- Local time
- 02:42 (capital)
- Currency
- Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
- Capital
- East Jerusalem / Ramallah
- Calling code
- +970
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
Bethlehem, Jericho and Hebron, sites holy to Christians, Muslims and Jews, olive-covered hills and generous hospitality. Canada advises against all travel in 2026: read the safety advice first.
Read the official travel advice before anything else. In 2026 Canada advises against all travel to Palestine, and the UK advises against all travel to Gaza and to the north of the West Bank, and against all but essential travel to most of the rest, except East Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and the area south of it. Gaza is closed to visitors. See the Safety section for the details.
Palestine is made up of two separate areas, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and entry to both is controlled by the Israeli authorities. For centuries the West Bank has drawn pilgrims to Bethlehem and its Church of the Nativity, to Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and to Hebron, with the Tomb of the Patriarchs and an old town on the UNESCO list. The north is hilly and green, with olive groves, villages and the old city of Nablus, known for its sweets. Palestinians are known for their hospitality, and Christians and Muslims live side by side.
- Bethlehem: The Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Shepherds' Field nearby.
- Jericho: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, far below sea level, with the mosaics of Hisham's Palace.
- Hebron: The Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs and an old town of alleys, glass and pottery workshops.
- Mar Saba Monastery: A monastery near Bethlehem.
- Nablus: An old city famous for kunafa, the cheese and syrup pastry.
- The Nativity Trail: A walking route following the path of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.
Places to visit
Cities
- Bethlehem: The birthplace of Jesus according to tradition, with the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jericho: An ancient oasis city far below sea level, with Hisham's Palace and the Monastery of Gerasimus nearby.
- Ramallah: The administrative centre of the West Bank, with restaurants that often serve alcohol.
- Hebron: An old town on the UNESCO list, with the Tomb of the Patriarchs; part of the city is a closed military zone, and the UK urges particular caution.
- Nablus: The commercial centre of the north, with an old city and famous kunafa; the UK advises against all but essential travel to this area.
Beyond the cities
- Mar Saba Monastery (site): A monastery outside Bethlehem.
- Sebastia (site): An archaeological park with Roman ruins north of Nablus; the UK advises against all but essential travel to this area.
- Dead Sea (coast): A lake so salty that almost nothing can live in it.
- Judaean Desert (area): A vast desert with hiking trails.
Regions
- West Bank: Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus and the hills of the north.
- Gaza Strip: Closed to visitors; the UK and Canada advise against all travel.
Things to do
See
- Church of the Nativity Bethlehem: Built over the cave where, according to tradition, Jesus was born; a short walk leads to the Shepherds' Field.
- Street art Bethlehem: Four works by Banksy are in the town.
- Hisham's Palace Jericho: Mosaic floors in the remains of a 7th-century royal complex.
- Monastery of Gerasimus Jericho: Home to a cave where, according to tradition, Jesus stayed during his 40-day fast.
Do
- Walking trails: The Nativity Trail to Bethlehem and the Palestinian section of Abraham's Path.
Eat
- Kunafa in Nablus Nablus: The local cheese pastry soaked in syrup; check the travel advice before going.
Drink
- Taybeh beer Taybeh: The Palestinian beer, brewed in the village of Taybeh near Ramallah.
Shop
- Hebron's old town Hebron: Winding alleys and bazaars, with pottery workshops and glass blowers.
Getting around
| International driving permit | Recommended |
|---|
Inside the West Bank, shared taxis (minivans and cars with fixed routes and fixed fares) are the usual way to travel, and private taxis can be hailed anywhere at a negotiated price. The UK, however, advises against using taxis in the West Bank because of the number of accidents, and against buses; it may be quicker to cross a checkpoint on foot and take a taxi on the other side. Cars with yellow plates hired in Jerusalem can be driven in Israel and the West Bank, but check that the insurance covers the West Bank. Avoid driving at night, and take extreme care on Route 60, Route 443 and other main roads used by both Palestinians and Israelis, where incidents have occurred.
Where to stay
- Hostels: Many new, inexpensive hostels in the bigger cities such as Jericho, Nablus and Ramallah.
- Home stays: Stays with Palestinian families, arranged through several organisations.
Comparing online prices and asking for the same rate at the reception can get you a discount.
Eat and drink
Dishes to try
- Falafel and shawarma: The most popular everyday food, with olives and hummus.
- Mansaf: Rice with meat, usually lamb, as in neighbouring Jordan.
- Kunafa: Cheese soaked in sugar syrup and topped with shredded pastry; Nablus is famous for it.
Drinks
- Taybeh beer: The national beer, brewed in the village of Taybeh.
Bread comes with every meal, and food is traditionally scooped up with bread rather than eaten with cutlery. Alcohol is often served in restaurants in cities such as Ramallah, but most residents are Muslims who do not drink, and being drunk in public is seen as rude. During Ramadan do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in daylight.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | At least 90 days after the date you arrive |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Eta | 90 days | Entry is through Israel and follows Israeli rules, including the ETA-IL. |
| Canada | Eta | 90 days | Palestine does not issue its own visas: you enter through Israeli ports with an ETA-IL. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
Palestine does not issue its own visas: the Israeli authorities control entry, so you need the Israeli electronic travel authorisation (ETA-IL) and must pass Israeli border controls. Keep your Israeli entry card with your passport, as checkpoints ask for it. Some travellers have been given entry stamps valid only for the Palestinian Authority areas, and some have been asked at Ben Gurion to sign a form saying they will not enter those areas without advance permission; breaking it can mean deportation and a ban of up to 10 years. Canada notes that Israel now requires permits for many purposes of stay in the West Bank. Rules depend on your passport and origin and can change: check the official link before you book.
