Overview
Few corridors on earth compress so much history, faith, and landscape into such a small area. Within a few hundred kilometres you can walk the Old City of Jerusalem — sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — descend to the lowest point on the planet at the Dead Sea, float through the rose-red canyons of Petra, and dive in the Red Sea at Aqaba.
Israel is a modern, urbanised country with a vibrant tech and food culture alongside its ancient heritage. The Palestinian Territories encompass the West Bank (home to Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, and Ramallah) and Gaza (currently inaccessible to tourists due to ongoing conflict — verify status before any plans). Jordan is a politically stable constitutional monarchy that has long welcomed visitors seeking archaeological wonders, Wadi Rum's desert silence, and warm Levantine hospitality.
Travelling this combined region rewards patience and flexibility. Border crossings can take time, political situations shift, and the density of significant sites means even seasoned travellers can feel overwhelmed. Approaching the area with curiosity and respect — for its complexity as much as its beauty — makes for a far richer experience.
Before You Go
Visas
Visa arrangements for this region are among the most nuanced in the world, involving multiple countries and, in some cases, entry stamps that can affect onward travel. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official immigration portals of Israel (Population and Immigration Authority), Jordan (Ministry of Interior / Visit Jordan), and — where applicable — Palestinian Authority guidance for your nationality before you book anything.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are universally required for entry, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Hepatitis A cover is generally recommended; consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure. Tap water is safe in most of Israel and Jordan's urban centres; verify locally in smaller towns and the Palestinian Territories.
Travel advisories
Government travel advisories for this region change frequently and should be checked immediately before travel and again shortly before departure. The Gaza Strip currently has active conflict; most foreign governments advise against all travel there. Parts of the West Bank and areas near Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza carry elevated warnings. Verify with your government's official travel advice service.
Money
- ATMs are widely available in Israeli cities and Amman; less reliable in smaller Palestinian towns and remote Jordanian areas.
- Credit cards accepted at most hotels and restaurants in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Amman; carry cash for markets, rural sites, and smaller operators.
- Exchange currency at banks or licensed exchange offices; avoid unlicensed changers.
Travel insurance
Standard policies sometimes exclude conflict zones or regions under elevated government advisories. Read your policy carefully and ensure it covers the specific areas you plan to visit, including emergency medical evacuation.
Getting There
By air
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), near Tel Aviv, is the primary international gateway for Israel and serves as a practical base for the whole region. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman is Jordan's main hub. Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is smaller but useful for travellers arriving directly for Wadi Rum or Petra. Both countries are served by major international carriers; check current routes and schedules with airlines directly.
Overland from Jordan to Israel (and vice versa)
Three land crossing points connect Jordan and Israel: the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (near Jericho, used for West Bank entry), the Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River Crossing (northern), and the Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin Crossing (near Aqaba/Eilat in the south). Operating hours and procedures vary; verify current status before travel as crossings can close on short notice. The Allenby Bridge is often the busiest and is the standard route for entering or exiting the West Bank.
From Egypt
The Taba border crossing connects Egypt's Sinai with Eilat in southern Israel. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is generally closed to tourists; do not attempt to use it without explicit official clearance.
Getting Around
Israel
Israel has a reliable intercity bus network (Egged and others) and a train system connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer-Sheva, and Ben Gurion Airport. Jerusalem's light rail serves the city centre. Taxis and app-based ride services (including Gett) operate in major cities. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for the Negev and Galilee, but note that Israeli rental cars generally cannot cross into Palestinian-controlled areas or Jordan without special arrangements.
Palestinian Territories (West Bank)
Shared taxis (service taxis/sherut) and privately operated buses are the main intercity links between Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nablus, and Hebron. Movement between areas A, B, and C (Palestinian Authority and Israeli military control zones) may involve checkpoints; allow extra time and carry your passport at all times. Local guidance from guesthouses is invaluable.
