Overview
This guide covers a sweep of the ancient and modern Middle East: the layered sacred city of Jerusalem, the Palestinian cities of the West Bank (Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho, Hebron), the historically rich Jordanian capital Amman with its wider country, and key cities of Saudi Arabia — primarily Riyadh and Jeddah, along with heritage sites like Al-Ula.
Few corridors on earth compress so much history, faith, and cultural contrast into such a manageable geographic area. Within a few hours of travel you can move from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City to the mosaic floors of Byzantine churches in Madaba, Jordan, or from the Roman amphitheatre in Amman to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Saudi Arabia, once largely closed to leisure travelers, has opened significantly in recent years and offers extraordinary archaeology, Red Sea coastline, and urban modernism.
Traveling this region requires flexibility and cultural sensitivity. Border crossings, political realities, and varying entry requirements for different passport holders mean that planning must be thorough. That said, travelers who prepare carefully are consistently rewarded with some of the world's most profound historical and human experiences.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements vary significantly between all three destinations and can differ sharply depending on your nationality, whether you hold Israeli or certain Middle Eastern stamps, and how you intend to cross borders. Do not rely on outdated advice. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current requirements with the official immigration authorities of Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia before booking.
Israeli stamps and Arab country entry
Historically, an Israeli stamp has caused entry difficulties in some Arab countries. Jordan and Egypt have long had peace agreements with Israel, and in practice this issue is less acute there; Saudi Arabia normalized relations with Israel partially but the situation continues to evolve. Ask Israeli border officials to stamp a separate paper if you are concerned — this is a commonly accommodated request at land crossings. Verify the current situation before travel.
Health and vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are universally mandated for this region, but consult a travel health clinic well in advance. Heat-related illness is a real risk in summer. Carry any prescription medications with documentation, and note that some medications freely available elsewhere may be controlled or restricted in Saudi Arabia.
Travel insurance
Essential for the entire region. Ensure your policy covers the specific countries and, if relevant, travel to the West Bank, which some insurers treat separately. Confirm coverage for emergency medical evacuation.
Getting There
Jerusalem and the West Bank
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located near Tel Aviv, is the main international gateway for Jerusalem. The airport is approximately 50 km from Jerusalem; shared sherut taxis and private transfers connect the two. There is also a light rail extension under development — verify current status locally. Overland entry from Jordan is possible via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing, which connects Amman's side to the West Bank. Note this crossing operates under specific rules and hours; verify all logistics in advance. Entry from Jordan to Israel proper is also possible via the Sheikh Hussein (Northern) and Wadi Araba (Southern/Eilat) crossings.
Jordan
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) serves Amman and is well connected to European, Gulf, and regional hubs. Royal Jordanian and numerous international carriers operate here. Overland travel from Israel and the West Bank, or from Saudi Arabia via the southern Aqaba border, is feasible with proper documentation.
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh (King Khalid International, RUH), Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International, JED), and other Saudi cities are served by a growing number of international airlines. Saudia and flyadeal are the main national carriers. Non-stop flights from Europe, Asia, and North America have expanded significantly since tourism opened up. Direct flights from Israel to Saudi Arabia have been introduced on some routes — verify current availability.
Getting Around
Jerusalem and the West Bank
Within Jerusalem, the light rail (tram) connects key points along a central spine, and buses serve the wider city. Taxis and app-based ride services are available. Walking is the most practical way to navigate the compact Old City. Travel into West Bank Palestinian cities (Area A) is unrestricted for most foreign tourists on foot or by Palestinian taxi or bus, though rental car agreements often prohibit driving Israeli-registered vehicles into Area A — check your rental terms. Palestinian shared service taxis (servees) connect cities like Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho affordably.
