Middle East
Palestine
For travelers who want to understand the region first-hand: Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho, with warm hospitality. Military raids, settler violence, checkpoints and Gaza's catastrophe shape every visit.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa156 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyILSUS$1 ≈ ₪3.05Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, H230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency100Police 100 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 102
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledSupply is intermittent and stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedSocially hostile; Palestinian Authority police banned LGBTQ+ group activities in 2019.Details
- Internet85 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the rightUse Palestinian rental firms (Ramallah, Bethlehem, East Jerusalem); Israeli rentals are barred or uninsured in Area A.
Where to go in Palestine
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Palestine
March–May and September–November. Christmas in Bethlehem draws crowds; summers are hot in Jericho, and hill towns are chilly in winter.
Good to know
Entry
- Israel controls all entry: fly into Ben Gurion with an ETA-IL, or cross from Jordan at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.
- Some visitors get 'Palestinian Authority only' stamps that restrict travel into Israel.
- Gaza is closed to visitors; its crossings have been shut to civilians since May 2024.
- Carry your passport at checkpoints; land crossings can close at short notice.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Don't photograph Israeli soldiers, checkpoints, police or military sites.
- Israeli rental cars aren't allowed into Area A, and Israeli law bars Israeli citizens from entering.
- Eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan daytime causes serious offence.
Etiquette
- Accept tea or coffee when offered; hospitality is central.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites.
- Friday is the main day off; many shops close.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women.
Tipping
Around 10% in restaurants; tip guides and drivers.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: The Occupied Palestinian Territories
- ETA-IL (Israel Population and Immigration Authority)
- Travel Palestine (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.