Jordan
JEASA and JETT operate intercity buses. Private taxis are the most common way to reach Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea from Amman; agree on fares beforehand or use metered taxis. Car hire is straightforward in Amman and gives access to the King's Highway scenic route. The JETT tourist bus runs a popular Petra day-trip service from Amman; verify current schedules locally.
Things to See & Do
Jerusalem
The Old City, ringed by Ottoman-era walls, contains the holiest sites of three faiths within a walkable kilometre: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock / Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian Quarters each have distinct characters. Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial and museum, is one of the most important historical museums in the world and requires a full half-day at minimum.
Tel Aviv
A UNESCO-listed concentration of Bauhaus (International Style) architecture sits alongside a 14-kilometre Mediterranean beachfront, a renowned restaurant scene, and the ancient port of Jaffa (Yafo). The Carmel Market is a sensory immersion; the Neve Tzedek neighbourhood is ideal for aimless wandering.
The Dead Sea
The lowest point on earth (roughly 430 metres below sea level) offers the famous buoyant float in hyper-saline water. Accessible from both the Israeli and Jordanian shores. Mineral-rich mud is traditionally applied to the skin before rinsing off. Visitor numbers and shoreline receding are ongoing environmental concerns — the lake is shrinking.
The West Bank
- Bethlehem: The Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the traditional birthplace of Jesus. The surrounding streets have independent shops, good food, and a lively arts scene.
- Jericho: Claimed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. The cable car to the Mount of Temptation monastery offers sweeping views.
- Hebron (Al-Khalil): Home to the Ibrahimi Mosque / Cave of Machpelah, sacred to both Muslims and Jews as the tomb of Abraham. A divided city with a complicated present; local guidance is strongly recommended.
Petra, Jordan
The Nabataean city carved from sandstone is Jordan's most visited site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Siq gorge leading to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is the iconic approach, but the site extends far beyond — the Monastery (Ad-Deir) requires a long uphill walk and rewards with even greater scale. Petra by Night runs on selected evenings and involves candlelit walking through the Siq; verify current schedule at the visitor centre.
Wadi Rum
Jordan's dramatic desert valley — all sandstone pillars, red dunes, and vast silence — is best experienced with a local Bedouin guide or on an organised jeep safari. Overnight camping in traditional tents is widely available and allows time to see the extraordinary star-filled sky. The area was used as a filming location for several major films.
Aqaba and the Red Sea
Jordan's only coastline gives access to the northern Red Sea's coral reefs, considered among the most accessible in the region. Dive and snorkel centres operate along the waterfront. The adjacent Israeli resort city of Eilat offers similar access with more resort infrastructure; the two cities are adjacent across a short stretch of water and land.
Other highlights
- Masada (Israel): Herodian fortress atop a mesa overlooking the Dead Sea; UNESCO-listed and rich with historical weight.
- Caesarea (Israel): Remarkably preserved Roman harbour city with a working amphitheatre.
- Jerash (Jordan): One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, north of Amman.
- The Galilee (Israel): Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Tiberias, and the rolling green hills of northern Israel.
- Wadi Mujib (Jordan): A gorge nature reserve on the eastern Dead Sea shore, popular for guided canyon walks (seasonal).
Food & Drink
Shared culinary foundations
Levantine cuisine underpins much of what you will eat across the region. Hummus, falafel, flatbreads, fresh salads, grilled meats, and mezze spreads of small dishes are common to Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian tables. Debate about origins is lively and best enjoyed rather than resolved.
Israel
Tel Aviv has a particularly dynamic food scene, with strong vegetarian and vegan options, excellent Middle Eastern-Jewish fusion, and a thriving café culture. Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) in Tel Aviv and Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem are essential food-market experiences. Kosher dietary laws govern many restaurants; look for the kosher certification if this matters to you. Alcohol is widely available except in strictly observant neighbourhoods.
