Palestine

The State of Palestine encompasses the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip, two non-contiguous territories in the Levant carrying some of the deepest historical and religious significance on earth. For travellers, the draw is extraordinary: Bethlehem, traditional birthplace of Jesus; Hebron, with the Tomb of the Patriarchs sacred to Jews and Muslims; Jericho, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world; and the Old City sites of East Jerusalem. Palestinian hospitality, cuisine (maqluba, musakhan, knafeh) and living craft traditions add depth well beyond the holy sites.

Visiting Palestine is unlike ordinary travel: it is shaped by occupation, checkpoints, permit regimes and an ongoing, fast-changing security and humanitarian situation. Most independent leisure travel reaches the West Bank, typically as day trips or short stays alongside a visit to Israel. The Gaza Strip is not accessible to ordinary tourists and is the focus of a severe humanitarian crisis.

This guide suits travellers with a strong interest in history, faith and the contemporary realities of the region — and who are prepared to plan carefully, stay flexible, and rely on current official advisories rather than this or any guide for safety and access decisions.

Palestine comprises two separated areas. The West Bank is a hilly, landlocked highland west of the Jordan River, ranging from the cool central ridge (Ramallah, Jerusalem, Hebron, around 700–900 m elevation) down to the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea shore — the lowest land point on Earth — which is hot, arid and well below sea level. The Gaza Strip is a narrow, densely populated coastal plain on the Mediterranean.

The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers (June–September) and mild, wet winters (November–March), with most rain falling in the highlands. The central highlands can be cold and occasionally see snow in winter; the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea are markedly hotter year-round and can be extreme in summer. Spring (March–April) brings wildflowers to the hills.

• Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons across the highlands — mild temperatures ideal for walking the Old Cities, Bethlehem and Hebron.
• Summer (June–August) is hot, and the Jordan Valley/Dead Sea area becomes very hot; highland evenings stay pleasant.
• Winter (December–February) is cool and wet in the hills (occasional snow), but Christmas in Bethlehem is a major draw for pilgrims.
• Festivals & observances: Christmas (Western, then Orthodox/Armenian dates) in Bethlehem; Ramadan and the two Eids (lunar dates shift annually) reshape opening hours and the daytime atmosphere; Easter/Holy Week draws pilgrims to the region.

There is no independent international entry stamp or visa issued for "Palestine" for ordinary tourists in the way most countries operate. In practice, access to the West Bank is controlled via Israel (entry through Israeli-controlled airports/borders, then onward by road), and to a lesser extent overland from Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing into the West Bank. Whether you can enter, where you can go, and which checkpoints are open depends on Israeli authorities and the security situation.

• West Bank: Reached overland from Israel or, via the Allenby Bridge, from Jordan. Entry is subject to Israeli immigration control and to checkpoints; some areas require permits or are closed to visitors.
• Gaza Strip: Not accessible to tourists. Entry is tightly restricted and, under current conditions, effectively closed to ordinary travellers.

This is general orientation only and does not constitute entry advice. Rules vary enormously by nationality, by entry point, and with the security situation.

The most widely used currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS / ₪); the Jordanian dinar (JOD) is also accepted in parts of the West Bank, and US dollars are useful for some transactions and tipping. There is no separate circulating Palestinian currency.

Rough daily budgets per person in the West Bank (where independent travel is feasible), excluding international flights:

• Budget: ~120–200 ILS (~35–55 USD) — guesthouses/hostels, local eateries, shared/public transport.
• Mid-range: ~250–450 ILS (~70–125 USD) — mid hotels, restaurants, taxis, paid sites/guides.
• Higher-end: 500+ ILS (135+ USD) — better hotels and private guiding/transport (luxury options are limited).

ATMs and card acceptance exist in main towns (Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron), but carry cash for smaller shops, markets, shared taxis and rural areas. Tipping of around 10% is appreciated in restaurants; round up taxi fares; tip guides and drivers for tours.

Palestine has no functioning international airport for tourists (Gaza's former airport is non-operational, and there is no operating West Bank airport). Access is via neighbouring entry points:

• Via Israel: Most travellers arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv, then travel overland into the West Bank.
• Via Jordan: The Allenby / King Hussein Bridge crossing links Jordan directly to the West Bank (near Jericho); other Jordan–Israel crossings feed into Israel.
• Gaza: Land crossings (such as Erez with Israel and Rafah with Egypt) are not open to ordinary tourists and are subject to closure.
• Sea/cruise: No tourist sea or cruise entry.

