 ILS
  • Symbol: ₪ (often written as ILS)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, money changers in major West Bank cities (e.g., Ramallah, Bethlehem), and some hotels. Gaza has limited exchange options due to restrictions.
  • ATMs are available in urban West Bank areas for direct ILS withdrawals; most accept international cards, though USD cash is recommended for exchange in rural areas or Gaza (where ATMs are scarce).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas, markets, and small establishments; ILS is the primary currency, with JOD and USD accepted in tourist areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments in the West Bank, but rarely in rural areas or Gaza due to limited infrastructure.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash (ILS, JOD, or USD) for small purchases and rural areas, as digital payments are not universal in remote regions or Gaza.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the ILS is tied to the Israeli economy (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 3.7 ILS as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Israel website: https://www.boi.org.il/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Palestine

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Palestine, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences under PA and Israeli laws (depending on jurisdiction). Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is permitted in PA-controlled areas (e.g., Ramallah, Bethlehem); public intoxication can lead to fines, especially near religious sites. Restrictions may apply in conservative areas or Gaza (where alcohol is scarce).
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces in the West Bank; enforcement varies.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic and Christian traditions; dress modestly at religious sites (e.g., Al-Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Nativity). Avoid discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict openly due to sensitivities.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal in the West Bank but taboo; same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention or harassment, especially in conservative areas or Gaza (where attitudes are stricter).
  • Photography: Restricted near Israeli military checkpoints, settlements, or sensitive sites (e.g., separation wall). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially near protests or religious events.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (via Israeli entry points).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (via Israeli entry points).
  • Cash: Declare amounts over ILS 50,000 (approximately USD 13,500 or equivalent) at Israeli-controlled borders.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, and materials deemed anti-Israeli or anti-Palestinian (e.g., political propaganda).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Ben Gurion Airport if entering via Israel).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities or local authorities in the West Bank; Gaza has limited recourse due to restrictions.

Beach Access

  • Gaza has public beaches (e.g., Gaza City Beach), but access is restricted due to conflict and Israeli blockade; no legal mandate for free access exists. The West Bank is landlocked with no beaches.

Key Resources

Palestine Travel Safety

Palestine can be safe for travellers in certain West Bank areas, with hospitality common, though security risks exist due to the ongoing conflict. Gaza is currently inaccessible to most tourists. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Palestine (West Bank focus).

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Old City of Hebron) or tourist sites (e.g., Bethlehem). Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but can occur during unrest or protests.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: The West Bank is moderately safe in tourist areas like Ramallah and Jericho. Female travelers should dress modestly, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious of harassment in conservative regions.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to Israeli checkpoints, roadblocks, and occasional clashes in the West Bank.
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas (e.g., near Nablus or Jenin) due to poor lighting and potential unrest.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory but enforcement is inconsistent in PA areas.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled water, widely available in the West Bank.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., falafel, shawarma) is usually safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against rare cases of leishmaniasis or West Nile virus, especially in rural West Bank areas.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk; the West Bank’s highest point (e.g., Mount Ebal at 940m) is below 2,500 meters, though Jericho’s low elevation (-258m) may cause adjustment issues.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Basic care is available in the West Bank (e.g., Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, accessible with permits); rural areas and Gaza have limited medical services. Serious cases may require evacuation to Israel or Jordan.
  • Pharmacies: Available in West Bank cities; carry essential medications for rural travel or Gaza (where supplies are scarce).
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as care is limited and conflict may affect access.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 100 (police), 101 (ambulance), 102 (fire) in the West Bank (PA areas).
  • Ambulance: 101 | Fire: 102 | Police: 100.
  • Tourist Police (Ramallah): +970 2 294 8000 (availability varies).

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Avoid driving near checkpoints or Area C without permits; use taxis or private drivers in the West Bank. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for trails near Jericho or the Jordan Valley; avoid areas near settlements or military zones due to security risks.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Ramadan customs; avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours in conservative areas. Dress modestly at sites like the Dome of the Rock (if accessible via Jerusalem).
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be moderate in Ramallah; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Palestine - No Airport

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