travel to palestine from canada

Canada announces visas for Gazans with relatives in Canada

The new regulations will increase the number of palestinians and israelis eligible to seek residence in canada..

In light of the untenable humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, today I announced that temporary visas will be available for the extended families of Canadians or Permanent Residents, so that they may be reunited and find safety with their families in Canada. #cdnpoli — Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ (@MarcMillerVM) December 21, 2023

Canada opens doors to eligible Palestinians

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Travel Advisory July 31, 2024

See individual summaries.

Updated to reflect U.S. government restrictions on travel to Northern Israel, and information for U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents and qualifying immediate family members seeking assistance in Gaza.

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict
• Northern Israel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to the rising tensions between Hizballah and Israel  

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest
• West Bank due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.

Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Check the most recent Alerts at the  Embassy  website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas. 
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
• Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the  Home Front Command Red Alert application  for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks.
• Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/ Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict .

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been closed since May 7 and it is unknown when it will re-open.   There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.  

If a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or qualified immediate family member desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at [email protected] with a copy of the individual’s travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship.

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .

• If you decide to travel to Gaza:
• Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
• Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
• If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time – if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy.
• If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for  How to Prepare for a Crisis  for information that may be helpful.

Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for specific advice on travel within 2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders)

Reconsider travel due to  terrorism and civil unrest .

The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

• U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:
• Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon; and
• Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Northern Israel (within 2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Any U.S. government travel to this area is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.

Due to the ongoing active hostilities between Israel and Hizballah, the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Cross-border rocket, missile, and drone strikes continue to impact this area daily and have resulted in casualties. The Israeli authorities already restrict travel to these areas.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

• U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
• U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted personal daylight travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.   Given continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank, the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members is through Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted daylight travel to: Inn of the Good Samaritan, An-Nabi Musa, Wadi Qelt Nature Preserve, and St. George’s Monastery along Route 1; and Qumran, Kalia Beach, St. Gerasimos/Khogla Monastery, Al Auju, and Qasr al-Yaud baptismal site along Route 90. 

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

No minimum requirement, but your authorized stay will not exceed the validity remaining on your passport and airlines may deny boarding if a traveler has fewer than six months validity on his or her passport.

1 page (although passports are normally not stamped upon entry).

Not required for stays of 90 days or fewer until January 1, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, visa or Electronic Travel Authorization .(ETA-IL) will be required. Please see below for detailed information about entry, exit and visa requirements.

You must declare if you are carrying 50,000 shekels or more (or the equivalent) when entering or exiting Israel by air and 12,000 shekels (or the equivalent) if entering or exiting by land.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem   14 David Flusser Street   Jerusalem 93392   Telephone:  + (972) (2) 630-4000  Emergency After-Hours Telephone : + (972) (2) 622-7230  Email:   [email protected]

Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem for information and assistance in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza (including the Erez Crossing), and the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank.

U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs 18 Agron Road Jerusalem 9419003 Telephone: + (972) (2) 630-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone : + (972) (2) 622-7230 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Branch Office Tel Aviv 71 HaYarkon Street   Tel Aviv Israel 63903   Telephone:  + (972) (3) 519-7575  Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  + (972) (3) 519-7551  Email:   [email protected]

Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv for information and assistance in Israel outside of Jerusalem, and the northern (Sheikh Hussein) and southern (Yitzhak Rabin) border crossings connecting Israel and Jordan, and the border crossings between Israel and Egypt.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Israel for information on U.S.-Israel relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Israel administers immigration and security controls at its international land crossings with Jordan (into both the West Bank and Israel), Egypt (at the Taba crossing near Eilat), and at Israel’s airports and seaports. A separate network of security checkpoints and crossings operated by Israeli authorities regulates the movement of people and goods between Israel and the West Bank, and between Israel and Gaza.

The U.S. government seeks equal treatment and freedom of travel for all U.S. citizens regardless of national origin, religion, or ethnicity . All persons seeking to enter or depart Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza are subject to  immigration and security screening , possibly including prolonged questioning and physical searches, and  may be denied entry or exit  consistent with the uniform application of Israeli law. Persons who are denied entry have the right to an immigration court hearing to contest the denial, but they will be detained for the duration of the proceedings. Specific questions about your individual circumstances should be directed to your closest Israeli Embassy or Consulate.

When traveling into Israel,  please make sure you have proper  travel  documentation before arrival in Israel. 

1. Do I need a visa to enter Israel if I normally live in the United States?

Until January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens may use their U.S. passport to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days without a visa, including U.S. citizens transiting Israel to and from the West Bank.

Starting January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a visa to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days; an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) application will cost 25 shekels.Until January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens can submit an ETA-IL application for no fee during this voluntary, pilot phase.

For more information, please contact your nearest Israeli Embassy or consulate and consult this Israeli government webpage: Reciprocal Privileges for U.S. Citizens at Border Control .

2. Do I need a visa to enter the West Bank if I am visiting the West Bank and normally live in the United States?

Until January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens who are not West Bank residents can use their U.S. passport to enter the West Bank for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. For more information, visit this Israeli government webpage: Entry of Palestinian-American Tourists into Israel.

Starting January 1, 2025,  U.S. citizens must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a visa to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days; an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) application will cost 25 shekels. Until January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens can submit an ETA-IL application for no fee during this voluntary, pilot phase.

U.S. citizens who are not Palestinian Authority (PA) ID/passport holders and who wish to study, teach, research, work, or volunteer in the West Bank should consult the Israeli government’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT)  regulations  on entry into the West Bank. U.S. citizens who are engaged or married to West Bank residents and wish to remain in the West Bank should also consult these regulations. Questions regarding these regulations can be directed to COGAT by email at  [email protected]  or by phone at +972-3-697-7577.

3. Do I need a visa to enter Israel if I normally live in the West Bank?

U.S. citizens who are also residents of the West Bank can either apply for a permit to enter Israel from the Government of Israel’s COGAT or apply for a visa to enter Israel at Allenby Bridge in order to transit through the West Bank to Israel for up to 90 days. For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage:  Entry-Exit Information: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.   U.S. citizens with a Palestinian Authority (PA) ID residing in the West Bank can submit an  Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL)  but must also continue to request a B2 permit through the Al-Munassiq app. By the end of 2024, the Israeli government has committed to implement a system that will allow U.S. citizens with a PA ID residing in the West Bank who receive an approved ETA-IL to use it to receive a B2 permit at one of the designated pedestrian crossings.

4. Do I need a visa to enter Gaza through Israel if I normally live in the United States?

Please see the  Travel Advisory  before traveling to Gaza. Gaza is Level 4 – Do Not Travel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. We remind all U.S. citizens seeking to travel to Gaza that the U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gaza. Given the ongoing armed  conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, U.S. citizens cannot enter Gaza from Israel.

5. Can U.S. citizens registered as residents of Gaza enter or transit Israel?

U.S. citizens who are also listed on the Palestinian Population registry for Gaza may use their U.S. passport to apply for entry into Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days without a visa, including transiting Israel to and from the West Bank (but not to transit to Gaza). 

For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage:  Entry of Palestinian-American Tourists into Israel . 

Starting January 1, 2025, U.S. citizen must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a visa to enter Israel , for business or tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days; an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) application will cost 25 shekels. Until January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens can submit an ETA-IL application for no fee during a voluntary, pilot phase.

6. What if I am denied entry?

U.S. citizens should immediately report any denial of entry or harassment or discriminatory treatment by border officials to the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv.

• U.S. citizens can use the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and Branch Office Tel Aviv  online reporting form .
• U.S. citizens can call the Embassy at the phone numbers on our website (denials of entry only):  U.S. Citizen Services - U.S. Embassy in Israel (usembassy.gov)

Please note that the decision to admit or deny a traveler admission to Israel is entirely made by the State of Israel. The U.S. Embassy does not control this process and cannot intervene on an individual’s behalf. However, U.S. citizens who are denied entry into Israel or the West Bank should receive a written explanation from Israeli authorities.

The Israeli Ministry of Interior has continued to deny entry into Israel and the West Bank to some foreign nationals (including U.S. citizens) affiliated with certain political and non-governmental organizations that the Government of Israel views as anti-Israel. Participation in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS)-related activities is one of the considerations Israeli authorities consider when deciding whether to refuse entry to individuals into Israel and the West Bank.

In addition to contacting the U.S. Embassy, if you were the subject of mistreatment or harassment by Israeli authorities upon entry to or exit from Israel, you may also email  [email protected]  to file a complaint with the Israeli authorities. If the mistreatment or harassment occurred at a check point to the West Bank you may email  [email protected]  to file a complaint.

7. What if I’m an Israeli citizen?

Individuals with Israeli citizenship, regardless of other nationality, including U.S. citizenship, must enter and depart Israel using their Israeli passports in accordance with Israeli law. Due to a passport backlog, Israeli citizens are temporarily allowed to enter and depart Israel on non-Israeli passports until December 31, 2024. U.S.-Israeli citizens do not need to submit an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) application and should depart the United States on their U.S. passport and enter Israel on their Israeli passport as long as they have checked in to their flight with the Israeli passport.

Israeli citizens are prohibited from using the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing. They are also prohibited from entering Gaza and are generally prohibited from traveling to parts of the West Bank under PA control (Area A), to include Bethlehem and Jericho.

Further information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction,  and  customs regulations  can be found on our website at travel.state.gov.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Tourism infrastructure
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Please view the current  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza  for detailed information regarding the terrorism threat in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Please view the current  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza  for detailed information regarding the terrorism threat in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

Mortar and Rocket Fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion :  In the event of mortar or rocket fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion , a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see  the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website  (available on devices within Israel) or view the  Preparedness Information.  U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on  Android  or  Apple  devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.

Crime:  The crime rate is moderate in Israel and the West Bank. Parked vehicle break-ins are common at public beach areas, national parks, and other tourist sites. Vehicle theft also remains a problem. U.S. citizens should not leave their valuables (including passports) unattended in parked vehicles, on the beach, or unsecured in hotels. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings in tourist areas and watch for crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets.  The crime rate in Gaza is now unknown given the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas.

