Palestinian:Visa Requirements

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Palestinian Visa Requirements Map

Palestinian: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Passengers who will only visit the West Bank and are not required to obtain a visa in advance may, as a rule, come to the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing without prior application. At the border crossing, the passenger is subject to an application for a B/2 visit permit for the West Bank and an entry assessment. The document issued at the border is not a visa at an independent border crossing but a permit to enter the West Bank.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six more months at the time of application. The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for a biometric or machine-readable passport is also not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The application form must be filled in on a computer. The form must include given name and surname, date and place of birth, place of residence, citizenship, passport number, passport validity date, any other passports or travel documents held, contact information, and information about first-degree relatives in the West Bank.
  • The planned date of entry, purpose of travel, duration of stay, accommodation, and persons traveling together must be explained. A separate application is required for each person traveling together.
  • Criminal record, security-related incidents, ongoing investigations, previous visits, previous visa or permit violations, and past entry denials must be declared accurately and completely. If there is an inviting person, organization, or employer, their name, address, identity details, relationship with the applicant, and other relevant information must be written on the form.
  • Copies of all valid passports held and any old passports, if applicable, must be attached to the application. If the application is made on behalf of another person, a power of attorney must be submitted.
  • Passengers who have previously been denied entry, have a criminal or security record, have overstayed in Israel or the West Bank, or have been subjected to a financial guarantee condition for entry within the last five years should not rely on direct application at the border. These persons must coordinate in advance with COGAT before travel.
  • Applications requiring prior approval must be submitted at least 45 days before the planned entry. A shorter period may be accepted in exceptional and humanitarian cases; however, the application cannot be made less than 48 hours before the time of entry. An incomplete or incorrect file will not be processed until completed. If deficiencies are not completed within 30 business days, the file is closed and a new application is required.
  • The written decision on the prior application is notified within 45 days from the submission of the complete application. Prior approval is not a guarantee of actual entry. The final decision is given after questioning and checks that may be conducted at the border crossing.
  • In approvals specific to the West Bank, a notation may be placed on the passport or travel document indicating that the permit is valid only for the West Bank. This permit does not grant the right to move freely within Israel.
  • A short-term B/2 visit permit can be issued for a maximum of three months. It cannot be used for paid or unpaid employment. The period, purpose of travel, and other conditions written on the permit must be complied with.
  • The visit permit generally expires when the passenger departs from the international border crossing. A new permit is required for re-entry. A special-purpose multiple-entry permit is subject to a separate application and fee; the application must be made at least 45 days in advance. The multiple-use permit is valid only for entry via the Allenby Bridge. Entry specific to the West Bank via Ben Gurion Airport requires a prior individual application and exceptional approval.
  • The competent authority may request a return ticket, a commitment to stay in specific places, a declaration accepting the permit conditions, or a bank or cash guarantee, depending on the circumstances of the file. If a guarantee is required, the amount and deposit method are stated in the individual decision.
  • For a standard short visit, the number and size of photographs, format of hotel reservation, period of bank account statement, minimum financial sufficiency amount, travel health insurance, minimum insurance coverage, vaccination certificate, and number of blank passport pages are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Visa-exempt passengers who will visit Israel and the West Bank in the same trip are subject to the entry rules of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority instead of the West Bank-specific Allenby procedure. On this route, ETA-IL must be obtained before travel.
  • ETA-IL, an Israeli entry permit, or a West Bank visit permit does not grant the right to enter the Gaza Strip. Foreign entries into Gaza require prior COGAT coordination and individual approval based on the purpose of travel, security conditions, and the passenger's status. For a general tourist application for Gaza, the standard document list, fee, processing time, and maximum duration of stay are not definitively specified in the central official source.

Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements

  • ETA-IL must be obtained before travel for visa-exempt passengers who will enter via Israel or visit Israel and the West Bank in the same trip. In cases where entry to the West Bank is only via the Allenby Bridge, the separate COGAT procedure applies.
  • The application must be made through the official online portal. The applicant must verify their email address; enter the details of the passport they will use for travel, personal and contact information, travel details, and answers to eligibility questions into the system.
  • The passenger must travel with the passport used in the ETA-IL application. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the planned arrival date. The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • If a new passport or travel document is obtained, or if the name, gender, or citizenship information changes, a new ETA-IL application must be made.
  • The application fee is 25 Israeli shekels. Payment is made by credit card and the fee is non-refundable.
  • The application must be completed before travel and up to 72 hours should be allowed for a decision. Applications requiring additional review may take longer.
  • ETA-IL is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the end of the passport's validity, whichever expires first. It can be used for multiple trips during the validity period.
  • The permitted duration of stay per visit is a maximum of 90 days. The exact entry and stay duration is determined at border control. For a longer stay, a separate application must be made to the Population and Immigration Authority.
  • Passengers holding a valid Israeli visa do not need to obtain a separate ETA-IL for the same trip. ETA-IL approval does not replace border control and does not guarantee entry into the country.
  • The electronic approval and application email must be accessible during travel. Whether the approval must necessarily be carried in printed form is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • For ETA-IL, the number and size of photographs, bank account statement, minimum financial amount, accommodation reservation, travel health insurance, insurance coverage, invitation letter, and additional documents specific to children are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • ETA-IL is not an entry permit for the Gaza Strip. For passage to Gaza, separate prior COGAT coordination and individual permission are required.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The eVisa-B2 can only be used by passengers who are granted the right to apply electronically in the official eligibility check. Eligibility is determined after selecting citizenship, country of residence, and place of application. It should not be assumed that the electronic system is open to all passengers subject to a visa.
  • This visa can be used for entry via Israel and for visiting Israel and the West Bank together. If entry is only to the West Bank via the Allenby Bridge, COGAT's West Bank-specific permit procedure should be considered separately.
  • The applicant must verify their email address on the official portal, enter travel information, complete passport details and personal information, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
  • A valid passport or travel document, passport photograph, return or onward travel ticket, health insurance valid in Israel for the entire visit period, and proof of accommodation or hotel reservation must be submitted.
  • Under the general entry rule, the passport of passengers subject to a visa must be valid for at least six months after the arrival date. The number of blank passport pages and the universal requirement for the passport to be biometric or machine-readable are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The size, background color, date of capture, file format, and file size of the photograph are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A universal list applicable to all electronic applications regarding how many months the bank account statement must cover, minimum account balance, employment certificate, salary certificate, sponsor documents, and invitation letter has not been published. The application system may request additional documents based on the purpose of travel and personal circumstances.
  • The eVisa-B2 application fee is 105 Israeli shekels and is non-refundable. Accepted card types and additional local service fees may be shown on the application screen or by the mission evaluating the application.
  • The validity of the visa may be up to 90 days depending on the consular decision. The permitted duration of stay upon entry to the country is determined by border control and may be up to a maximum of 90 days.
  • The exact processing time applicable to all applicants has not been published on the central official portal. In cases requiring additional review, the applicant may be asked to appear in person at the consulate or authorized application center.
  • The electronic visa result and approval document may be sent to the email address provided during application. The document must be kept accessible together with the passport during travel. Whether carrying a printed copy is mandatory is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The eVisa-B2 does not grant an automatic right to enter the country. The passport, purpose of travel, accommodation, return plan, and other entry conditions may be reassessed at the border.
  • The eVisa-B2 does not grant the right to enter the Gaza Strip. Foreigners wishing to cross into Gaza must additionally obtain prior COGAT coordination and individual approval appropriate to their travel purposes.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Passengers who will enter via Israel and are required to obtain a visa in advance must apply for a B/2 short-term visitor visa to the Israeli embassy or consulate responsible for their country of residence.
  • The B/2 visa can be used for tourism, family or friend visits, medical visits, business meetings, and short-term non-academic study purposes. This visa does not grant the right to work.
  • The visa application form must be filled out completely and signed by the applicant. An appointment must be made and the applicant must appear in person at the mission responsible for their country of residence. The in-person application requirement may be subject to exceptions at the discretion of the consular officer.
  • Under the general entry regulation, the passport of passengers subject to a visa is required to be valid for at least six months after the arrival date. The consular application page additionally requires the travel document to be valid for at least three months after the expiry of the visa.
