Americans Traveling to Palestine: Americans do not need to obtain a separate visa for traveling to Palestine. Because there are no airports in Palestine, most people traveling to Palestine arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel-Aviv. Upon your arrival, you will receive an Israeli tourist visa up to three months for your passport that will allow you to travel throughout Israel and Palestine.
When you arrive at Ben-Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, you should be prepared to answer questions about your stay in Palestine. Do your best to know your agenda and the names of the hostels or hotels where you will stay before you arrive in Hebron. Bring a printed copy of your employee contract and documentation of your departure flight. Boarder control questioning at Ben-Gurion airport varies vastly, so be prepared for any questions they ask or documents they request. With an American passport and this tourist visa, you will be able to easily travel across checkpoints and get to Palestine.
Once you have made it through the airport, get ready for all the incredible experiences that this region has to offer! Contrary to what you may believe, most Palestinians are eager to meet Americans. Palestinians are often excited to use their English language skills to welcome you to Palestine. Many Palestinians enjoy American TV series and films, so they often have questions about American culture. In the same way that American films often misrepresent the Middle East, American films may leave Palestinians with some misconceptions about Americans as well. You should feel comfortable talking to people about your experiences in the United States. Additionally, Palestinians you meet may ask you about American politics, especially in relation to Palestine, so it is wise to follow the news in the weeks leading up to your trip.
Traveling to Palestine with an American passport is simple. With a tourist visa and an American passport, you can move between Israel and Palestine without any additional documentation. Additionally, most Palestinians are excited to meet Americans, learn about American culture, and give you a glimpse into their world.