For additional information, read the most recent Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)  Crime and Safety Report for Israel .

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad : Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices include making sure all software (operating system and apps) are updated prior to traveling abroad and using virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible while abroad. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to

unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS navigation applications (apps) can help you get around in a foreign country. Prior to using a GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. A GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without accounting for the safety of that route.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Israel and the West Bank is 100 for police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire department.

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv for assistance. You can reach U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv at the contact information provided above. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States

Provide information on possible Government of Israel assistance to victims of crime:

• Israel National Police
• Ministry of Justice 
• Ministry of National Security
• Provide information on Government of Israel assistance to victims of terrorist acts (contact the  National Insurance Institute  for more information)
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local police and/or the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (#118 from a local cell phone or via text at +972-50-227-0018) but may also contact U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv to report it.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is generally regulated in Israel and the West Bank. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and trained staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to the local laws of the locations you visit or reside in. Foreign laws and legal systems can be significantly different from those of the United States. If you violate Israeli or Palestinian Authority (PA) laws, even unknowingly, being a U.S. citizen will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. The Israeli government will treat dual U.S-Israeli citizens as Israeli citizens, and the Palestinian Authority will treat dual U.S.-PA passport holders as PA "citizens”– regardless of whether they entered Israel or PA-administered area on a U.S. passport.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Israel and PA-administered areas are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Individuals expressing views, including on social media, which the Government of Israel considers incitement to violence or hate speech may face criminal penalties, even if the the substance and manner in which those views are expressed would be lawful in the United States. PA security officials have also arrested Palestinians who posted criticism of the PA and PA leadership online. In Gaza, individuals publicly criticizing authorities risk reprisal by Hamas, including arrest, interrogation, seizure of property, and harassment.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrests and Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Branch Office Tel Aviv immediately. See our  website on arrest or detention of a U.S. citizen abroad  for further information. While the U.S. Embassy may not recommend a particular foreign attorney, the embassy website has the  names of several attorneys  who have identified themselves as willing to assist U.S. citizen clients. Please note that inclusion on this list in no way represents an endorsement of services by the Department or the U.S. government. 

Arrests and Arrest Notification by Israel: 

• The Government of Israel is required by a bilateral treaty and customary international law to promptly notify the U.S. Embassy when a U.S. citizen is arrested in Israel to inform them that if the citizen is a U.S. citizen and requests that the U.S. Embassy be notified and makes such a request. In case of arrest or detention, U.S. citizens should promptly identify themselves as such to the arresting authorities and request that the authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. There are credible reports that U.S. citizens have been mistreated by Israeli security forces during their arrest and interrogation.
• Some youths over the age of 12 have been tried as adults; youths over the age of 14 can be imprisoned. 
• Arrestees have also reported pressure to sign documents in Hebrew that they do not understand.
• U.S. citizens arrested in Israel for criminal or security offenses are entitled to legal representation provided by the Government of Israel. U.S. citizens arrested by Israeli authorities for security offenses may be prevented from communicating with lawyers, family members, or consular officers for lengthy periods. Even after notification, consular access to the arrested individual may be delayed for days to several weeks. Under Israeli law, individuals detained for security offenses may be held for up to six months without charges.

Arrests and Arrest Notification by the Palestinian Authority (PA):

• In case of arrest or detention, U.S. citizens should promptly identify themselves as such to the arresting authorities and should request that the U.S. Embassy be notified immediately. Individuals arrested by PA security forces in the West Bank for security offenses may be prohibited from communicating with lawyers, family members, or consular officers for lengthy periods. In addition, they may be held in custody for long periods without formal charges or before being brought before a judge for an arrest extension. The PA often does not notify the U.S. Embassy of such arrests, and consular access to arrestees is often delayed. There are credible reports that arrested individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been mistreated by PA security forces during their arrest and interrogation.

Gaza:  Since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007, they have dominated security matters in Gaza, but this control has been degraded by Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas. The U.S. government is severely limited in what it can do to assist those detained in Gaza. In case of arrest or detention by Israeli security forces in Gaza, U.S. citizens should promptly identify themselves as such to the arresting authorities and should request that the U.S. Embassy be notified immediately.

Israeli Court Jurisdiction:  Military, civil and religious courts in Israel actively exercise their authority to bar certain individuals, including nonresidents, from leaving the country until debts or other legal claims and matters against them are resolved. Israel's religious courts exercise jurisdiction over all citizens and residents of Israel in cases of marriage, divorce, child custody, and child support. U.S. citizens, including those without Israeli citizenship, may be subject to involuntary and prolonged stays (and even imprisonment) in Israel if a case is filed against them in a religious court, even if their marriage took place in the United States, and regardless of whether their spouse is present in Israel. The U.S. Embassy is unable to cancel the debt of a U.S. citizen or guarantee their departure from Israel when they face a bar from leaving the country until debts are resolved.    Purchases of Property:  U.S. citizens should always seek legal advice before buying or leasing property in the West Bank and Gaza. Please see the most recent  Investment Climate Statement for the West Bank and Gaza  for additional information on property rights.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods also may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.   See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

International Volunteers:

LGBTQI+ Rights:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) events in Israel. Israeli anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQI+ individuals. Acceptance and tolerance of LGBQTI+ people vary throughout the country and from neighborhood to neighborhood. As of August 2014, the Law of Return allows that same-sex spouses of Jews immigrating to Israel – known as “making Aliyah” – are eligible to make Aliyah with their spouses and receive Israeli citizenship.    The legal systems in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are based on the 1960 Jordanian penal code which prohibits consensual same-sex sexual activity. However, the PA has not prosecuted individuals suspected of such activity. Societal discrimination, including from families, based on cultural and religious traditions is commonplace, making the West Bank and Gaza challenging environments for LGBTQI+ persons. PA security officers have harassed, abused, and sometimes arrested LGBTQI+ individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. NGOs have reported that Hamas also harassed and detained persons in Gaza due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.    LGBTQI+ travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when entering religious or socially conservative areas.

Israel’s  Aguda  organization provides useful information on LGBTQI+ issues in Israel.    See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page  and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues:  Individuals with mobility issues may find accessibility and accommodation in Israel very different from in the United States. Legislation mandates access to buildings and transportation, as well as accommodations for persons with disabilities in services and the workplace. However, the government enforces the laws with only limited success. Societal discrimination and lack of accessibility persist in employment and housing. The law mandates accessibility to urban public transportation but not to intercity buses. Most train stations maintain access for persons with disabilities; however, many buses still do not have such access. Television stations include subtitles or sign language, and the courts accommodate testimony from persons with intellectual disabilities or mental illness. Tourists will find restaurants, foot paths, and public transportation less accessible than in the United States.

PA law prohibits discrimination based on disability. The Palestinian Disability Law was ratified in 1999, but implementation has been slow. It does not mandate access to buildings, information, or communications. Palestinians with disabilities continue to receive uneven and poor-quality services and care. Familial and societal discrimination against persons with disabilities exists in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Israel, dial 101 for ambulances, and 100 for police.

Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Some hospitals in Israel, most hospitals in the West Bank, and all hospitals in Gaza, however, fall below Western standards. Travelers can find information in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the  Jerusalem Post  and the English-language edition of the  Ha'aretz  newspaper, or refer to the  U.S. Embassy’s medical information list .

Ambulance services are widely available in Israel. Ambulance services in the West Bank are available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. The U.S. government does not have knowledge of the standards of ambulance services in Gaza, but their capabilities have been degraded by the ongoing armed conflict between Hamas and Israel. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) operates in the West Bank and Gaza.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s entire Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Israel.Traveler Advice for Israel.

• Select your destination in the Travelers’ Health webpage . Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.

Review the Traveler Advice webpage that provides advice on medical considerations including:

• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• and General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage for places you are traveling overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage on insurance coverage overseas  for more information. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  (see our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Israel  Ministry of Health  to ensure the medication is legal in Israel.

Be up to date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to :

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list  of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout Israel but health care in the West Bank may be below U.S. standards. Health care in Gaza has been severely degraded by the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Hamas and what is available is far below U.S. standards.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication in Israel. Pharmaceuticals, both those available over the counter and those requiring a prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with few restrictions or controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication may only be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Israel to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Surrogacy is subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Israel Ministry of Health  website  for information on surrogacy.

Water Quality

• Tap water in Israel is potable. In many areas of the West Bank and most areas of Gaza, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

• Israel:   Israeli roads and highways tend to be crowded, especially in urban areas. The Government of Israel requires that all occupants of passenger cars always wear seat belts. Passenger cars must use headlights during all intercity travel, both day and night, and during winter. All drivers are required to carry fluorescent vests and safety triangles in the car with them at all times, and they are required to wear the vests whenever they get out of their cars to make repairs or change tires. If a vehicle is stopped for a traffic violation and it does not contain a fluorescent vest, the driver will be fined. These vests can be purchased for a nominal price in all local gas stations. While mobile phone use is prohibited while driving, hands-free units are authorized. The acceptable limit for blood alcohol content is lower in Israel than in the United States.
• West Bank and Gaza:  Crowded roads are common in the West Bank. During periods of heightened tension in the West Bank, protestors have targeted cars and buses with stone throwing, improvised incendiary devices, small arms fire, barricades, and burning tires. Emergency services may be delayed by the need for Palestinian authorities to coordinate with Israeli officials. Seat belt use is required, and drivers may not drink alcohol. Individuals involved in accidents resulting in death or injury may be detained by police pending an investigation. The roads in Gaza have been severely degraded in areas where armed conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken place.

