The Journey from the UK to Palestine: There are two main ways to travel to Palestine from the UK. Firstly, it is possible to fly into Jordan and drive across the border. For non-Palestinians, however, the easier option is to fly into Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv and then take a shared taxi (known as Sherut or Service) across the border. This article will provide information on the latter route. The journey can be a bit of a confusing experience, but people are always eager to help you reach your final destination.
Flights go directly to Tel Aviv from most major airports in the UK. Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year but with cheaper airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair, it shouldn’t burn too big of a hole in your pocket. The plane ride takes slightly more than five hours from London Luton to Ben-Gurion.
The border control at Ben-Gurion airport is a hotly debated topic. Personal accounts and urban myths can make even the most seasoned traveler feel nervous. Simply be honest with the immigration officers about your intentions and plans for your stay in Israel/Palestine. Shy away from expressing political or religious views and be polite. Some people are let through after a few questions, while others might be asked to go through additional security checks. This experience can feel intimidating but again, honesty is the best policy. After the immigration control, you will be given a visa on a small credit card-sized slip. Make sure to not lose track of this slip during your stay.
It is slightly difficult to predict exactly how long immigration control will take. If you are traveling straight on to Palestine there are two options when planning your trip from the airport. Firstly you can go directly into the West Bank the same day. Alternatively, it is possible to spend one night in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and travel the next day. If your plane arrives late in the afternoon or immigration control takes longer than expected, the second option might be preferable. As is true for any foreign country – or even city – navigating becomes more tricky after dark. You can easily find and book accommodation in hostels and hotels online.
Travelers can cross into the West Bank through different checkpoints along the border. The most popular one is in Jerusalem. You can find services, shared minibus taxis, at the Arab bus station right outside Damascus Gate. At the station, service drivers are walking around yelling out the names of the cities they are driving to. Listen out for whatever city you want to visit. Palestinians are incredibly friendly and always willing to help if you need it.
Depending on your destination, the journey shouldn’t cost you more than 40 shekel. For example, Jerusalem-Al-Khalil (Hebron) will typically cost between 20 and 30 shekel. The service minibusses do not run on a set schedule. Rather the driver will walk around looking for passengers until the bus is full. They will not leave until this happens! The service will pass through a checkpoint along the way. Sometimes there will not be a control at all, other times you might be asked to show your passport and visa. Again, the best policy is to be polite and honest.
The journey from the UK to Palestine can feel a bit overwhelming at times. Still, it is important to remember that people are willing to help. With patience and an open mind, you will get there in the end.
