Traveling can be an exciting experience, but for passport holders from the Palestinian Territories, understanding the exit requirements is crucial. Whether you’re planning to visit neighboring countries or travel further afield, it’s essential to be well-informed. This guide provides detailed information on what you need to know to ensure a smooth journey.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Palestinian Territories – Map
Table of Contents
Overview of Travel Requirements
Passport Validity
When planning to travel, one of the first things to check is the validity of your passport. For Palestinian passport holders, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country you are visiting. Border officials are strict about this requirement, so ensure your passport meets this criterion to avoid any issues at the border.
Visa Requirements
Obtaining the necessary visas is a critical step in your travel preparations. Palestinian citizens often need a visa to enter most countries. However, there are exceptions where visa-free or visa-on-arrival access is granted. For instance, Palestinian passport holders can travel to 53 countries and territories without a visa or receive a visa upon arrival. Always check the specific visa requirements for your destination well in advance of your travel date.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
In addition to traditional visas, some countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is a digital authorization linked to your passport and is necessary for entry. Before traveling, it’s important to determine if your destination requires an ETA and obtain it prior to your departure. This step can often be completed online and is crucial for a seamless travel experience.
Travel to Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)
Entry Points: Rafah and Erez Borders
The main entry and exit points for the Gaza Strip are the Rafah and Erez borders. The Rafah border is controlled by Egypt, while the Erez border is controlled by Israel. Travelers must comply with the regulations set by the controlling authorities to cross these borders. It’s advisable to check the current status and any specific requirements before attempting to cross.
Travel Advice from FCDO
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides travel advice for those entering Israel and the OPTs. It is recommended to regularly review this advice as it can change due to political and security situations. Following the FCDO’s advice can help ensure a safer and more informed travel experience.
COVID-19 Rules
Currently, there are no specific COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travelers entering Israel or the OPTs. However, regulations can change, so it’s essential to stay updated on any new requirements that may arise closer to your travel dates.
Passport Validity Requirements
Just like for other destinations, ensuring your passport’s validity is crucial when traveling to Israel and the OPTs. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Border officials will check this, and failure to comply can result in denied entry.
Checks at Border Control
Be prepared for thorough checks at border control when entering and exiting Israel. This can include lengthy personal questioning and detailed baggage searches. Cooperation and having all necessary documentation ready can facilitate the process.
Refusal of Entry
There is always a risk of refusal of entry when traveling to Israel. If denied entry, you will be booked on the next available flight back to your point of origin. Understanding and adhering to all entry requirements can help minimize this risk.
Travel to Neighboring Countries
Entry to Jordan
Jordan is a popular destination for Palestinian travelers. To enter Jordan, a valid passport and visa are required. The visa can often be obtained upon arrival, but it’s wise to verify the latest requirements before traveling.
Travel via Israel
For those traveling to other countries via Israel, it’s important to understand the transit requirements. You may need a special permit to exit and re-enter Israel. Ensure you have all necessary permits and documents to avoid any travel disruptions.
Special Requirements for Palestinian Citizens
Visa-Free and Visa-On-Arrival Access
Palestinian passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 53 countries and territories. This can significantly ease travel planning.
Restrictions Imposed by Israel
Israel imposes several restrictions on Palestinian citizens. These include a requirement for a special permit to exit and re-enter Israel. Additionally, a visa is required to enter Israel, and this process can be stringent.
