While planning a trip to Palestine or currently volunteering in the West Bank, many people wonder whether it is possible to travel to neighboring countries, specifically Jordan and Egypt. It is definitely possible and ok to travel to Jordan and Egypt while you are in Palestine; however, in practice, not as many volunteers decide to do so and instead opt to spend their time exploring the West Bank and its unique offerings.

This is due to a number of factors including personal interests, costs associated with travel, limited time in the region, and the perceived difficulties and risks of dealing with Israeli immigration when exiting and re-entering Israel. Having said that, those who decide to travel to Egypt or Jordan often have an amazing time and a unique experience exploring ancient ruins, indulging in local delicacies, and learning about the history and culture of another Arab country. Furthermore, many volunteers and interns wait until the end of their time volunteering in Palestine to allocate time to travel beyond the borders of Israel, which alleviates and minimizes some of the risks that exiting and re-entering Israel can pose. These risks are generally associated with the possibility of being denied re-entry to Israel following a trip to Egypt or Jordan.

Traveling to Jordan

Traveling between Israel and Jordan is relatively simple in theory, and it begins with getting a visa. To enter both Israel and Jordan, you will need separate visas. Though it is possible to secure these visas ahead of time from embassies in your home country, the process is typically easiest to complete on arrival for citizens of most western nations, including the United States and the countries of the European Union. Assuming you have already obtained a B/2 tourist visa to Israel, we will focus on obtaining a Jordanian visa. For more info about Israeli visas, please see our article about Israeli visas here.

For your Jordan tourist visa, you have a few options. The best and easiest way is to secure your visa is at the border, but you can also get one on arrival by flying into the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman or by going to the Jordanian embassy in Tel Aviv. This visa will cost about 40 Jordanian Dinar (JD), it will be a single-entry visa, and it will be good for one month from the date of entry.

Jordan by Land

One of the easiest ways to enter Jordan from Israel is by land. There are several different options that one can choose from based on the intended destination in Jordan and the need for a visa to be granted on arrival. It is necessary to note that these land crossings can take a great deal of time due to long lines in high season and the need to deal with Israeli immigration.

Sheikh Hussein Bridge

Also known as the Jordan River Crossing, this is the northernmost point of entry into Jordan. It is convenient to the city of Jerash and the country’s northern highlands. This is also an official border where on-arrival visas to Jordan are issued. If you do not have a pre-arranged visa, this is likely the choice for you.

Allenby Bridge

Another popular border crossing is the Allenby Bridge crossing near Amman and the Dead Sea; however, Jordan tourist visas are not granted here because it is technically connected to the Palestinian West Bank and not considered an official point of entry. If you need a visa to be granted at the border, choose a different crossing option.

Wadi Araba

This crossing is the furthest south and connects the Red Sea resort of Eilat, Israel with Aqaba, Jordan. If you are planning to take a trip to Petra or Wadi Rum, this is the crossing for you as they are both less than a two-hour drive away. Additionally, at this crossing, you will typically be granted an on-arrival visa to Jordan; however, visa policies have occasionally changed at this crossing, so be sure to do your research beforehand.

Traveling to Egypt

Traveling to Egypt is a little bit more complicated than traveling to Jordan, but it is definitely doable with the proper planning and arrangements. Like, traveling to Jordan, the first step for entering Egypt is to secure a visa. Most western nations including the US and countries of the European Union will be granted a tourist visa on arrival when flying into Egypt. This visa is a single-entry 30-day tourist visa and it costs 25 USD. Travelers can also obtain a multiple entry visa for 60 USD.

Egypt by Land

To enter Egypt by land from Israel, there is only one option: the Taba border crossing. This border crossing is located in the south of Israel near Eilat, and gives access to the Sinai Peninsula. In order to cross here, most citizens will need to obtain a visa ahead of time. One method of obtaining this visa in advance is through a website established by the Government of Egypt that issues “e-visas.” This option is available for U.S. citizens and the citizens of 44 other countries.

If one does not secure a visa prior to travel, there are still several options that one can take at the Taba border, but they will likely be expensive and prices may vary. The first option it apply for a no-fee 14 day visa that is only valid for travel within the Sinai Peninsula; the second option is to buy a 30-day tourist visa valid for travel throughout the whole of Egypt for 25 USD. This 30-day visa requires the submission of a travel agency support letter that may be obtained from travel agents at the border; however, the fees for this service vary.

So… What’s the catch?

Traveling to Egypt and Jordan is completely legal and do-able from the West Bank and Israel, and it is common for travelers to the Middle East to venture into Cairo to see the Great Pyramids or to Jordan to see Petra. Even for those without the proper visa clearance and planning, booking a last-minute tour package through a local company can help you circumnavigate some of the hurdles and border headaches; though, doing so will cost a premium.

Having said that, the real issue in traveling from Palestine and Israel to Egypt or Jordan lies in whether you will be able to re-enter Israel and Palestine. Unfortunately, leaving Israel’s borders presents the risk of not being allowed re-entry into the country. Once you leave, you will need to be granted a new visa to re-enter Israel, and these visas are given at the discretion of the border control official. Furthermore, some travelers entering by land from Egypt or Jordan may be given shortened visas for 30-days or even two weeks.

While in most cases you will be able to enter without issue, if you show any indication that you may be coming to participate in pro-Palestinian protests, engage in missionary activity, or are seeking illegal employment, you will certainly be denied entry and may even face deportation if you have flown into Israel.