How to Obtain a Visa to Enter Palestine?: Prospective volunteers and visitors frequently ask us about the process of obtaining a visa to visit Palestine. Some countries require applications and fees prior to arrival in order to receive a visa. Is this the case for travelers coming to Palestine? If you have questions concerning the visa requirements for coming to Palestine, then continue reading because today we will be providing information that will answer your question.
How to get to Palestine?
There are two ways to get to Palestine. The first is by flying into Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, Israel. The second is by crossing into the West Bank via Jordan by flying to Queen Alia International Airport. At the Excellence Center, we recommend for all of our international visitors, volunteers, Arabic students, and interns to enter by the first option of flying into Ben Gurion Airport. However, no matter where you enter – via Tel Aviv or Jordan – visas are granted upon arrival.
Can Palestinian Authority issue you a visa?
Palestine (Palestinian Authority) is unable to grant visas to international travelers. The Israeli government controls all borders and is therefore the only entity able to provide travelers with visas. Like we mentioned previously, the Israeli government does this upon arrival. Therefore, there is no application to fill out prior to coming. When you land in Ben Gurion Airport or when you cross into the West Bank through Jordan, you will be given a visa.
3 months valid visa to travel to Palestine and Israel
The visa given to you by Israel will grant you access into the Palestinian territories. These Israeli visas are also free of charge. When you fly into Tel Aviv, airport security will ask a series of questions and if they are satisfied with your answers, you will be given a visa that is valid for 90 days. All visas are valid for 90 days. This is why internationals are welcome to intern, volunteer, or study at the Excellence Center for a maximum of 3 months.
Security’s questioning at Ben Gurion airport in Israel
Concerning airport security’s questioning, you do not need to be worried or afraid. Of the internationals who have visited us at the Excellence Center, their experience at Ben Gurion airport vary. Some internationals report that the process was easy, fast, and painless. You will typically be asked whether you have been to Israel before, why you are visiting, and how long you will be staying.
Other internationals say they have pulled aside and asked further questions from airport security before they were granted a visa. If this happens to you, remember that you have nothing to hide and are doing nothing illegal in coming to Hebron to volunteer, study, or visit.
Our advice
We also advise carrying a copy of your Excellence Center Invitation Letter, should officials want proof of why you are here and where you are going. Overall, if you keep calm and patient during the questioning you are highly likely to be given a visa. It is very rare that travelers are denied entrance into Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Final remarks
That wraps up the process for obtaining an Israeli visa. Visas do not require an application or a fee. They are valid for 3 months and the process is simple to receiving one upon arrival. We hope we answered all your questions surrounding the visa requirements and look forward to seeing you at the Excellence Center.