Jordan
Amman is best navigated by taxi or ride-hailing apps (Careem operates here). Public buses exist but routes can be complex for newcomers. For travel beyond Amman — to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, or Aqaba — renting a car offers the most flexibility, though organized day tours and JETT bus services connect major sites. The Jordan Pass (verify current availability and pricing on the official Visit Jordan site) has historically bundled the visa fee and major attraction entries including Petra.
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh and Jeddah have expanded public metro and bus infrastructure in recent years — Riyadh Metro is operational across multiple lines. Ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem both operate) are widely used. Intercity travel can be done by domestic flights, which are numerous and often affordable, or by the Haramain High Speed Railway connecting Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah (note: non-Muslims cannot enter Makkah or Madinah). Renting a car is feasible for those comfortable driving on the right.
Things to See & Do
Jerusalem Old City
The Old City's four quarters — Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Armenian — can each occupy a half-day of exploration. Key sites include the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque (access to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound is subject to specific rules and periodic closures — verify locally), the Via Dolorosa, and the Armenian Quarter's cathedral and museum. The Israel Museum, including the Shrine of the Book, lies outside the Old City walls and is among the world's finest archaeological collections.
West Bank Palestinian Cities
- Bethlehem: The Church of the Nativity (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Manger Square, and the Banksy-adjacent Walled Off Hotel art installations draw visitors. The city is a straightforward 20-30 minute journey from Jerusalem.
- Ramallah: The de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority, with a lively café culture, contemporary art galleries, and the Yasser Arafat Mausoleum.
- Jericho: Claimed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. The Tel es-Sultan archaeological site, Hisham's Palace ruins, and the Mount of Temptation monastery (accessible by cable car) are highlights.
- Hebron: The historic old city and the Cave of Machpelah/Ibrahimi Mosque are significant but the city has a politically sensitive divided center — travelers should be aware of the current situation before visiting.
Jordan
- Petra: The Nabataean rock-carved city is Jordan's defining landmark and one of the world's great archaeological sites. Allow at least a full day; two days is better.
- Wadi Rum: A vast desert of red sandstone and granite, historically traversed by T.E. Lawrence. Jeep tours and overnight Bedouin camps are the primary experiences.
- Jerash: One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, an easy day trip from Amman.
- Dead Sea: The lowest point on earth. Floating in its hyper-saline waters is a singular experience. Several resort areas on the Jordanian side offer access.
- Aqaba: Jordan's Red Sea port, with accessible coral reef snorkeling and diving.
- Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre: The hilltop Citadel holds ruins spanning multiple civilizations; the Roman Theatre in downtown is largely intact.
Saudi Arabia
- Al-Ula and Hegra (Mada'in Salih): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra contains extraordinary Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops. Al-Ula has become a major cultural tourism destination with ongoing development.
- Diriyah (Riyadh): The ancestral home of the Saudi royal family, with restored mud-brick architecture in the At-Turaif district (UNESCO listed). Verify current hours and access as restoration is ongoing.
- Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad): A UNESCO-listed old city of coral-stone buildings with distinctive wooden mashrabiya window screens. The Red Sea waterfront (Corniche) is also worth an evening walk.
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): A dramatic escarpment outside Riyadh popular for hiking, with sweeping desert panoramas.
Food & Drink
Jerusalem and the West Bank
Jerusalem's food scene reflects its diverse communities. Palestinian and broader Arab cuisine is prevalent in and around the Old City and East Jerusalem: hummus, falafel, musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and onions on taboon bread), and knafeh (a warm cheese-and-pastry dessert) are staples. West Jerusalem and the market at Mahane Yehuda (the Shuk) offer Israeli cooking with strong influences from Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Yemeni, and more recent immigrant traditions. Kosher dietary laws apply to many restaurants in Jewish areas; halal food is standard in Arab areas.