Traffic Laws:  Aggressive driving is commonplace, and many drivers fail to maintain safe following distances or signal before changing lanes or making turns. Overtaking at high-speed on undivided two-lane roads is common and may result in accidents. Drivers are also prone to stop suddenly on roads without warning, especially in the right lane. Drivers should use caution, as Israel has a high rate of fatalities from automobile accidents.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. We suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national  tourist  office and Israel's  Ministry of Transport and Road Safety  for additional information on road safety.    Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Israel’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page ..

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, israel, the west bank and gaza map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Local services.

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 100
• medical assistance: 101
• firefighters: 102

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah or the Embassy of Canada to Israel, in Tel Aviv, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Useful links

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

The Occupied Palestinian Territories

Warnings and insurance.

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.

Areas near Gaza

FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:

• south-west of Ashkelon
• south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
• west of Be’er Sheva
• north of route 211

The West Bank

FCDO advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Northern Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• north of Acre, north of Route 85 to the northern tip of the sea of Galilee and north of Route 87 in the Golan Heights.
• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
• Beit Hillel
• Even Menachem
• Granot Ha’Galil
• Ramot Naftali
• She’ar Yeshuv

The rest of Israel and the OPTs

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and the OPTs .

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in Israel and the OPTs

On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.

There is also increased military activity by the Israeli Defence Forces around Gaza, within the West Bank and on Israel’s northern border.

There are continued exchanges of rocket, drone and small arms fire over Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the OPTs , including the West Bank. On 25 August, Lebanese Hizballah launched multiple rocket and drone attacks against several sites in northern Israel. On 27 July, a strike on the town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights killed at least 12 civilians.

We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning, and could result in instructions to shelter in place. This could disrupt air and road links out of the country. We strongly encourage you to check you and your dependents have the required documentation to travel at short notice. If your reason to remain in Israel and the  OPTs  is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

If you are in an area affected by the fighting, follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:

• visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only)
• call 104 if you are in Israel

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.

Before travelling within Israel or  the OPTs , check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad .

Travel within or out of Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.

Travelling to Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing has been closed to all civilians due to Israeli military operations in the area since 6 May. When re-opened, it is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible. There are currently no exit routes available for foreign nationals to depart Gaza as a result of the military operations, but we are working with the Israeli, Egyptian and Jordanian authorities to explore alternatives.

If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza:

• you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK; and
• you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months

Contact FCDO by calling:

• +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)
• +972 (0)3 725 1222
• +972 (0)2 541 4100

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk, and dependent on the permission of the Egyptian and Israeli authorities. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the Egypt travel advice .

Help and support in Israel and the OPTs

Contact your travel provider and insurer.

Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Help from FCDO in Israel and the OPTs

Consular support is severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

If you need consular assistance call:

Help from other organisations 

Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit .

Concern for friends and family

If you are in the UK and concerned about a friend or family member who is in Israel or the OPTs call FCDO on 020 7008 5000. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Travel to Palestine (West Bank) – 2-week itinerary + Tips

By Joan Torres 39 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

From green rolling hills to a Mediterranean culture and cuisine, the hospitality of the Arabs, first-class souks, historical cities that are thousands of years old and one of the most interesting political scenes in our modern history, visiting Palestine, especially a tiny region called the West Bank, will definitely surprise you.

Whether you are interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a lover of Biblical and Christian sites or just a backpacker seeking adventure, Palestine is a country adaptable to any kind of traveler.

This guide contains everything you need to know to travel to Palestine , including a comprehensive 2-week itinerary as well as plenty of travel tips. 

In this Palestine travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Safety in Palestine
• Books I recommend
• The people and religion
• Detailed costs
• Day 1-3 – Jerusalem
• Day 3-5 – Bethlehem
• Day 5-7 – Hebron
• Day 7-9 – Ramallah
• Day 9-11 – Nablus
• Day 11-14 – Jericho
• Jenin – 2 extra days
• Zababdeh – 2 extra days
• Qalqilya – 1 extra day
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Israel and Palestine

IATI Insurance is the most versatile insurance for any destination, including Israel and Palestine.

💡 Traveling to Palestine – Quick travel tips

Wait, West Bank or Gaza? –  You probably know this already but Palestinian territories are divided into two regions: the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, both separated by the state of Israel. You can’t enter Gaza unless you are a journalist or an NGO worker.

This article is for those traveling to the West Bank.

If you wish to travel to Gaza , read our travel guide there.

How to travel to Palestine – There are no international airports in Palestine, so you can only enter overland through Israel. The Palestinian border is controlled by the Israeli authorities.

Read more: Israel – Jordan border crossing .

Visa for visiting the West Bank – A Palestinian visa doesn’t exist. If you are in possession of an Israeli visa, you can visit the West Bank. Most nationalities, especially EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can get a  free visa  on arrival. For more information, check out this link to see if your visa situation.

Israeli stamps? –  The Israeli authorities don’t stamp passports anymore. Instead, they give you a slip containing all your personal information, which you need to keep with you if want to travel to the West Bank. This is quite a controversial topic. You can find all your answers here:  Avoid Israeli stamps – FAQ .

Currency –  In Palestine, the currency used is the Israeli Shekel.  1USD = 3.60ISL . Exchange offices are available throughout the country.

Language –  Arabic is the official language. A large proportion of the Palestinian population is well-educated and many speak good English. Taxi drivers and shopkeepers speak very basic English.

When to visit Palestine – The West Bank is a year-round destination, with slightly cold winters and moderately hot summers. Some desert parts, though, like Jericho, can get extremely hot in summer. I would say that either spring or autumn would be the best time to travel to Palestine.

Transportation –  Since both the Israeli authorities and settlers need to drive throughout the region, roads are in a very good condition. The West Bank also has an efficient public transport system, connecting all cities and towns.

Typically, you have two options: big buses, which are cheaper but slower and less frequent; or  serveece , which are brand new yellow mini-vans that are slightly more expensive but faster and way more frequent. Within cities, towns and between small villages, shared taxis are also very common.

Hitchhiking –  While backpacking in Palestine, I hitchhiked five or six times and I never had to wait for more than ten minutes and, even in smaller areas and towns, some cars were stopping voluntarily, asking me if I needed a ride to somewhere. Very rarely, they will ask you for money. It only happened to me once.

Internet / SIM Card –  High-speedWi-Fi is available throughout the country. You can buy either a Palestinian or an Israeli SIM card. Palestinian SIM cards are cheap but only have 2G not 3G, so if you want good internet data you must buy an Israeli one, which can only be bought in Israel or in border cities like Kalandia, close to Ramallah. A brand new SIM with one month’s worth of data and calls costs around 90ISL (25USD).

Read: A guide for traveling to Syria (How to get a visa + tips)

⚠️ Is it safe to visit the West Bank and Palestine?

You may also be interested in which countries in the Middle East are safe to visit

For the past few years, whatever you have heard on the news in relation to the war with Israel, has happened in the Gaza Strip, which is an isolated, hermetic and inaccessible piece of territory.

The West Bank is a totally different place that has lived in peace (despite a few clashes) for almost twenty years, since the  Second Intifada .

🚑 Travel Insurance for Palestine

Get IATI Travel Insurance :

• Covers full travel in Palestine
• Good budget backpacking plans
• It covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount .

📚 Recommended books for traveling to the West Bank and Palestine 

Palestine travel guide by Bradt – The only exclusive book guide to Palestine. Bradt is one of my favorite traveling brands as they give so many tips for the independent traveler and plenty of local insights.

Israel & West Bank travel guide by Lonely Planet – You can also buy the combo from LP, although it is not very comprehensive for the Palestinian Territories.

Walking Palestine – If you are a trekking lover, this is the best book for trekking in Palestine out there.

🕌 People and religion

After traveling to practically all the Middle Eastern countries , I will dare say that Palestinians one of the most hospitable peoples in the region.

Either because they rarely see foreigners, have an international bad reputation due to the Israeli conflict or just because they are kind by nature, the fact is that you should always expect loads of coffee, food and house invitations.

Traveling in the West Bank is extremely pleasant.

Palestine is a Muslim country, Sunni Islam being the most practiced religion.  Hebron , Nablus and Jenin are more traditional and conservative, so you should always dress modestly there. Ramallah, a surprisingly cosmopolitan capital, is more laid-back, so is Bethlehem, the city with the largest Christian population.

Home to some of the most important Biblical sites in the world, Christianity also plays an important role in the West Bank, not only in Bethlehem but also in several Christian villages around Ramallah and Jenin, like Taybeh and Zababdeh, where even local breweries can be found.

Read: A travel guide to Beirut

💰 Travel to Palestine – How much does it cost?

You will be surprised if I tell you that the West Bank is not a budget backpacking destination, with similar prices to Greece and Portugal. Since accommodation is pretty expensive, I would say that you can’t travel for less than:

a minimum of 25-30USD a day

Accommodation

Airbnb –  Definitely, the cheapest option for a couple. You can find double rooms for as little as 20USD.

Hostels –  The cheapest if you are backpacking solo but, honestly, they are pretty expensive for what you get. They are available throughout the country and prices range from 50ISL (14USD) to 75ISL (20USD).

Hotels –  Personally, I didn’t stay in any hotels, as private rooms were too expensive. Typically, you won’t find anything cheaper than 30USD or 40USD.

Please note that you can find further details on where I stayed further down, in the ”Travel Itinerary” section. 

Fast food is cheap but, if you want a bit of a change from shawarma and falafel, you will have to spend some more money.

• Street falafel –  3-5ISL (80¢ – 1.40USD)
• Shawarma –  8-15ISL (2.20USD – 4.10USD)
• Kebab –  10ISL (2.80USD) per piece
• Half a roast chicken with rice –  25ISL (7USD)
• Proper, good Palestinian meal –  40-75ISL (10-20USD)
• Beer in a bar –  15ISL – 25ISL (4-7USD)
• Beer in a store –  5ISL (1.40USD)

Transportation

These are the prices of some of the bus, mini-van and shared taxi journeys I took:

• Serveece (mini-van) from Hebron to Ramallah (53km)  – 27ISL (7.50USD)
• Bus from Ramallah to Nablus (52km)  – 11ISL (3USD)
• Shared taxi within the city of Bethlehem  – 3ISL (80¢)

Read: Guide for traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan – Everything you must know

🍲 Palestinian food!

