Can I come to Palestine without getting an Israeli visa stamp? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by those visiting Palestine. Some people want to avoid getting a visa from Israeli authorities for one reason or another and they ask if there is any possibility of getting their visa from the Palestinian authorities.
First of all, the Palestinian Authority (PA) does not have any control over Palestinian borders, therefore, they do not have the authority to issue an entry visa to those who want to visit the Palestinian Territories. The Israeli government is the only authority able to issue you with a visa either upon your arrival or through its embassies/consulates prior to your visit.
Unfortunately, Palestine is not yet recognized as an independent state in its own right. This is the reality of the political situation and the ongoing negotiation process between Israel and Palestine. Therefore, if you want to come to Palestine and visit some Palestinian cities such as Bethlehem, Nablus or Hebron, you need to get a visa from the Israeli authorities.
Visas are routinely granted upon arrival if you are a citizen of an exempted country. This visa can be obtained either at Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel Aviv) or at the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing on arrival.
Hamas controls the border in Gaza with Egypt. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days. Most Americans and Europeans are issued with a three-month visa upon arrival and clearing customs. If your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, you will have to procure a visa from the Israeli embassy/consulate in your home country before you visit.
Some people hold passports that do not permit them to travel to Israel. These countries include: Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh among other. These countries clearly forbid travel to Israel and state so on their passports. According to Israeli law, the countries of Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran are enemy states and therefore Israeli citizens are not permitted to visit these countries without special permission from the Israeli Ministry of the Interior.
We hope this article has cleared up any questions you have about how to legally enter the Palestinian Territories without hampering future travel. For more information about obtaining an Israeli visa please visit the websites of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, your nation’s Foreign Ministry, or the Israeli Embassy in your country.
How to reach us out?
Please send an email to info@gopalestine.org. In the body of the email tell us of your interest or ask any questions you may have. Very shortly we will reply to you!