Palestinian Territories Travel Guide

This destination guide covers travel to both Israel and the Palestinian Territories — the West Bank and Gaza Strip — as the two are geographically intertwined and most itineraries involve crossing between them. Israel is a small but extraordinarily layered country on the eastern Mediterranean shore, home to some of the most significant religious and archaeological sites on Earth. The Palestinian Territories encompass areas under varying degrees of Palestinian Authority and Israeli administration, and include cities central to world history and living culture alike.

Jerusalem stands at the geographic and symbolic heart of the region. Its Old City — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — contains the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Haram al-Sharif), making it one of the rare places where three Abrahamic faiths intersect within a few hundred metres. Tel Aviv, by contrast, is a modern coastal city with a vibrant arts scene, acclaimed restaurants, and a lively beach culture.

In the West Bank, Bethlehem draws pilgrims to the Church of the Nativity, while Jericho is widely considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Ramallah functions as the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority and has a growing cultural and café scene. Hebron (Al-Khalil) contains the Cave of Machpelah / Ibrahimi Mosque, sacred to both Jews and Muslims.

The Dead Sea — bordering Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan — sits at roughly 430 metres below sea level, the lowest point on Earth's surface, and its hyper-saline waters draw visitors for their famous buoyancy. The Negev desert in southern Israel, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra just across the Jordanian border, and the Red Sea coast near Eilat extend the region's geographic diversity considerably.

Visas and Entry

Entry requirements for Israel and the Palestinian Territories vary significantly by nationality and are subject to change due to ongoing political developments. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your country's foreign ministry for current requirements before booking. Note that entry to the Palestinian Territories from Israel does not require a separate visa but may involve additional checkpoint procedures.

Entry stamps and third-country travel

Israel stopped stamping passports in 2013, instead issuing a slip of paper. However, the entry record is held digitally. Several countries with no diplomatic relations with Israel may impose restrictions on travellers who show evidence of a visit. Verify the policies of any other countries on your itinerary before departure.

Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip has been subject to a prolonged blockade and severe conflict. At the time of writing, travel to Gaza by foreign nationals is not feasible or safe for independent travellers, and most governments have issued do-not-travel advisories for the area. Check your government's travel advisory for the most current assessment.

Health and vaccinations

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry from most countries, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is widely available and recommended outside major Israeli cities.

Travel insurance

Standard travel insurance policies may exclude coverage in conflict zones or areas under government travel advisories. Read your policy carefully, particularly regarding the West Bank, and consider specialist insurers if needed.

By air

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is the primary international gateway and one of the best-connected airports in the Middle East. Direct flights operate from major hubs across Europe, North America, and Asia. A second airport, Ramon International Airport (ETM) near Eilat in the south, handles some regional and charter flights.

By land

Land border crossings connect Israel and the Palestinian Territories with Egypt (Taba and Kerem Shalom/Rafah crossings) and Jordan (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River crossing, and Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin crossing). The Allenby Bridge crossing is the primary route between the West Bank and Jordan and is controlled by Israel; it does not issue Israeli entry stamps and is commonly used by Palestinian travellers. Verify current opening status and operating hours locally, as these crossings can close without notice.

Arriving in the West Bank

Most travellers access the West Bank by road from Israel through Israeli military checkpoints. The main checkpoints into Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho are generally open to tourists with valid documentation, but procedures and wait times can vary significantly. Shared taxis (service/sherut) and buses operate between Israeli cities and West Bank towns, though routes and availability change — verify locally.

Within Israel

Israel has a reliable intercity rail network operated by Israel Railways, connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, and other cities. Buses operated by companies such as Egged and Dan cover routes not served by rail. The Rav-Kav smart card is used for public transit and can be loaded with funds at major stations — verify current pricing and availability on the official Israel Railways and transit authority websites. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (including Gett and Yango) are widely available in cities.

Within Jerusalem's Old City

The Old City is best navigated on foot; its narrow lanes are impassable for vehicles. The Jerusalem Light Rail connects several neighbourhoods and the central bus station to the Old City's Jaffa Gate area. Be aware that different quarters of the Old City (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Armenian) have distinct atmospheres and some areas may have restricted access during religious holidays or periods of tension.