Jordan
Jordanian food is generous and hospitable. Mansaf — lamb slow-cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served over rice — is the national dish, typically eaten communally. Falafel, hummus, and fresh flatbread are everyday staples. Aqaba is a good spot for fresh Red Sea fish. Jordan is a Muslim-majority country where alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, hotels, and some shops, but not ubiquitously. Drinking in public is not appropriate.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi cuisine varies by region: Najdi (central) cooking features rice and lamb dishes like kabsa; Hejazi (western) cuisine in Jeddah draws on Red Sea fish and a more cosmopolitan palate shaped by centuries of pilgrimage trade. The restaurant scene in Riyadh and Jeddah has expanded dramatically and includes international dining across all price ranges. Saudi Arabia is officially dry — alcohol is not legally available anywhere in the kingdom. Qahwa (cardamom-spiced Arabic coffee) and tea are the social drinks of choice.
Practical Information
Money
- Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is used in Jerusalem and is accepted (sometimes alongside USD) in West Bank markets, though Palestinian businesses increasingly prefer cash. ATMs are widely available in Jerusalem; less so in smaller West Bank cities.
- The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is a relatively strong currency. ATMs are well distributed in Amman and most tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
- Saudi Riyal (SAR) transactions have moved significantly toward digital payments and cards; most establishments in cities accept international cards. ATMs are widely available.
Communications
Local SIM cards are available in all three countries and are generally cost-effective for data. Israeli SIM cards do not work in the West Bank on the same basis as in Israel proper — Palestinian mobile operators (Jawwal, Ooredoo) serve the West Bank. VPN usage is common among travelers to Saudi Arabia — be aware that the legal status of VPNs varies.
Electricity
Israel and the Palestinian Territories use European-style round two-pin plugs (Type C/H) at 220V. Jordan uses Type B, C, D, F, G, and J at 230V — a universal adapter is advisable. Saudi Arabia uses Types A, B, and G at 127/220V — again, carry a universal adapter and verify your device voltage compatibility.
Safety
The security situation across this region is dynamic and does not conform to simple generalizations. Jerusalem and the West Bank experience periodic escalations in tension and violence; the political situation is complex and has direct consequences for traveler safety in certain areas and at certain times. Monitor your government's official travel advisories closely and update your assessment throughout your trip, not just before departure.
In Jordan, the overall security environment for tourists is generally considered stable, though the country borders Syria and Iraq and there have been periodic incidents. Tourist sites and Amman itself are heavily visited without significant incident, but remain alert and follow local news.
Saudi Arabia has a low rate of street crime targeting tourists. The legal system operates on principles that differ significantly from those in Western countries — behavior that would be a minor or non-issue elsewhere (including public displays of affection, certain speech, and drug possession) can carry serious legal consequences. Familiarize yourself with Saudi law before traveling.
In all destinations: register with your country's embassy or consular service, share your itinerary with someone at home, keep digital and physical copies of your documents separately from the originals, and have emergency contact numbers saved before you cross any border.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religion and sacred spaces
This region encompasses sites holy to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, and pilgrims of all three faiths travel here in significant numbers. Respect at sacred sites is not optional: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered as a minimum; head coverings required for women entering mosques and some churches), speak and behave quietly, and follow all posted instructions. At the Western Wall, men and women pray in separate sections; modest dress is required. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
Dress codes
In Jerusalem, modest dress is respected throughout the Old City and expected at religious sites. In the West Bank, conservative dress for women is considerate, especially outside major cities. In Jordan, dress codes are relatively relaxed by regional standards, though modesty is appreciated outside of resort areas. In Saudi Arabia, while formal requirements for non-Muslim women to wear the abaya have been relaxed in recent years, modest and respectful dress (covering shoulders and knees) remains appropriate and expected in most contexts. Verify the current guidelines before travel as these have evolved.
Ramadan
All three destinations observe Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in Saudi Arabia is culturally inappropriate and can be an offense; in Jordan and the Palestinian territories, it is deeply inconsiderate even if not legally penalized. Many restaurants open only after iftar (breaking of the fast at sunset). Travel during Ramadan is genuinely possible and offers a unique cultural window, but prepare accordingly.