  • The applicant may be requested to provide the original passport, a copy of the passport's personal information page, and, at some missions, any old passports held. The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Two identical and recent color photographs must be submitted. The photographs must be 5 × 5 centimeters in size, with a white background, and showing a full front view of the face. The maximum age in months of the photograph is not definitively specified on the central general page.
  • A bank account statement covering at least the last three months must be submitted. The minimum amount required in the bank account is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • An employment certificate from the applicant's workplace must be submitted. Different documents may be requested from self-employed, company owner, student, retired, or non-working applicants to explain their situation and travel financing. The exact list varies depending on the mission where the application is made.
  • The place of accommodation during the visit must be stated. A hotel reservation, rental accommodation document, or, if staying in a private residence, an invitation letter containing the inviting person's address and contact information may be requested.
  • A round-trip flight ticket or reservation must be available. Submitting the ticket at the time of initial application may not be mandatory at every mission.
  • Travel health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Israel must be submitted. The minimum coverage amount of the insurance is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • If the applicant applies in a country other than their country of citizenship, a valid residence permit or proof of legal residence in the country where they are located may be requested.
  • For private visits, an invitation letter and a copy of the inviting person's passport, Israeli identity card, or valid residence document may be requested. For business trips, a letter from the inviting company and an assignment letter from the applicant's employer may be requested. The detailed format of the invitation letter varies by mission.
  • Minor applicants may be required to provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians. If one parent cannot be present at the consulate, a notarized and apostilled consent letter, birth certificate, copies of parents' passports, custody order, or divorce decree may be requested. The exact form of these requirements varies depending on the mission where the application is made.
  • A universal requirement for translation, notarization, or apostille for all documents in the general document list has not been published. The translation of documents in foreign languages and the certification form of official documents concerning marital status and children are determined by the mission where the application is made.
  • The application fee and accepted payment method vary by country and mission where the application is made. The exact fee applicable to all applications and a single payment method are not specified in the central official source.
  • The official processing time varies by mission and the applicant's situation. While some missions report one to five business days for standard applications, for files requiring additional security or administrative review, the time may extend to approximately 30 business days or longer. A single central processing time applicable to all missions is not definitively specified.
  • The visa may generally be valid for entry for up to three months from the date of issue. The actual duration of stay granted upon entry to the country is determined by the border officer and is usually a maximum of 90 days. Whether the visa is single or multiple entry depends on the consular decision, passport validity, and the applicant's situation.
  • A passenger who will go only to the West Bank and needs to obtain prior permission must submit a COGAT application through the Israeli diplomatic mission in their country. The application must be submitted at least 45 days before the planned entry date.
  • In the West Bank-specific preliminary application, a computer-filled entry form, a passport valid for at least six months, copies of all valid and old passports held, purpose of travel, duration of stay, accommodation address, contact information, previous visits, entry denials, criminal and security declarations, and information about the inviting person or organization must be submitted.
  • If the application is made on behalf of another person, a power of attorney is required. Each person traveling together must submit a separate application. If an incomplete file is not completed within 30 business days, a new application is required.
  • The written decision period for a West Bank preliminary application is 45 days. Even if a shorter period is accepted under humanitarian exception, the application must be made at least 48 hours before entry.
  • The photograph requirement, application fee, payment method, bank account statement, minimum financial amount, health insurance coverage, and number of blank passport pages for the West Bank-specific permit are not definitively specified in the central official source. The competent authority may request additional documents, an interview, a return ticket, a travel restriction, or a financial guarantee.
  • A standard consular B/2 visa or West Bank visit permit does not grant the right to enter the Gaza Strip. Foreign entries into Gaza are subject to a separate COGAT procedure, prior coordination, individual security assessment, and the purpose of travel falling within one of the accepted categories. There is no current, central, and publicly accessible checklist for a general tourist visa or consular application for Gaza.
Population
5,692,790(2026 est.)
Official language
Arabic
Government type
Limited self-governing presidential-parliamentary authority
Continent
Asia
Capital
Jerusalem / Ramallah
Currency
Israeli new shekels
Area
6,020 km²
Phone code
+970

Palestinian: Key Destinations

The Palestinian Territories encompass the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Ramallah serving as the administrative hub and East Jerusalem as a cultural heart. Visitors typically arrive via Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv or through the Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan.

Bethlehem draws pilgrims to the Church of the Nativity, while Jericho offers ancient ruins and lush oases. The Dead Sea's northern shore provides a unique landscape for relaxation and exploration.

Travelers often base themselves in Ramallah or Jerusalem and take day trips to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Nablus. The West Bank has a network of roads connecting major cities, though checkpoints may affect travel times. For those with time, the Dead Sea coast offers a relaxing excursion.