Within the West Bank

Shared taxis (known locally as service or servees) are the most common form of intercity transport in the West Bank, departing when full from central points in each city. Private taxis are also available. Note that Israeli-registered hire cars are generally prohibited from entering Palestinian Authority-administered (Area A) zones under the terms of most rental agreements — clarify this with your rental company before driving.

Hiring a car

Driving is a practical way to explore Israel and parts of the West Bank, but travellers must understand the access restrictions described above. International driving licences are accepted. Roads in Israel are generally well-maintained; road quality in parts of the West Bank varies.

Jerusalem

• Old City and its four quarters: Walk the Via Dolorosa, visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, pray or reflect at the Western Wall, and explore the bazaars of the Muslim Quarter.
• Haram al-Sharif / Temple Mount: Access for non-Muslims is via the Mughrabi Gate and subject to restricted hours and periodic closures — verify current access arrangements locally.
• Yad Vashem: Israel's official Holocaust remembrance and research authority; its museum and memorial sites are among the most significant of their kind in the world. Verify opening hours on the official Yad Vashem website.
• Israel Museum: Houses the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book, alongside an extensive collection of archaeology, fine art, and the landmark outdoor scale model of Second Temple Period Jerusalem.
• Mahane Yehuda Market: A colourful, crowded produce and food market that transforms into a bar and restaurant hub in the evenings.

Tel Aviv and surroundings

• Jaffa (Yafo) Old City: An ancient port town now integrated into Tel Aviv, with galleries, flea markets, and panoramic Mediterranean views.
• Bauhaus White City: Tel Aviv's UNESCO-listed collection of International Style architecture; guided walking tours are available.
• Tel Aviv beaches: A string of public beaches running along the city's seafront, each with a distinct character.
• Carmel Market: Central market district in Tel Aviv for fresh produce, street food, and everyday goods.

Palestinian Territories

• Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem: One of the oldest continuously operating Christian churches, built over the traditional site of Jesus's birth; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Jericho: Visit Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho), the cable car with views of the Judean Desert, and the nearby Monastery of the Temptation.
• Hebron / Al-Khalil Old City and Ibrahimi Mosque / Cave of Machpelah: Deeply significant to both Muslims and Jews; the city's divided nature makes it one of the most complex urban environments in the region.
• Ramallah cultural scene: The Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre and various galleries and cafés offer a window into contemporary Palestinian urban life.

Nature and landscape

• Dead Sea: Float in the hyper-saline water; several resorts on both the Israeli and West Bank shores offer beach access. Avoid getting water in eyes or open cuts.
• Masada: An ancient fortress on a clifftop plateau above the Dead Sea, accessible by cable car or hiking trail; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and deeply resonant site in Israeli national memory.
• Negev Highlands and Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon): A vast geological erosion crater — not a meteorite impact — offering hiking, desert wildlife, and stargazing opportunities.

Israeli cuisine

Israeli food reflects the country's diverse immigrant communities: Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Yemeni, Ethiopian, and others. Hummus, falafel, shakshuka (eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce), sabich (fried aubergine in pitta), and grilled meats are staples. Tel Aviv has a particularly dynamic restaurant scene with strong representation of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and fusion cooking. Many establishments are kosher-certified, meaning they will serve either meat or dairy but not both, and will be closed from Friday evening to Saturday night for Shabbat.

Palestinian cuisine

Palestinian cooking is rooted in Levantine traditions: musakhan (roasted chicken over flatbread with onions and sumac), maqluba (upside-down rice and vegetable dish), knafeh (sweet cheese pastry in syrup from Nablus), and mana'eesh (flatbread with za'atar or cheese) are particularly notable. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Nablus have well-regarded local restaurants serving these dishes alongside fresh mezze spreads.

Practical notes

• Alcohol is widely available in Israel and in some Christian-run restaurants and hotels in the West Bank. In Muslim-majority areas of the West Bank, alcohol may be difficult to find or absent.
• Halal food is readily available in Arab towns and markets throughout the region.
• During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public in Muslim areas during daylight hours is considered disrespectful; many restaurants open only after sunset.
• During Passover (Pesach), chametz (leavened products) is absent from many Israeli establishments — bread may be unavailable or replaced by matzo.