Like its neighbor  Lebanon , Palestine is a Mediterranean country whose cuisine goes far beyond just shawarma and falafels, as many people believe.

From delicious fresh salads, including  hummus  and baba  ganouj , to more elaborate stews and roast dishes, where olive oil is king; if you can afford it, in Palestine, you can also enjoy your way through food.

These are some of my favorite dishes:

Makluba –  The Palestinian dish par by excellence. Apparently, there are many variations but the one we ate had chicken, rice, cauliflower and eggplant.  Makluba  literally means ” upside-down ”, because, when it’s being cooked, the chicken is placed at the bottom of the pan so, when it’s ready, you pour out the contents, leaving the chicken on top.

Msakhan –  It consists of roast chicken placed on an oily slice of bread and topped with chestnuts and loads and loads of onions. It’s quite a heavy meal, so Palestinians have it for lunch.

Fatteh – This is not only Palestinian but from all the Levantine region. it has flatbread, olive oil, yogurt, chickpeas and loads of nuts. It a super powerful breakfast. I freaking love it 😀

📍 Visiting Palestine: A 2-week backpacking itinerary through the West Bank

I spent 40 days traveling in the West Bank and Jerusalem and still I couldn’t visit everything I wanted to. But I like to travel slowy, spending 3 or 4 days in each place.

That’s why, in my opinion, if you only have 2 weeks, the itinerary suggested below is totally feasible. The good news is that, since the region is pretty small, distances between each destination are short and quick.

Map of the Palestine 2-week travel itinerary

Jerusalem – Day 1-3

Why go? Today, Jerusalem is part of Israel but the eastern part of the city is completely inhabited by Arabs. If Palestine ever becomes an independent state, East Jerusalem would be capital of the country.

Being the holiest place for the three main monotheist religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) in Jerusalem, if you wanted, you could spend an entire eternity exploring and wandering around the Old City. I spent 10 days there myself but you only need a few days to visit the main sites.

Do you want to visit Jerusalem with a professional local guide? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Things to do in Jerusalem – Highlights

Western Wall –  One of the most important landmarks in the city and a very holy place where, every day, thousands of Jews come to pray and venerate it. It is also called the  Wailing Wall   as, during the Ottoman period, Jews would go there and lament the destruction of the previously destroyed Temple Mount.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher –  Whether you are religious or not, the  Church of the Resurrection  is an impressive building, where, apparently, Jesus was crucified. You can also find his empty tomb, from where, according to Christians, he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.

Temple Mount / Al-Haram ash-Sharif –  A real landmark, as this is one of the holiest places for both Jews and Muslims. The  Dome of the Rock  is believed to be the place from where Prophet Mohamed stepped to heaven. The last time I was there, in March 2017, it was only possible to visit in the morning.

Hang out at Yehuda Market and around –  For some reason, all travelers always finish their day at Yehuda Market, which is a regular market that, at night, turns into a bunch of small alleys where you can find budget food, beer and an awesome vibe, both local and international. Around this area, you can also find plenty of pubs and bars.  Location: 31.784976, 35.212340.

Mount of Olives –  According to the Bible, the  Mount of Olives  is the place where the Judgement Day will start. And not only that, it is also a great place to watch the sunset over the Dome of the Rock.

Where to stay in Jerusalem

Budget Hostel – Abraham Hostel – One of the most famous hostels in Jerusalem. Located in the center of the new part of the city, this hostel is the best place to socialize and meet other travelers alike. The owners are great and they organize all sort of activities: from endless tours to pub crawls and much more. This is one of the greatest hostels I have ever been to.

Mid-range Guest House – Allenby2 B&B   – This very cozy hotel has been here forever, with hundreds of positive reviews and a very central location. It has a lovely garden, very warm staff and free coffee and chocolate. Overall, a great option for mid-range travelers.

Mid-range Hotel – Hotel Hashimi – A pretty cool hotel in the heart of the Old City with stunning views to the Dome of the Rock. 

How to get from the airport to Jerusalem

There are two options. Bus nº485 costs 16ISL (7USD), departs every half an hour or so from the first floor and leaves you at the Central Station.

Sherut (shared mini-vans) cost 68ISL (19USD), depart more often, are faster and leave you closer to your final destination. During Shabat, bus nº485 doesn’t run.

Bethlehem – Day 3-4

Why go?  With hundreds of tour groups roaming around, Bethlehem doesn’t give the feeling that you are in the West Bank but, since this is the birthplace of Jesus, it is one of the most visited places in the Middle East.

Apart from all the Christian sites, this is a great place to easily get a close feeling of the consequences of the Israeli occupation.

Things to do in Bethlehem – Highlights

The Wall –  In 2001, after the Second Intifada, Israel started building a wall, 8 meters high, which would eventually separate Israel from the West Bank. In the center of Bethlehem, the wall is decorated with progressive and Pro-Palestinian paintings, including a real painting from Banksy. Note that most Banksy paintings are fake and the only real one is the white pigeon.

Aida Palestinian refugee camp –  In 1948, after the Israeli-Arab war, the Palestinians were expelled from their native land, being forced to settle down in several refugee camps across the West Bank and other neighboring, Arab countries. Aida is perhaps the most well-known camp, although, in my opinion, it is also the most commercialized. The wall is built right beside it and has some very cool graffiti on it.

Dheisheh Palestinian refugee camp –  Less visited and way more interesting than Aida, in Dheisheh, you will see the real picture of life in a Palestinian refugee camp. The camp also has loads of very interesting martyr paintings. Actually, I did an Airbnb stay here, one of the best traveling experiences in my life.

You can read about it here: Airbnb in a Palestinian refugee camp .

Please note: Both Aida and Dheisheh are extremely safe and foreigners are always welcome. There is no need to go on a tour unless you want someone to explain the history of the camp to you. Cameras are also welcome but, if taking any portrait, ask for permission first. I t’s a good idea to spend a few dollars at one of their shops or cafés. I’ve been to more than 10 refugee camps. Any question, feel free to ask.

The Church of Nativity and the Old City –  Well, you made it all the way to Bethlehem. Perhaps you should go to see the place where one of the most influential people in our human history was born, right? The entrance is free but try to get there early, otherwise, you’ll be standing in the line for hours. The old part the city is also worth spending a couple of hours in, wandering around the different souvenirs shops.

Mar Saba (Day trip) –  Constructed in an isolated desert valley during the 5th century, either carved into or built on the cliffs, Mar Saba is an Orthodox Christian monastery, considered one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world. Today, around 20 monks live at this impressive monastery and, the surprising fact is that they still live the same way their ancestors used to, meaning that there’s no electricity and cell phones.

Entrance to women is strictly forbidden but either way, you will spend 90% of your time outside of it. How to get to Mar Saba: Located 30km from Bethlehem, if you don’t want to take a taxi, you should take a mini-van to Ubeidiya (4ISL, 1.10USD) and from there, either hitchhike or walk the remaining 5-7 kilometers. Location:  31.704939, 35.331314 .

Where to stay in Bethlehem

Airbnb in Dheisheh –  Does it sound scary to you? It shouldn’t. Palestinian refugee camps have been going on over 60 years and, today, they have become mere city neighborhoods. If you really want to have an authentic and ultimate experience, you must stay here.

You can read my  whole experience on this link .

Budget Hostel – Habibi Hostel – This is, definitely, the best hostel in town. Great staff, cozy and clean rooms and a good location make this an excellent budget option in Bethlehem.

Mid-range Hotel – Walled Off Hotel (Banksy) – Located right in front of the separation wall, this famous, thematic hotel is inspired by the work of the artist Banksy. Staying here must be an awesome experience. They have both dorms and private rooms. Even if you don’t stay here, you can visit the museum. Everybody says that this is such an awesome hotel.

How to get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem

Buses leave all day from the station right in front of Damascus Gate, in the Old City of Jerusalem. It takes less than 1 hour but it all depends on the mood of the Israeli authorities when crossing the border. Cost: 7ISL (2USD).

Hebron – Day 5-6

Why go? One of the most interesting places to visit in Palestine but also, the most troubled. Hebron is the only city where Jewish settlements are within the city itself. The tension is extreme, which can be seen at every corner of the city. The Mosque and Synagogue at the Cave of the Patriarchs, one of the holiest sites for both Jews and Muslims, are separated by bulletproof glass. It’s insane.

There is so much to say about this. I’ve written a full article about it: Visiting Hebron, the most troubled city in Palestine

Do you want to visit Hebron with a passionate, professional local guide, who will tell you everything about the political situation? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Things to do in Hebron – Highlights

Arab side (H1) – What used to be a busy market, full of joy and happiness, is today nothing but a semi-abandoned area, whose inhabitants can’t avoid expressing their hatred of the settlers. The old Arab quarter is full of deserted streets with random walls placed in the middle of them by the Israeli authorities. Most of the windows are protected to prevent the settlers from throwing objects at them.

Mosque and Synagogue of the Cave of the Patriarchs – A very holy place for both Arabs and Jews, this is the place where Abraham, one of the most important figures for both religions, is buried. His tomb is located right in between the synagogue and the mosque, separated by bulletproof glass. Crazy.

Jewish Side (H2) –  It’s also important to go and see how the settlers live. I suggest you go there and try to talk with an Israeli. Many of them, will be happy to share their side of the story with you, as they also want to end with their international bad reputation.

Remember to check my article for further info:  Visiting Hebron, the most troubled city in Palestine

Herbawi Kuffiya factory – In Palestine, there is the first and only kuffiya factory (Palestinian scarf) that has ever existed in Palestine. For further details, read this post: The Art of the Palestinian scarf – Visiting the kuffiya factory in Hebron .

Where to stay in Hebron

Budget Hostel – Hostel Hebron – The most popular hostel in Hebron. With a set of pretty new facilities and awesome reviews, this hostel is located next to the old city.