Palestinian Territories
Bethlehem and Ramallah have growing restaurant scenes worth exploring. Palestinian musakhan (roasted chicken with caramelised onions on flatbread) and maqluba (layered rice and vegetable dish) are deeply comforting local staples. Fresh-pressed juices and strong Arabic coffee are available everywhere.
Jordan
Mansaf — lamb cooked in fermented dried yoghurt (jameed) and served on rice — is Jordan's national dish, often reserved for celebrations but available at traditional restaurants. Amman has a sophisticated dining scene; Rainbow Street and the Weibdeh neighbourhood have a concentration of well-regarded restaurants. Alcohol is legal and available in Jordan, though less prominent than in Israel; it is not served during Ramadan in many establishments. Zarb, a Bedouin slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish buried in sand and cooked over coals, is a highlight of a Wadi Rum camp experience.
Practical Information
Connectivity
SIM cards are available at Ben Gurion Airport and phone shops throughout Israel. Note that an Israeli SIM will likely not work in Jordan or the Palestinian Territories without roaming enabled — and roaming may not work in Palestinian areas on Israeli networks. Jordanian SIM cards are available in Amman. International roaming with your home plan may be the simplest option for shorter trips spanning all three areas; verify coverage with your provider.
Electricity
Israel uses Type H plugs (unique to Israel) and 220V. Jordan uses Type C/D/G/J and 230V. Pack a universal travel adapter.
Tipping
Tipping is customary across the region. In restaurants a 10–15% tip for good service is standard where service charge is not included. Tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff typically appreciate tips; verify locally what is customary in each context.
Planning around crossings
The Allenby Bridge between Jordan and the West Bank is not an international border crossing in the conventional sense — it is the route into Palestinian Authority territory. Travellers connecting Jordan to Israel proper typically use the northern Sheikh Hussein or southern Wadi Araba crossings. Factor in potential wait times of one to several hours at all crossings and schedule accordingly.
Safety
General security context
The region has an elevated and complex security environment that differs significantly by area. Israel has a well-developed national emergency system, visible security presence at public sites, and practised response protocols. Jordan is generally considered one of the more stable and safe countries in the Middle East for travellers. The West Bank requires situational awareness, and conditions can change; stay informed through local contacts and current government advisories.
Gaza
The Gaza Strip is currently the site of active armed conflict. No tourism is possible, and most governments advise against all travel. Do not attempt to enter.
Petty crime
Pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist sites is the most common concern for travellers. Use standard precautions: keep valuables secure, be alert in very crowded spaces, and use hotel safes where available.
Emergency contacts
- Verify emergency numbers locally upon arrival; they differ between Israel (police 100, ambulance 101, fire 102), Jordan (police 911, ambulance 911), and Palestinian Authority areas.
- Locate your country's embassy or consulate contact details before travel and keep them accessible offline.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religion and respect
This region holds extraordinary significance for billions of people worldwide. Behaviour and dress at religious sites should reflect that weight. Shoulders and knees covered is the general baseline for mosques, churches, and synagogues; some sites require full head coverings or will provide a wrap at the entrance. Remove shoes before entering mosques.
The Sabbath (Shabbat)
From Friday sundown to Saturday night in Israel, Jewish religious observance means many shops, restaurants, and public transport services in Jerusalem and other cities reduce or halt. In secular Tel Aviv the impact is less pronounced. Plan transport and meals around this if travelling on a Friday or Saturday.
Ramadan
During the Islamic holy month (dates shift annually with the lunar calendar), many businesses in Jordan and the Palestinian Territories adjust hours, and eating or drinking in public during daylight hours should be done discreetly out of respect. Evenings during Ramadan become festive, with extended family meals and late-night activity.
Photography
Ask before photographing people, especially in markets, at prayer, or in conservative areas. Photography is restricted at some military installations and border crossings — follow posted signage. At sensitive religious sites (some areas of the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, certain church interiors), photography rules vary and should be verified on site.