Travel Restrictions to West Bank and Gaza Strip
Traveling to the West Bank and Gaza Strip involves additional restrictions. Special permits are required for both exit and re-entry. Ensuring you have all necessary documentation is essential to avoid any travel issues.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport Validity | Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. |
| Visa Requirements | Visas are often required, but some countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Palestinian passport holders. |
| Special Permits | Special permits are required to exit and re-enter Israel and the West Bank. |
| Entry Points | Rafah and Erez borders are the main entry and exit points for the Gaza Strip. |
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Palestinian Territories – Countries list
Afghanistan - visa required
Albania - eVisa
Algeria - visa required
Andorra - visa required
Angola - visa required
Antigua and Barbuda - eVisa
Argentina - visa required
Armenia - visa required
Australia - eVisa
Austria - visa required
Azerbaijan - visa required
Bahamas - eVisa
Bahrain - eVisa
Bangladesh - visa on arrival/30 days
Barbados - visa required
Belarus - visa required
Belgium - visa required
Belize - visa required
Benin - eVisa
Bhutan - eVisa
Bolivia - visa-free/90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa required
Botswana - eVisa
Brazil - visa required
Brunei - visa required
Bulgaria - visa required
Burkina Faso - eVisa
Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Cameroon - eVisa
Canada - visa required
Cape Verde - visa on arrival (EASE)
Central African Republic - visa required
Chad - visa required
Chile - visa required
China - visa required
Colombia - eVisa
Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
Congo - visa required
Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
Costa Rica - visa required
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
Croatia - visa required
Cuba - tourist card/90 days
Cyprus - visa required
Czech Republic - visa required
Denmark - visa required
Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Dominica - visa-free/21 days
Dominican Republic - visa required
Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
Egypt - visa required
El Salvador - eVisa
Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
Eritrea - visa required
Estonia - visa required
Eswatini - visa-free/30 days
Ethiopia - eVisa/90 days
Fiji - visa required
Finland - visa required
France - visa required
Gabon - eVisa/90 days
Gambia - visa required
Georgia - eVisa
Germany - visa required
Ghana - visa required
Greece - visa required
Grenada - visa required
Guatemala - visa required
Guinea - eVisa/90 days
Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
Guyana - visa required
Haiti - visa required
Honduras - visa required
Hong Kong - eVisa
Hungary - visa required
Iceland - visa required
India - eVisa/30 days
Indonesia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iran - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iraq - eVisa
Ireland - visa required
Israel - visa required
Italy - visa required
Jamaica - visa required
Japan - visa required
Jordan - visa-free/30 days
Kazakhstan - visa required
Kenya - eTA/90 days
Kiribati - visa required
Kosovo - visa required
Kuwait - visa required
Kyrgyzstan - eVisa
Laos - visa on arrival/30 days
Latvia - visa required
Lebanon - visa required
Lesotho - eVisa/14 days
Liberia - visa required
Libya - eVisa
Liechtenstein - visa required
Lithuania - visa required
Luxembourg - visa required
Macao - visa on arrival/30 days
Madagascar - not admitted
Malawi - eVisa/90 days
Malaysia - visa-free/30 days
Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
Mali - visa required
Malta - visa required
Marshall Islands - visa required
Mauritania - visa on arrival
Mauritius - visa required
Mexico - visa required
Micronesia - visa-free/30 days
Moldova - eVisa
Monaco - visa required
Mongolia - visa required
Montenegro - visa required
Morocco - visa required
Mozambique - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Myanmar - visa required
Namibia - visa required
Nauru - visa required
Nepal - visa required
Netherlands - visa required
New Zealand - visa required
Nicaragua - visa-free/90 days
Niger - visa required
Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
North Korea - visa required
North Macedonia - visa required
Norway - visa required
Oman - eVisa
Pakistan - eVisa
Palau - visa on arrival/30 days
Panama - visa required
Papua New Guinea - eVisa
Paraguay - visa required
Peru - visa required
Philippines - visa required
Poland - visa required
Portugal - visa required
Qatar - eVisa
Romania - visa required
Russian Federation - visa required
Rwanda - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis - eVisa
Saint Lucia - visa required
Samoa - visa on arrival/90 days
San Marino - visa required
Sao Tome and Principe - eVisa
Saudi Arabia - visa required
Senegal - visa on arrival/30 days
Serbia - visa required
Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
Sierra Leone - eVisa
Singapore - eVisa
Slovakia - visa required
Slovenia - visa required
Solomon Islands - visa required
Somalia - visa required
South Africa - visa-free/90 days
South Korea - eVisa
South Sudan - eVisa
Spain - visa required
Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa required
Sudan - visa required
Suriname - tourist card/90 days
Sweden - visa required
Switzerland - visa required
Syria - not admitted
Taiwan - visa required
Tajikistan - eVisa
Tanzania - eVisa
Thailand - visa required
Timor-Leste - visa on arrival/30 days
Togo - eVisa/15 days
Tonga - visa required
Trinidad and Tobago - visa required
Tunisia - visa required
Turkmenistan - visa required
Tuvalu - visa on arrival/30 days
Türkiye - visa required
Uganda - eVisa
Ukraine - visa required
United Arab Emirates - eVisa
United Kingdom - visa required
United States of America - visa required
Uruguay - visa required
Uzbekistan - visa required
Vanuatu - visa required
Vatican City - visa required
Venezuela - visa-free/90 days
Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
Yemen - visa required
Zambia - eVisa
Zimbabwe - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days