Mid-range Hotel – Queen Plaza – If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, Queen Plaza is the most popular mid-range option in town and has very good reviews.

Couchsurfing at Mo’s  – Mo is a Palestinian who has hosted over hundreds of people in Hebron. He was more than happy to be included in my guide Meeting Mo was one of the highlights of my trip!

How to get from Bethlehem to Hebron

Buses leave from the station which is closer to Hebron Road. Here: 31.709617, 35.199298 . Price: 9ISL ($2.50).

Ramallah – Day 7-8

Why go? Home to a large expat community, Ramallah is a cosmopolitan city where you can hang out for few days in its numerous pubs and restaurants, besides visiting Yasser’s Arafat’s Tomb and the Historical Museum. Ramallah will definitely surprise you.

Things to do in Ramallah – Highlights

The Mausoleum and Museum – The place where the former President Yasser Arafat is buried and also a Historical Museum that showcases the story of Palestine from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict perspective.

Taybeh brewery (Day Trip) – Yes, a brewery!Located in Taybeh, the town with the largest proportion of Christians, this is the first micro-brewery ever founded in Palestine. In the mornings, they offer free tours and a beer tasting for free. You can also buy additional beers at 7ISL (2USD) per bottle.

How to get to Taybeh: Mini-vans leave from the main station and cost 7ISL (2USD). It’s a very small village, so you’ll find the microbrewery easily.

Nightlife in Ramallah – A visit to Ramallah is not complete without getting drank at any of its many bars and pubs. The locals recommended Garage, Fuego and Sangria’s to me.

Where to stay in Ramallah

Budget Hostel –   Hostel In Ramallah – A cool hostel located in the city center with which is run by two brothers. Dorm mattresses are pretty comfy and they also have private rooms for couples. There’s a cool, friendly atmosphere. The breakfast is quite poor though and, at night, for a couple of USD, they cook a special dinner with products from their own farm.

Super Budget Hostel – Area D Hostel – For the most budget backpackers, Area D is a pretty popular hostel. Unlike the other two, this one is located near Ramallah Park Terminus, with great views of the mosque and its minarets.

Mid-range hotel – Lavender Boutique Hotel – For travelers with a mid-range budget, this hotel seems pretty decent and a great choice.

How to get from Hebron to Ramallah

From the main bus station in Hebron (Location: 31.528543, 35.095612), mini-vans leave all day long. Price: 27ISL (7.50USD), for a 53km trip.

Nablus – Day 9-10

Things to do in nablus – highlights.

Why go? Located in a beautiful valley between Mount Ebal and Gerizim, Nablus is a real off the beaten track destination, home to, perhaps, the most beautiful Old City in the Middle East, with plenty of narrow alleys filled with sweet and olive oil shops. Nablus is a vibrant Muslim city and the authentic Palestine where you will find the friendliest locals and the best food.

The Old City – Wandering around the huge Old Town (Qasaba) is definitely the highlight of any trip to Nablus. And guess what. Around the alleys of Qasaba you will also find the most colorful job in the Middle East.

Kunafeh! – Kunafeh , oh… yes! This dangerously delicious cheese-based pastry with orange syrup on top that can be found across the country is originally from Nablus and, Al-Aksa, a shop located in the Old City, serves what is considered the best kunafeh in Palestine and, of course, in the world. A piece of kunafeh typically costs 5ISL (1.40USD). If you don’t eat kunafeh , you haven’t visited Palestine.

Samaritans – According to the Samaritans, Mt Gerizim, one of the mountains that form the valley around Nablus, was the first piece of land that was ever created. The Samaritans are a religious group which is very close to Judaism, even though they don’t like people to say that.

The largest community of Samaritans in the world are in Nablus and they live in peace with their Muslim neighbors. They live at the top of Mt Gerizim, where you can find a museum explaining their history, and the only liquor store in town! Location:  32.200556, 35.273333.

Where to stay in Nablus

Budget – Success Hostel – The most backpacking-friendly hostel in Nablus. Located in the city center, it has relatively fancy rooms, given the fact that it’s a hostel. The best option for budget travelers.

Mid-range –   Khan Alwakala Hotel – This may be the most beautiful hotel you have ever stayed in Palestine, as it’s located in such a beautiful building which has been restored by the UNESCO. The rooms and facilities are great and despite being such a nice hotel, it’s not that expensive and perfect for mid-range travelers.

How to get from Nablus to Ramallah

We took a big bus from the main station and paid only 11ISL (3USD) for a 52km ride.

Jericho – Day 11-14

Why go?  At 400 meters below sea level, this is considered the lowest city on Earth and, with 10,000 years of history, it is also the oldest inhabited city in the world. Disturbingly hot in summer but pleasant in winter, Jericho is a desert city with the largest number of touristic sites ranging from stunning Christian monasteries to ancient ruins, awesome hikes, a Bedouin culture and the gate to the Dead Sea, although it is not under Palestinian control but Israel’s.

If you are short in time and want to visit Jericho , you can book one of GetYourGuide tours. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Things to do in Jericho – Highlights

Saint George Koziba monastery – Located in Wadi Quelt, this is another beautiful Greek Orthodox monastery carved into the rocks. The entrance is free but I recommend you go there early, before the place gets filled with endless pilgrims and tourists. Dress modestly, otherwise, you won’t be allowed to get in. Inside the monastery, they offer water, tea and coffee, for free.

Trekking to Wadi Qelt – Wadi Qelt is a valley that connects Jericho with Jerusalem. Around 10km after Jericho, there are some natural springs that make an excellent day trek through rolling arid hills, Bedouin camps and striking views of the valley. Some parts of the springs are deep enough to swim in. On weekends, you might find some groups of Palestinians enjoying a picnic day. Of course, expect invitations to join them.

Monastery of Temptation – Apparently, this is the place where Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights meditating and fasting during the temptation of Satan. Today, instead, you can find another Greek Orthodox monastery which is the third architectural masterpiece built on a cliff. From the monastery, you get awesome views of Jericho, the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan. You can easily walk to the top but, for 30ISL (8USD), you can also go up by cable car.

Hisham’s Palace – Constructed in the 8th Century (arguably), these Islamic ruins were just the second residence of some kings but they contain some of the most well-preserved Islamic mosaics that have ever been discovered. The entrance ticket is 10ISL (2.70USD).

Where to stay in Jericho

Budget Hostel – Sami Hostel – Not the best hostel ever but it is definitely the cheapest choice. It is located in Jericho’s refugee camp, a bit out of the way but there is a direct bus that runs every couple of minutes. The owner is OK and there are many backpackers. 

Nicer – AubergInn – Pricier but the location is excellent and it is one of the best-punctuated hostels in town. It’s run by a lovely local family and it even has a pool, which gives it quite an edge, given the fact that Jericho is one of the hottest places in the world.

Extending your itinerary

Jenin (2 extra days).

Why go?  The least visited part of Palestine, Jenin is a cozy, little city with a beautiful old town, surrounded by beautiful green scenery.

Things to see in Jenin 

Besides wandering around the old town, in Jenin, there is also a refugee camp where foreigners are more than welcome. Inside the camp, there is a famous NGO called the Freedom Theater , where you can volunteer, even for a short period of time of 1 or 2 weeks. In the hostel where I stayed, I was the only person who was not volunteering there. You can find more information about the NGO here .

Where to stay in Jenin

NGO Hostel – Cinema Guest House – As far as I know, this is the only guest house in town. Like I said, most guests are volunteers working at the Freedom Theater. It’s OK for a few nights and there’s a nice atmosphere. However, I think it’s quite pricey for what you get.

How to get to Jenin

From Nablus, we took a direct bus for just 10ISL (2.70USD), 50km.

Zababdeh (2 extra days)

Why go? This barely visited part of Palestine is home to the most beautiful scenery in the region, composed of green rolling hills, olive oil trees and where you’ll be likely to see wild turtles. In Zababdeh, we also had an unexpected, peculiar experience. Read more below on ” Where to stay section ”.

Things to see in Zababdeh 

Besides visiting the church built on the place where, supposedly, the Virgin Mary spent one night on her way to Bethlehem, Zababdeh is the place from where to go on short day hikes through mountain villages, fields and green rolling hills. I recommend you go hiking around Raba, a village located 6km from Zababdeh.

Where to stay in Zababdeh

When traveling in Palestine I heard of someone called Father Firas, who was a Christian priest from Zababdeh. I was told he liked to host foreigners at his church, so I decided to give him a call. Father Firaz is not only a priest but a man with a lot of influence throughout the region.

For the last few years, he has been trying to build bridges with Israel through meeting people and getting contacts from all over the world.

He is a wise man from whom you will learn a lot about the conflict between Israel and Palestine. We spent 3 nights at his church and he blessed us with tremendous hospitality. I can’t recommend Father Firas’ guest house highly enough.

Note that you don’t need to be a religious person to stay at his house but just someone interested in the conflict and history of the country. Several journalists and writers have stayed here. There is no fixed price and he will tell you to pay as much as you want.

Contact him at [email protected] or [email protected]. Phone number: +972599789282. When you arrive in Zababdeh, just ask for Father Firas. Everybody knows him.

How to get to Zababdeh

Zababdeh is only 10km from Jenin, from where you can take a mini-van for just 5ISL (1.40USD).

Qalqilya (1 day)

Why go? If you are interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after Hebron , this is a super interesting place, since this is the village most affected by the construction of the separation wall, as it practically surrounds the whole community, completely drowning its economy.

Many fields owned by Palestinians were left on the other side of the wall, so the Palestinian farmers have to go through insane security checks every single day.

If this was not enough, the different checkpoints are only open during certain, alternate hours a day, so quite often, the Palestinian farmers have to wait for hours at their fields before they can go back home.

The saddest part is that Qalqilya doesn’t receive the international attention that Bethlehem does, so instead of having a wall filled with cool Banksy paintings, there you just find an 8 meters gray, sad, concrete wall, 8-meters high.