British and Canadian nationals of Palestinian origin, or registered in the West Bank or Gaza population registry, face separate and stricter rules and may be refused entry through Ben Gurion. Phones and cameras may be searched at checkpoints and at the airport.
Money and payments
| Currency | Israeli New Shekel (ILS) |
|---|
Palestine uses the new Israeli shekel (ILS, NIS, ₪), divided into 100 agorot. US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist shops in Bethlehem and Jericho. Bargaining is normal in markets but not for shared taxis or museums; compare prices in several places, and choose shops and restaurants yourself rather than following guides or drivers, who often earn a commission.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), polio and the seasonal flu, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B |
|---|---|
| Tap water | Not safe |
Ask a travel health professional about vaccines at least 6 to 8 weeks before you go. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice: outside Israeli settlements running water may be available only a few days a week. Medical treatment is not free and can be expensive, so take full travel insurance. For an ambulance in the West Bank, dial 101.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- United Kingdom: Advises against all travel to parts of the country; Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country (2026-10-20)
Canada advises against all travel to Palestine, except for non-essential travel on Highway 1 and on Route 90 from Highway 1 to the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge. In July 2026 the UK advised against all travel to Gaza and to the Tulkarm, Jenin and Tubas governorates (except Route 90), and against all but essential travel to the rest of the West Bank except East Jerusalem, Bethlehem Governorate, Ramallah municipality, and Jericho and the areas south of it. The UK also advises against all travel to the refugee camps in Jenin and Nablus.
According to Canada, tension and violence in the West Bank remain high: Israeli military operations are frequent in cities including Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Jericho, Ramallah, Bir Zeit, Bethlehem, Tulkarm and Qalqiliya, and clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians often hurt civilians. Expect checkpoints, curfews and road closures. There are no warning sirens or public shelters in the West Bank outside Israeli settlements. Part of Hebron (the H2 area around the Tomb of the Patriarchs) is a closed military zone. Keep away from demonstrations, avoid travelling at night and near settlements, keep your phone charged, and leave any area where tension rises.
Gaza is closed: there are no exit routes for foreign nationals to leave independently, consular help is not available there, and you must not try to reach it by sea. If you are in the West Bank, keep your passport with you at all times, as both Israeli and Palestinian security services may ask for it.
Customs and etiquette
Palestinian society is conservative and hospitable. Women should dress conservatively and men should avoid shorts. At mosques take off your shoes, and women should cover their heads. In shared taxis, men and women usually avoid sitting next to strangers of the other sex. Most Palestinians are religiously tolerant, and Christians and Muslims often have friends in each other's community. Avoid wearing or displaying symbols linked to the conflict.
Same-sex relations are legal in the West Bank but illegal in Gaza, and largely taboo in society. Do not photograph soldiers, checkpoints or military sites: phones and cameras are often inspected at Israeli checkpoints, and images can be deleted or lead to arrest. Be careful about political opinions on social media too, as Canada warns they can lead to detention or loss of permits.
Language
| Official languages | Arabic |
|---|
| Hello | مرحبا marḥaban |
|---|---|
| Peace be with you (formal greeting) | السلام عليكم as-salaamu alaikum |
| Please | من فضلك min faḍlak (to a man), min faḍlik (to a woman) |
| Thank you | شكرا shukran |
| Excuse me | لو سمحت law samaḥta (to a man), law samaḥti (to a woman) |
| Goodbye | مع السلامة ma'a as-salaamah |
| Do you speak English? | هل تتكلم الانجليزية؟ hal tatakallam al-ingliziyyah? |
| How much is this? | بكم هذا؟ bikam hatha? |
What to pack
- Passport valid at least 90 days, and the Israeli entry card: Needed at every checkpoint; carry a copy of the passport as well.
- Cash in shekels or US dollars: Dollars are accepted in many tourist shops.
- Modest clothes and a headscarf for women: For mosques, churches and conservative towns.
- Bottled water: Tap water is not safe to drink.
- A charged phone and power bank: Canada advises keeping your phone charged in case the situation changes.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | East Jerusalem / Ramallah |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,413,596 (2025) |
| Area | 6,025 km² |
| Time zone | Asia/Gaza (UTC+2), Asia/Hebron (UTC+2) |
| Calling code | +970 |
| Driving side | right |
Emergency numbers
| Police | 100 |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 101 |
| Fire | 102 |
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to travel to Palestine now?
In 2026 Canada advises against all travel to Palestine; the UK advises against all travel to Gaza and to the north of the West Bank, and against all but essential travel to most of the rest. Read the Safety section and the official links.
Do I need a visa for Palestine?
Palestine does not issue its own visas. You enter through Israel and follow Israeli rules, including the ETA-IL.
Can I visit Gaza?
No. The crossings are closed to visitors, and the UK and Canada advise against all travel to Gaza.
What currency is used in Palestine?
The Israeli shekel; US dollars are widely accepted in tourist shops.
Is the tap water safe in Palestine?
No. Drink bottled water and avoid ice.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 16 sources
- Wikivoyage: Palestinian territories · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Getting around, Where to stay, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Language, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Palestine warnings and insurance · Overview, Places to visit, Safety, Frequently asked questions
- Government of Canada: Israel and Palestine travel advice (updated 29 July 2026) · Overview, Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Frequently asked questions
- Wikivoyage: Judaean Desert · Places to visit
- UK FCDO: Palestine entry requirements · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Palestine regional risks · Getting around, Safety
- Wikidata · Money and payments, Country facts
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- UK FCDO: Palestine health · Health
- UK FCDO: Palestine travel advice · Safety
- UK FCDO: Palestine safety and security · Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack
- Wikivoyage: Arabic phrasebook · Language
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
- UK FCDO: Palestine getting help · Emergency numbers
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