Emergency contacts

• Israel general emergency: 101 (ambulance / Magen David Adom), 100 (police), 102 (fire)
• Palestinian Authority emergency services: numbers vary by city — verify locally or with your accommodation on arrival
• Always carry the address and phone number of your accommodation and your country's embassy or consulate

Embassies and consulates

Most countries maintain embassies in Tel Aviv; some countries also have consular representation in Jerusalem. Locate your country's embassy contact details before travel through your government's official foreign affairs website.

Money

• ATMs (called 'kaspomat' in Hebrew) are widely available in Israeli cities. Availability in the West Bank is more limited outside main towns.
• Credit cards are accepted in most Israeli hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Cash is more commonly used in West Bank markets and smaller establishments.
• Currency exchange is available at the airport, banks, and licensed exchange offices (look for 'exchange' signage). Compare rates before exchanging large amounts.

Connectivity

• Israeli SIM cards with data are available at Ben Gurion Airport and from mobile operators such as Cellcom, Partner, and Hot Mobile — verify current plans and prices.
• Roaming from an Israeli SIM generally does not work in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas (Area A); Palestinian SIM cards (Jawwal or Ooredoo) are available in West Bank cities if needed.
• Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants in both Israel and the West Bank's urban centres.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Israel: approximately 10–15% in restaurants where service is not already included. Check your bill. Tipping in the West Bank is less formalised but appreciated.

General security environment

Israel has a well-developed security apparatus, and urban areas such as Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem are generally considered safe for travellers in terms of everyday crime. Violent political incidents — including rocket fire, stabbings, and military operations — do occur, with frequency and severity varying considerably over time. The security situation can change rapidly; monitor your government's travel advisory regularly throughout your trip.

The West Bank

Travel in most of the Palestinian Authority-administered cities (Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nablus) is possible for tourists, though conditions vary. Some areas, particularly around Israeli settlements and military checkpoints, can see flare-ups of tension. Hebron's H2 zone (Israeli-administered) has a particularly fraught atmosphere and occasional incidents. Travel at night in unfamiliar areas is not recommended. Stay informed and flexible.

Gaza Strip

As noted under 'Before You Go', independent travel to Gaza is not currently feasible or advisable. Follow your government's guidance.

Checkpoints

Passage through Israeli military checkpoints in the West Bank can be slow, unpredictable, and occasionally stressful. Carry your passport and any relevant documentation at all times. Remain calm, follow instructions, and do not photograph soldiers or checkpoint infrastructure without explicit permission.

Natural hazards

• Heat stroke and dehydration are real risks, particularly in the Negev desert, Judean desert, and around the Dead Sea in summer. Carry substantial water.
• Flash flooding in desert wadis (valleys) can occur suddenly in winter rain season; check weather forecasts before hiking in desert areas.
• Dead Sea water causes severe eye and mucous membrane irritation — keep it out of eyes and avoid immersion if you have open cuts.

Religious observance and Shabbat

Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) begins at sundown on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday. During this period, many businesses, shops, and public transport services in Jewish cities and towns shut down or operate at reduced capacity. Jerusalem is particularly affected; Tel Aviv's secular character means more remains open. Plan travel, meals, and activities accordingly.

Friday prayer and Islamic observance

In Muslim areas of the West Bank and Israel's Arab cities, Friday midday prayer is an important weekly event. Streets near mosques can become busy, and some businesses close briefly. During Ramadan, the rhythm of daily life changes substantially — a respectful awareness of this is appreciated by local communities.

Dress and conduct at religious sites

Modest dress is expected at all major religious sites — covering shoulders and knees at minimum. At the Western Wall, men are required to cover their heads (kippot are provided); men and women pray at separate sections. Shoes are removed before entering mosques. Photography restrictions vary by site; always ask before photographing people, particularly in religious settings.

Political sensitivity

This is one of the most politically contested regions on Earth. Casual political conversations can quickly become charged. Travellers are advised to listen more than they speak, to be respectful of local perspectives — which differ enormously depending on community — and to avoid making statements or sharing imagery on social media that could be misread at checkpoints or border crossings. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and ongoing; treating all people you encounter with dignity is the most reliable guide.