How to get to Qalqilya

You can easily go by bus from Nablus on a day trip. That’s what I did.

❗ More information for visiting Palestine

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Tours – I always encourage independent travel but, if you are short in time, or just feel safer with a local guide, there are loads of tours available, and I recommend you book them via GetYourguide , as you can book them with just one click, have free cancellation, and always count with professional local guides. 

For Palestine: CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE AVAILABLE TOURS

For Israel:  CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE AVAILABLE TOURS

All guides and articles for traveling in Palestine destination

• A City Guide to Gaza
• Travel Guide to Hebron
• A Guide to Kuffiya Factory in Hebron
• Palestinian Refugee Camp in Bethlehem
• Things to know about Palestine

Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East

• Iran Travel Guide
• Iraq Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Oman
• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Syria Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Yemen Travel Guide

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East .

39 comments

Thanks for writing this is a super helpful post. I just wanted to ask some questions:

1. If you’re coming from Israel, I assume you took Qalandia border crossing in? If you did, how was your experience there? 2. Do the officers at the border crossings/ airports ask you a lot of questions for staying in Palestine for so long? 3. I think I read somewhere in your blog that you’ve lived in Dubai for a while, and you may or may not be able to speak Arabic. So did you have any trouble understanding Palestinian Arabic as it was spoken on the street?

Hi, thank you for your comment. My answers: 1 – I entered from Jerusalem but, when I went to Qalandia, I re-entered Israel just to see how was there, as the border in Qalandia is the most fucked up border. In Jerusalem it was super smooth but in Qalandoa, it was very slow 2 – They do ask some questions but you just tell them the truth and it’s all right. 3 – I don’t understand Arabic but a lot of Palestinians speak English

Thanks for the info! Hopefully I can repeat your itinerary soon 🙂

No problem, any time!

Awesome article man, a side of the world rarely seen. Keep them coming 🙂

Thanks, man!

Stumbled on this article while searching for travel agencies in Palestine, and just got way more information about the country than I probably would on wikipedia. Good job, the world needs to know about this beautiful country and their people and it’s good to know that freelance journalist like yourself are taking the trouble to visit there and bring us this formation. We are in the middle of launching a company for everything related to tours and hopefully maybe we’d be able to partner or work with you in some sort way. I’ve subscribed to follow up comments will be coming back to check up.

Hello, I might be interested in working with a tourist agency in Palestine. Please, email me at [email protected]

Hi, this an interesting article. You have described very well. The really descriptive post you have shared with us.

Thanks so much for this information! It was a great resource for me. I just would like to suggest revising your bus/serveece prices because they are not accurate. Bus from Jerusalem (Damascus Gate) to Bethlehem is only 7 shekels. Serveece from Bethlehem to Hebron is 9 shekels. Palestine is an amazing place with incredibly friendly people. I hope to go back sometime soon so I can get through all of the other stuff on your list! Cheers

I am glad you enjoyed Palestine and its people. They are awesome! And thank you so much for your correction, I just updated it accordingly 🙂 Cheers,

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing this comprehensive itinerary and background. Palestine is a region I have been dreaming of visiting all my life and hope to do so this year, but I have been contemplating whether to join an organized tour or plan this out all on my own. The tours are quite pricey, but it definitely saves the hassle of coordinating visas, transportation, and general travel and accommodation. I am a female and will likely travel with my brother and maybe others. With that in mind, think it might work best like you suggest to do some parts with a tour company while spending more time in areas I am interested in on my own. How much would you say your two week itinerary costed you overall?

Hello, I spent around 25-30USD a day. I travel independently, always sleep in the most budget hotels/hostels (15USD a day) and eat at local places. If you want to stay in mid-range places and hire a guide it will be significantly more expensive.

Hi Joam Thank’s for sharing. I will go there soon on a revisit together with my 6 year old son, and we will probably stay only in Palestine. Since you love off-the-beaten-track places you will probably like my site, too: https://www.traveltwins.dk/ Best, Anders

Good luck in the West Bank and thanks for the suggestion!

This was fantastic to read. Thanks so much for sharing! I’m looking to go here and Israel this year, and it’s so nice to see this type of perspective written on the West Bank. This just makes me more excited to go! Thanks for taking the time to write all this up!

Hi Ellie, thanks for your kind comment! I am glad you find it useful. There is so much to exñore beyond Bethlehem and historical sites in Jericho. Have a wonderful trip there!

Loved it!! Very informative.

Love the way you travel 🙂 very nice and beautiful pictures!

Thank you 🙂

awesome! loved this post

cheers, enjoy Palestine!

Hello buddy, this was a great piece to read and very informative. It answered many of my questions.

However, I have few questions which hopefully you would be able to answer. If I land in Israel at Tel Aviv with an Indian passport and then need to go West Bank, then which check points or immigration centres do I have to use and clear. Also when rerurning back from West Bank to Israel, how many check points or immigration centers I have to clear so I can reach back to tel aviv airport easily.

Either way, there is only one checkpoint when entering the west bank and one when you get out. Most of the times, the checkpoint is very quick. It is seriously not a big deal.

Thanks for the quick response. Really interesting what you are doing by visiting these amazing palces which are not covered well by the media and tourism industry. So what is next on your bucket list?

First of all thank you very much for a wonderful 2 weeks tour itinerary for Palestine. I very rarely been to Arab and African countries so far, but I have plans to tour around Africa region in near future. Your complete tour itinerary for Palestine helps me to grab some ideas for my next tour, in between the photos look great. Cheers,

Very informative article ! Could you also please let us know more about the local Vegetarian/Vegan Food availability and recommendations ?

falafels, hummus, fateh… There are always many options

Thanks and very informative. We are group of 4 Chinese ladies and we want to visit Nablus Jacob’s well etc. Do u know if it is fine for us to visit on our own without a guide?

If your question is related to safety in Palestine, yes, you will be totally fine 🙂

Hello! Great post! Just a quick question, if I were to cross the King Hussein/Allenby border from Jordan, would it make sense to go to Jericho first? Is there a way to get to Jericho from the border without having to go to Jerusalem? Thanks!

Hey Maddie, yes of course, Jericho is extremely close to the border, and for very little money, you can get a taxi

I’m so glad to have come across your article!! So I’m originally Palestinian and planning my first trip ever this July. I’ll be traveling with my husband who will have to enter through the boarder and not airport. We only have 5 days what would you recommend we must visit while maximizing short stopovers on the way like stopping by Jericho since it’s close to border. We don’t mind splurging on this trip as I’ve been waiting for over 3 decades to be granted entry to Palestine. Thank you in advance

Dude your work is awesome and so helpful thank you. Do you have an Instagram account?

Hi Nimr, thanks! My IG account is @againstthecompass

Free palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸 from the river to the sea from israeli colonialism

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

• How to travel to Eritrea in 2024
• How to travel to Svalbard in 2024
• How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)
• How to Travel to Libya in 2024
• Backpacking Venezuela Travel Guide (2024)

Canada announces five-fold increase in visas for Palestinians in Gaza

Immigration Minister Marc Miller says 5,000 visas will be offered to Palestinians seeking to join family in Canada.

Canada has announced a five-fold increase in visas for Palestinians in Gaza seeking to join their family members in the country, despite the Canadian government’s inability to help applicants get out of the bombarded Palestinian enclave.

Minister of Immigration Marc Miller said on Monday that Ottawa would raise to 5,000 the number of visas offered to residents in Gaza under a special programme announced in December.

“We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Many people are worried about their loved ones and have expressed significant interest in the temporary special measures we introduced for their extended family in Gaza,” Miller said in a statement.

Miller said the government is working to assist Palestinians trying to leave Gaza, but that movement out of the territory is currently not possible due to factors outside Ottawa’s control.

Gaza residents who wish to join family in Canada must obtain approval from Israeli authorities to leave the territory, before undergoing biometric screening in Egypt.

Israel’s military earlier this month seized control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as part of its offensive in the southern city.

“While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves. Our focus remains on keeping families together,” Miller said.

“Canada continues to put forward the names of those who have passed preliminary screening to local authorities to secure their exit from Gaza. Israel and Egypt are both important partners in implementing these temporary, humanitarian measures and helping people reunite with their family in Canada.”

But the Canadian visa programme has been widely criticised, in large part because Canada has been unable to get any Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip as a result of the scheme.

That has fuelled frustrations and anger from families trying to bring their relatives to safety amid Israel’s continued war on Gaza, which has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians since early October.

Some Canadian visa-holders managed to get out of the coastal territory on their own after paying thousands of dollars to reach Egypt, but such exits were done without Canada’s assistance.

Palestinian visa applicants also have been forced to answer invasive and confusing questions that lawyers and other experts say go beyond what is typically required by Canada.

“It is such a disaster,” Debbie Rachlis, a Toronto immigration and refugee lawyer who represents families seeking to bring their relatives to Canada, told Al Jazeera last month about the programme. “It is the worst thing I’ve ever seen or experienced.”

Monday’s announcement came as Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly joined a chorus of international condemnation following a deadly Israeli attack on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

“This level of human suffering must come to an end. We demand an immediate ceasefire,” Joly said in a statement.

At least 45 people, including 23 women, children and elderly, were killed and 249 others wounded in the attack on the tent camp, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the civilian deaths were a “tragic mistake” and the incident is being investigated.

Palestinians face red tape, delays in applications to come to Canada, families here say

This article was published more than 6 months ago. Some information may no longer be current.

Displaced Palestinians take shelter in a tent camp at the border with Egypt, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 7. IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA/Reuters

The federal government is facing mounting criticism over an immigration program that’s meant to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their relatives who are trapped in Gaza. People trying to bring their loved ones here, and the lawyers representing them, say the program is restrictive, confusing and intrusive.

The Globe spoke with several Palestinian-Canadians and permanent residents, as well as lawyers who are counselling or representing them, about the challenges they’ve faced.

