Travel to Palestine
Menu:
- Getting a Visa
- Travelling to Palestine
- Entering through Tel Aviv
- Entering through Jordan
- Getting to Hebron
- From Ben Gurion
- From Jordan
- Preparing for Travel
- Adaptors
- Clothing
Getting A Visa
The only way to get a Visa to travel to the West bank, is to get a visa for Israel. There is no separate visa for internationals to travel to Palestine. The visitor visa for Israel lasts for a maximum of 90 days (3 months), and is available on arrival at either Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, or the King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing at the border of Jordan and Israel.
Due to issues with Israeli passport stamps when it comes to some onward travel, the immigration officials will not stamp your passport. Your visa will instead be given to you in the form of a small piece of paper containing your image, and stating how long you are permitted to stay in the country. It is important that you keep this paper safe for the duration of your travel in Palestine, as you will likely be asked for it at hotels, when passing checkpoints, and upon your departure.
Before you travel, you will need to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorization form for the Israeli Government. It does not guarantee your entry into Israel or the West Bank, but it is necessary in order to travel. The check in desk of your flight will ask for it before they will allow you to board.
Travelling to Palestine
While we have had over 1000 volunteers come to join us at the Excellence Center, travel to Palestine can be difficult to navigate. Because all travel to Palestine depends on entry being granted by Israeli officials, it can be very hard depending on the current security situation.
Don’t worry! We have compiled all our top tips to help you have the smoothest experience possible. There are two ways that you can arrive in Palestine; through the main airport in Israel, or over the land border crossing from Jordan. Our friendly team is always available to provide advice on travel as you plan your stay with us.
Through Ben Gurion Airport
Ben Gurion is Israel’s main airport. Many volunteers have come through this way over the years, but sometimes the security can be more strict, depending on the security situation.
Some volunteers and students are able to come through Ben Gurion airport without any problems. They are asked a few casual questions at the immigration desk and are then let through. Because the Israeli Government doesn’t want people coming to volunteer in Palestine, they may be suspicious of foreigners entering the country. So there is a chance that they may pull you aside for more questioning. The Center will provide more detailed information about what to do in this situation once you are registered to spend time with us.
If you intend to travel this route, we recommend that you do not fly with an Israeli airline, as the security is more strict, even before you board.
Through Jordan
The King Hussein/Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan is longer and contains more logistics, but it can be slightly easier for people to get through the security at this crossing.
To use this crossing, you will arrive at Queen Alia Airport in Jordan. You are welcome to spend a few days in Amman before crossing, if you have the time. From Queen Alia Airport to King Hussein/Allenby Bridge (Israel) takes around an hour and costs around 30 JDs (Jordanian Dinars).
Arriving at the border is easy. Remember that you must request the foreign passport checkpoint if you hold a foreign passport. Among the two buses going to the Israeli border, ask for and board the one for foreigners. The bus ride from the Jordanian checkpoint to the Israeli checkpoint might take up to 40 minutes.
There are three checkpoints to get through on this way, one for immigration to leave Jordan, one for entry by Israeli Immigration, and one for entry by the Palestinian Authority. There is a chance you will be pulled aside for questioning, or that your bag will be searched on the way through.
Whether you choose to travel through Ben Gurion or the Jordan crossing, the Excellence Center will help guide you through this process in the lead-up to your travel.
Getting to Hebron
From Ben Gurion Airport
Israel’s main airport is the faster way to get to Hebron, but it can be more difficult in terms of security measures.
On arrival in Ben Gurion Airport, there is a train that can take you directly to Yitzak Navon station, in the direction of Jerusalem. Just outside the station is a light rail service that can take you a few stops to a station called ‘Damascus Gate’. This is the crossing between the East (Muslim) and West (Jewish) parts of Jerusalem.
Right next to the light rail stop at Damascus Gate is a station where shared taxis called Service (but pronounced ‘Servees’) will leave from. You will likely hear someone shouting ‘Al Khalil!’, which is another name for Hebron. People are very friendly and willing to help, so if you get lost or you can’t find the right bus, ask anyone on the street where you can take a Service to Al Kahlil, and they will lead you in the right direction. They may even see you with your luggage and ask where you are going.
Once you find a driver, you might have to wait for all the seats on the bus to fill up before you depart. Depending on the day and the time, this could take a few minutes or it could take a few hours. Make sure you speak with the driver about the price prior to boarding. It should cost about 40 Shekels, which you will pay in cash. Ask the driver to drop you at Al Hussein Stadium.
From Jordan
There is no public transportation like trains or light rail in Palestine, so the only option is a private or shared taxi. Luckily, they are easy to find and navigate!
From the border crossing at King Hussein Bridge, you can take a private or shared taxi to anywhere in Palestine. You might come directly to Hebron, or you are also welcome to go to Jerusalem first, and then catch a Service south to Hebron. Make sure you ask for which Service is going to your destination, and people will point you in the right direction. Also make sure you agree to the price from the driver before you depart.
Preparing for Travel
Money
The currency in Palestine is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). While there are some places you can pay with card, Palestine is primarily a cash economy. You will need to either change money or withdraw Shekels on your arrival in order to pay for things like transport. Make sure to check an online currency exchange for rates.
Adaptors
Israel and Palestine use the Type H charger, which has three circular pins. However, it is entirely possible to use the European two-pin adaptor which is more widely available.
Clothing
Check the season when you will be spending time at the center and pack accordingly! It can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, so make sure you bring appropriate clothes. Hebron has a wide variety of basic clothes and shoes that can be bought at a reasonable price so if you forget anything, don’t worry!
Another thing to bear in mind is to dress conservatively. Hebron is one of the most conservative cities in Palestine, so long sleeves, long pants and skirts, and loose-fitting clothing is most appropriate. To fit in well with the local culture and way of life, it is best to follow these guidelines.