Crossing status, opening hours and whether a given route is usable change with the security situation.

Within the West Bank, travel is by road:

• Shared taxis (servees / yellow vans) and buses connect the main cities (Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin) cheaply; they are the backbone of local transport.
• Private taxis are widely available; agree the fare in advance, as many are unmetered.
• Rideshare apps have limited and changeable coverage; do not rely on them.
• No passenger rail or domestic flights operate.
• Checkpoints are a defining feature of movement: journeys can be delayed or rerouted, and some roads are restricted. Build in extra time, carry your passport, and follow local guidance.
• Common pitfalls: unmetered-taxi overcharging is the main everyday issue — confirm prices first. More importantly, plan routes around checkpoint conditions and closures rather than fixed schedules.

Palestinian society is predominantly Muslim with a significant Christian minority, and is warmly hospitable but conservative.

• Greetings: "As-salamu alaykum" is standard; handshakes are common between men, while many women may prefer not to shake hands — let them initiate.
• Dress: Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. At mosques, women cover hair, arms and legs and all remove shoes; at churches and the major religious sites, modest dress is also expected. Hebron and more conservative towns warrant extra modesty.
• Hospitality: Accepting coffee, tea or food when offered is an important courtesy; refusing outright can seem impolite.
• Photography: Ask before photographing people, especially women; avoid photographing checkpoints, military personnel and security installations.
• Ramadan: Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.
• Sensitivities: Political and religious topics are deeply felt and complex — listen more than you assert, and be respectful and discreet. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

The safety situation in Palestine is serious, complex and rapidly changing, and differs sharply between areas.

• Gaza Strip: Subject to an ongoing severe armed conflict and humanitarian crisis. It is not a travel destination; do not attempt to enter.
• West Bank: Conditions vary by location and time. There can be clashes, military operations, settler-related incidents, checkpoint closures and sudden flare-ups; some areas and roads are restricted or dangerous. Many governments advise heightened caution or against travel to parts or all of the West Bank.
• Practical cautions: Avoid demonstrations and confrontations; carry your passport; follow the instructions of authorities; stay informed via local contacts and official advisories; keep flexible plans.
• Health: No unusual vaccination requirements beyond routine immunisations for most travellers, but consult a travel clinic. Tap water quality varies — many travellers use bottled water. Medical and emergency services, and access to them, can be constrained, particularly during periods of conflict or closure.

• East Jerusalem & the Old City area — sites of profound religious significance to Judaism, Christianity and Islam (access governed by Israeli control).
• Bethlehem & surroundings — the Christmas heartland, with the Church of the Nativity and the nearby Herodion and Solomon's Pools.
• Hebron (Al-Khalil) — the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a historic old city and souq, and Palestine's glass and ceramic crafts.
• Ramallah & central highlands — the cultural and administrative hub of the West Bank, with cafés, galleries and nightlife by local standards.
• Nablus & the northern West Bank — an old city famed for soap-making and knafeh, set among the hills of Samaria.
• Jericho & the Jordan Valley — one of the world's oldest cities, ancient ruins, and the descent toward the Dead Sea.
• Gaza Strip (not accessible to tourists) — a Mediterranean coastal area currently in crisis and closed to ordinary visitors.

• Bethlehem — the Church of the Nativity (UNESCO-listed) and the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
• Hebron — the Ibrahimi Mosque / Tomb of the Patriarchs and a layered, historic old city.
• Jericho — ancient Tell es-Sultan, Hisham's Palace mosaics, and the Mount of Temptation by cable car.
• Nablus — a vibrant old city, traditional Nabulsi soap factories and the famous knafeh.
• Ramallah — the lively contemporary hub, with the Yasser Arafat Museum and a thriving café and arts scene.
• Sebastia — Roman and ancient ruins on a hilltop near Nablus.
• Battir — UNESCO-listed terraced agricultural landscape and Roman-era irrigation, ideal for walks.
• Mar Saba Monastery — a dramatic ancient Greek Orthodox monastery clinging to the Kidron Valley cliffs.
• The Dead Sea (West Bank shore) — float in the hypersaline waters at the lowest point on Earth.
• Taybeh — a Christian village known for the Taybeh brewery and Holy Land craft beer.
• Jenin — northern city with the Freedom Theatre and surrounding hill country.
• East Jerusalem Old City sites — among the most sacred places in the world (subject to access controls).