Lawyers and applicants take issue with the form they fill out on behalf of their relatives because of both the nature of the questions asked and the challenge retrieving answers from their relatives in Gaza , where communication infrastructure is unreliable and internet shortages are common.

Among other questions, applicants are asked if they have scars or injuries that have required medical attention and how they sustained them. They are asked for links to their social-media accounts, previous work history dating back years, including supervisors’ names, reasons for leaving the job and any disciplinary issues. The Globe spoke with five immigration lawyers and none of them had ever seen applicants fleeing a war zone required to answer questions about whether they have injuries and how they’ve sustained them.

Debbie Rachlis, an immigration lawyer in Toronto, says she has been doing her job 8½ years “and I have never seen such a disastrous program rollout.”

In January, the federal government launched the program, which offers temporary resident visas to Palestinians in Gaza who are extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents willing to support their relatives. Spouses, common-law partners, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents and grandparents are eligible. The government capped the program at 1,000 people but Immigration Minister Marc Miller has said he’s willing to be flexible.

There are several steps to apply for a temporary resident visa. First, applicants in Gaza or their representative residing in Canada submit an online form with required documents. Then, they wait to receive a reference code. Once they receive a code, they can submit a temporary resident visa application online. If the application is complete, it will be processed. Applicants are reviewed, including security screening based on the enhanced biographical information, to determine eligibility and preliminary admissibility to Canada.

The Globe and Mail

IRCC says that families with no eligibility or admissibility concerns who are physically able to leave Gaza will have their biometrics collected in a third country. Once the application is finalized, IRCC will render a decision.

Matthew Krupovich, a spokesperson for IRCC, said that, since Jan. 29, the department has accepted 967 applications into processing. He said processing times will vary.

The government has said it’s working with partners in the region to facilitate the exit of Canadians, permanent residents and those eligible under the program, but that movement out of Gaza remains challenging and may not be possible because of exit requirements set by countries and other actors in the region .

On Wednesday, Mr. Miller said it was “immensely frustrating” seeing Gazans unable to leave Gaza. “Perhaps there is some trepidation by people on the ground as to whether to let these folks out, but it’s humanitarian gesture and it’s immensely frustrating for me,” he said on Parliament Hill.

But people trying to bring their relatives here are also frustrated. Lawyers who are assisting families say sometimes they submit documents only to hear back from IRCC that something is missing, but without any clarifying explanation.

Ammar Fawzy, a Palestinian-Canadian living in Stouffville, Ont., said the process of bringing his elderly parents and sister here has been overwhelming. His dad is 80 and his mom is 72.

“It was honestly long, sleepless nights trying to complete all of the forms required,” he said. While he’s gathering information, his family is constantly being forced to move. Just this past weekend, he said, they moved for the 17th time following an air strike close to their building.

Mr. Fawzy said some of the requirements seem basic, such as passports and current work details, and others are are unrealistic and discriminatory, such as tracking down work supervisors’ names from years ago, questions about scars or injuries and addresses of homes in a conflict zone.

He said his mom cried when he asked for her address because they have been displaced so many times. He said they have submitted all of their documents and are waiting for the next steps.

“We honestly wake up multiple times at night just to check our e-mails and see if there are any from IRCC,” he said, adding that his wife also applied for her family to come to Canada, but hasn’t received the code required to submit an application.

Mr. Krupovich said the questions on the form are part of a standard practice in crisis situations where IRCC does not have a presence on the ground. He said the government also did this in Afghanistan.

“To support the movement of Palestinians out of Gaza and to protect the health and safety of Canadians, a multistage security screening approach has been developed.”

He said the additional background information established in the forms allows the department to begin conducting preliminary security screening while the applicant is still in Gaza.

Even after completing these steps, people are left anxiously waiting.

Haneen Hamdouna said she only hears from her sister in Gaza when she manages to catch a signal. If it’s a weak connection, the only message Ms. Hamdouna receives from her is one hastily written that says she’s still alive.

Ms. Hamdouna, a 38-year-old permanent resident who lives in Edmonton, applied for her sister, brother-in-law and their three young children to come to Canada through the government’s immigration program for extended family members of Palestinians living in Gaza.

She applied with the help of Sofia Ijaz, a refugee and immigration lawyer in Toronto. Ms. Hamdouna’s sister received a request to collect her biometrics (which are unique physical identifiers, such as fingerprints), but IRCC hasn’t provided instructions on how to complete this step and the Canadian government has no facilities on the ground in Gaza.

In the meantime, Ms. Hamdouna said, her family is living in a tent by the sea. She said they’re cold, they rarely eat and her eight-year-old nephew has sustained a head injury from a piece of shrapnel.

“When the Canadian government opened this special program, my sister and I had big hopes and now with every day passing, I’m always scared to hear something bad happened to her,” she said.

The entire process has been difficult, she said. But her experience is not unique. She said she’s in a WhatsApp group full of people experiencing challenges.

“We heard many people could not apply, go through the process, there are family members who died before they could even apply,” she said.

Ms. Ijaz said they were asked to provide proof of residence in Gaza, which is challenging for people who have been displaced multiple times. She said they provided to IRCC a photo of the tent that Ms. Hamdouna’s sister is sheltering in to make it clear where they’re living.

Imtenan Abd-El-Razik, an immigration lawyer in Waterloo, Ont., used to work on refugee claims, assisting people coming from areas of conflict, and said she has never seen questions like the ones Palestinians are being asked.

She said even under less stressful circumstances, applications can take weeks for people to pull together. Now, she said, applicants are living in tents eating one or half a meal a day, trying to evade air strikes – and sometimes there is a complete blackout preventing any communication.

“How can you do this process at all, let alone an elevated version of it, and expect that the results are going to be correct and timely? It’s just very unrealistic. It doesn’t take into account how people are actually living.”

Ms. Rachlis, the immigration lawyer in Toronto who is representing a Canadian citizen trying to bring his family members here, said IRCC did not acknowledge forms that she submitted, or they indicated a form was incomplete without specifying what was missing.

“I’m aware of a few other lawyers who experienced this and we have no idea. We have received no answers,” she said.

The bureaucratic delay means her clients may not be able to leave.

Warda Shazadi Meighen, a partner at Landings LLP, said the government needs to make sure that the information it’s requiring is absolutely essential to security. It also needs to be responsive to how quickly people need to get out.

“I have concerns that we may be overstepping here.”

Ms. Ijaz emphasized the importance of expediting the process. “Literally every hour makes a difference between life or death. That’s something I hope the officers working on these files are thinking about and are mindful of.”

Report an editorial error

Report a technical issue

Editorial code of conduct

Follow related authors and topics

• Janice Dickson
• Public Administration and Government

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following .

Interact with The Globe

Language selection

Canada-west bank-the gaza strip relations, on this page, bilateral relations, trade relations, development and humanitarian assistance.

Canada enjoys positive relations with the Palestinian Authority (PA), the governmental entity in the West Bank and Gaza. Canada recognizes the Palestinian right to self-determination and supports the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic, and territorially contiguous Palestinian state. Canada is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state at the time most conducive to lasting peace, not necessarily as the last step along the path to achieving the two-state solution. 

In accordance with the 1993 Oslo Accords, Canada’s representative office in Ramallah has responsibility for managing the Government of Canada’s relationship with the PA. The representative office plays a key role in Canada’s political, trade and international assistance efforts in the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinian General Delegation, which opened in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1995, represents Palestinian interests in Canada. The Government of Canada has no contact with Hamas. Canada has listed Hamas as a terrorist organization pursuant to the Canadian Criminal Code.

Canada is committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, which can only be achieved through a two-state solution as part of direct negotiations between the parties. Canada aims to uphold and promote the two-state solution by helping to establish a law-based, peaceful, and prosperous society the Palestinians, and a stable and secure neighbour for Israel.

For more information, refer to  Canadian policy on key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict .

Pursuant to the Paris Protocol, Palestinian exports to Canada benefit from preferential treatment offered in the 1997 Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) and benefit from improvements in the modernized CIFTA. Furthermore, in 1999, Canada concluded the Joint Canadian-Palestinian Framework on Economic Cooperation and Trade Between Canada and the Palestine Liberation Organization on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, which confirmed PA approval to apply preferential tariffs under CIFTA to goods produced in the West Bank and Gaza. Sectors such as information and communications technology, life sciences and infrastructure hold niche opportunities for Canadian businesses within the Palestinian economy.

Related links

• Import / Export controls
• Doing business in West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Canada’s international assistance in the West Bank and Gaza reinforces this goal of a two-state solution and is aligned with Palestinian needs and Canadian priorities. Canada supports efforts to help advance the peace process, promote security and the rule of law, stimulate economic growth and deliver humanitarian assistance.

• The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

The Breakdown | Why a two-state solution is nearly impossible to achieve

• Duration 20:30

For decades, world leaders have sold an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution as the best hope for peace in the region, but is it even possible? The National breaks down the major challenges standing in the way.

More from News

RCMP arrest Toronto man accused of plotting to attack Jews in New York

#TheMoment 7 black bears climbed a tree on a Manitoba farm

How should we treat violent repeat offenders with mental health issues?

The National | Toronto man arrested in alleged plot to kill Jews

Trudeau’s leadership faces another big test in Montreal byelection

Trending now.

Halifax seniors living in tent encampment desperate for safe housing

Poilievre calls Singh's decision to end NDP-Liberal agreement a 'stunt'

Shock in Saskatoon as teen girl set on fire by fellow high school student

Steel worker rebuffs Trudeau's handshake while discussing cost of living

Vehicle drives through Portage and Main protest

Canadian Tire's biggest sale of the season is on now — shop 100s of items up to 80% off

Save big on kitchen, outdoor essentials and more.

This travel-friendly clothing steamer 'works like a charm' — and it's a whopping 63% off on Amazon Canada

Ditch the ironing board for this "very easy to use" steamer instead..

While wrinkles and creases in your garments can ruin an outfit, they happen no matter how careful you are. However, I have to say, there's nothing more tedious than having to whip out the ironing board. If you're looking for a quick and easy fix to this annoyance, I suggest looking into a handheld steamer.

Right now, the HiLIFE Clothing Steamer from Amazon Canada is a whopping 63 per cent off, making it ring in at just $30 instead of its usual price of $80 (saving you $50!). To learn more about the deal and discover why more than 3,000 people have purchased this steamer in the past month, scroll below.

HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes

This clothing steamer has a 4-star rating on Amazon and more than 105,000 reviews.

The details

This clothing steamer gives up to 15 minutes of continuous steaming to get rid of wrinkles and creases in your clothing. It works on a wide variety of fabrics such as chiffon, silk, wool, cotton, linen, nylon and more.

It has a nine-foot power cord that makes it easy to maneuver without worrying about yanking it out of the wall. The unit itself is under two pounds, so it's great for travel and easy to use for long periods of time without your arm tiring.

What reviewers are saying

⭐ 4/5 stars

🛍️ 100,000+ ratings

🏅"Works like a charm."

One shopper shared that the steamer "works like a charm" and that it's still going strong after owning it for a year.

Another user said it's "very easy to use," while someone else commented that "It certainly beats ironing."

One person shared that they took this steamer with them to their daughter's wedding and that, within minutes, the "severely creased" dresses were ready for the big event.

However, one shopper says that while it "works like magic" on lighter fabrics, it didn't have "much effect" on heavier fabrics like linen.

Others have shared that the product leaks, but some users have said that only happens if you tilt the steamer too far over.

The verdict

This $30 steamer gets wrinkles out of most fabrics, is easy to use and is great to pack in carry-ons or luggage for use while travelling . Right now, it's $50 off on Amazon, which is a whopping 63 per cent off its regular price of $80.

More Amazon Canada deals to shop

Jbl tune 500 wired on-ear headphones, mccafe premium medium dark roast k-cup coffee pods, dewalt dce100b 20v max* compact jobsite blower, cerave eye cream with hyaluronic acid, botanic hearth 100% pure rosemary oil, freepi walking pad with incline, masticating juicer, lefant m210p robot vacuums, trond multi plug outlet extender, bluetooth speaker.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @ YahooStyleCA ! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram .

Latest Stories

Con artist delvey signs up for dancing with the stars.

Delvey - real name is Anna Sorokin - was the subject of the 2022 Netflix drama, Inventing Anna.

This 'super comfortable' ergonomic pillow helps reduce my snoring — and it's 53% off on Amazon

Do cervical pillows help with neck and shoulder pain? Here's what an expert says.

I'm a shopping editor — 13 of the best Lululemon We Made Too Much fall finds to shop this weekend

Prices start at just $29!

Photos: Hockey fans in Calgary gather at Scotiabank Saddledome as Flames host candlelight vigil for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Nearly a week after Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were tragically killed, Calgary hockey fans gathered at the front steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome to pay their respects to the Gaudreau brothers.

Bill Maher Defends Cheryl Hines Against “Obnoxious Posers” After RFK Jr. Endorses Trump

As Cheryl Hynes continues to face fallout over her husband’s political doings, Bill Maher has a message for her haters. Although he noted on Friday’s episode of HBO‘s Real Time with Bill Maher that he “couldn’t support” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president, the comedian stood up for the former candidate’s wife from social media …

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce 'Let Loose' at Chiefs Afterparty: 'A Good Time Was Definitely Had' (Source)

The superstar couple headed to Prime Social in Kansas City to celebrate with his teammates, a source confirms to PEOPLE

Save 81% (that's $810!) on a 'powerful' juicer on Amazon Canada: It 'completely transformed my daily routine'

It "effortlessly juices everything" from leafy greens to hard fruits like apples and carrots, "leaving behind bone-dry pulp."

Lorraine Kelly's daughter Rosie shares adorable video of tiny baby Billie to mark special day

Lorraine Kelly's daughter Rosie is the proud mother of her newborn daughter Billie and has shared the most adorable video of her little girl for a very special reason. See video.

Walmart just dropped 100s of deals: 11 best picks worth your money — shop laptops, coffee makers & more up to $900 off

Save up to a whopping $900 on appliances, tech devices and more.

Conservative Columnist Busts Huge MAGA Myth With Scathing Takedown Of Lara Trump

Charles C.W. Cooke scorched "the rah-rah-rah wing of the GOP."

Ukraine's new F-16s will have a longer strike range than ATACMS if the US ends up sending this stealthy missile

The US is reportedly deciding whether to send stealthy AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles to Ukraine.

16 years after her wedding, this Guelph woman opens package with gown to find it's not hers

While some brides rush to see their wedding dress shortly after the big day, others opt to wait for a milestone anniversary to pull it out and fondly reflect on their wedding day.Sixteen years after her nuptials with Jordan on the beaches of Cuba, Ashley Charette recently was stunned when she opened the dry-cleaning box she thought contained her dress: It wasn't hers. An old photo shows Charette in her original wedding dress, which was hand made by her mother-in-law in 2008. (Submitted by Ashley

Ex-Flyers Defender Expected to Become New Ducks Captain

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman expects this former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman to be the Anaheim Ducks' next captain.

2 Nigerian brothers sentenced for sextortion that led to teen's death

MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — Two brothers from Nigeria were sentenced to 17 1/2 years in federal prison Thursday after pleading guilty to sexually extorting teenage boys and young men across the U.S., including a 17-year-old from Michigan who took his own life.

Nvidia is suddenly in trouble

Nvidia, the AI chipmaking titan that was briefly the world’s most valuable company, has suddenly found itself in an unfamiliar position: a major rut.

Trump Media erases all 2024 stock gains days before Donald Trump can cash out his $1.95 billion stake

Donald Trump's stake is still worth nearly $2 billion, but fears he might follow its CEO Devin Nunes and sell stock is weighing on sentiment.

Women Are Sharing The Things Men Do That Aren't As Attractive As They Might Think

It's a hard pass.

The Stars of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Are Ready to Reintroduce Themselves

And the drama is just beginning.

“Mormon Wives”’ Layla Taylor, 23, Says She Got 6 Cosmetic Procedures in 4 Months: 'Small Little Tweaks'

"I wanted to feel hot again," she said

#TheMoment 7 black bears climbed a tree on a Manitoba farm

Betty Matchizen recounts the moment she saw six black bear cubs and a mother climbing an oak tree on her farm yard in Thalberg, Man.

Language selection

• Français fr

Minister Blair to travel to the Republic of Korea and Japan

From: National Defence

Media advisory

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will visit the Republic of Korea from September 8 to 12, 2024, and then visit Japan from September 12 to 14, 2024.

September 6, 2024 – Frankfurt, Germany – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Bill Blair , Minister of National Defence, will visit the Republic of Korea from September 8 to 12, 2024, and then visit Japan from September 12 to 14, 2024. These are Minister Blair’s first visits to the Republic of Korea and Japan as Minister of National Defence.

In the Republic of Korea, Minister Blair will participate in the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit , co-host the United Nations Command (UNC) Ministerial, address the Seoul Defence Dialogue, and hold a bilateral meeting with the Republic of Korea’s new Minister of Defence, Kim Yong-hyun. Minister Blair and his counterpart will discuss opportunities to bolster defence industrial collaboration between Canada and Korea – and progress on implementing the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership . Minister Blair will highlight Canada’s ongoing contributions to the region’s security, including its contributions to the UNC, Canadian monitoring of sanctions violations by North Korea through Operation NEON , and Canada’s increasing defence presence in the Indo-Pacific thanks to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy . This includes Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD which involves the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver sailing alongside warships from Japan, Korea, and the United States.

In Japan, Minister Blair will meet with Japan’s Defence Minister Kihara Minoru to strengthen the Canada-Japan bilateral partnership, particularly in areas of security and defence. Minister Blair will also meet with Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Japan, including personnel deployed in the Enforcement Coordination Cell , which monitors the DPRK’s illicit activities and coordinates partner nation actions at sea and in the air to track, disrupt, and deter those illicit activities. Minister Blair will highlight the increasing operational cooperation between Canada and Japan, including the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity conducted in August 2024 , as well as Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD, and the routine deployment of Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft to Japan on Operation NEON .

All times local.

September 9, 2024

9:15 am KST– Minister Blair will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

• Media should contact [email protected] to register.
• Location: DMZ

2:30 pm KST – Minister Blair will attend a Defence Industry Engagement Showcase

• Location: Seoul Air Base

September 10, 2024

9:30 am KST – Minister Blair will lay a wreath at the Stone Garden at the Canadian Embassy.

• Location: Canadian Embassy, 21 Jeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

1:15 pm KST – Minister Blair will participate in a roundtable at the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference

• Live broadcast on YouTube
• Location: Westin Josun Hotel,106 Sogong-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

4:20 pm KST – Minister Blair will deliver keynote remarks at the United Nations Command (UNC) Ministerial

• Location: Lotte Hotel, 30 Euji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

September 11, 2024

9:00 am KST – Minister Blair will address the Seoul Defence Dialogue and participate in Plenary Session I: Deterring war and preserving the rules-based international order , alongside his Korean counterpart Kim Yong-hyun and Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the Military Committee of NATO.

• Minister Blair’s remarks will be broadcast live on YouTube by the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense.

September 13, 2024

10:30 am JST – Minister Blair will participate in a fireside chat on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. Moderated by Professor Akira Igata, The University of Tokyo.

• Open to media.
• Media should contact [email protected] to register.
• Location: Canadian Embassy, 7 Chome-3-38 Akasaka, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan

2:00 pm JST – Minister Blair will be welcomed by an Honour Guard and participate in a photo opportunity before a bilateral meeting with Minister of Defense of Japan, Kihara Minoru.

Simon Lafortune Press Secretary and Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of National Defence Email:   [email protected]

Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-904-3333 Email: [email protected]

Page details