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Asia · Western AsiaUsable guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: Yasser abu raya, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Palestinian territories, also known as Palestine or the State of Palestine, consists of two physically separate entities, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, in the Middle East. Their political status is controversial, and they have been under varying degrees of Israeli occupation since 1967. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA), controlled by Fatah, administers parts of the West Bank, while Hamas does so in the Gaza Strip. While parts of the territories aren't safe for ordinary travelers, other areas, especially ancient Holy Land cities, are popular destinations and pilgrimage sites.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Palestine.
Mobile networks
Beware of local water, including ice cubes - bottled is the way to go. Running water is only available for 3 days a week outside the Israeli settlements.
Because of the association of Jewish symbols with the Israeli occupation (Israeli military equipment often prominently features a menorah or the Star of David), wearing or displaying such symbols, which the Palestinians…
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Bethlehem (Arabic: بيت لحم, Beit Lahm, Hebrew: בית לחם Beit Lechem) is a small city located some 10 km (6 miles) south of the Old City of Jerusalem within the West Bank, in an "Area A" zone administered by the Palestinian Authority.
Hebron (Arabic: الخليل al-Ḫalīl; Hebrew: חֶבְרוֹן Ḥevron, Ḥeḇrôn, or Ḥebron) is an ancient city in the southern West Bank. It is the traditional burial place of the Biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives.
Jenin is a 4,000-year-old Palestinian city in the north West Bank.
Jericho (Arabic أريحا Arīḥā, Hebrew יריחו Yerikho), the "City of Palms", is a small city within the Palestinian Territories close to the northern end of Dead Sea and some 55 km (34 miles) from Jerusalem.
Nablus (Arabic نابلس, Hebrew שכם, Shechem) is a large city (population approximately 300,000) within the Palestinian Territories, in the Central Highlands of the West Bank, some 63 km north of Jerusalem.
Ramallah or Ram Allah (Arabic رام الله Rāmallāh) is a small city in the West Bank region of the Palestinian Territories, located 15 km (10 miles) north of Jerusalem. Since the inception of the Palestinian National Authority, Ramallah has acted as the de facto capital city of the Palestinian administration.
Notable for being so salty it is un-survivable for most lifeforms.
The vast desert in the south of Israel with great hiking trails and immense (inactive) volcanic craters.
Places in Palestine on the World Heritage List.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Dome of the Rock
Church of the Nativity
Listed 2012
Masjid Al-Aqsa
Sebastia
Old City of Hebron
Listed 2017
Tell Umm el-'Amr
Listed 2024
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
Listed 2012
Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir
Listed 2014
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Bordering Israel to the west and Jordan to the east, including a significant coast line on the Dead Sea. It is de facto under the control of Israel and the PNA depending upon the region.
The Gaza Strip borders the south-western coast of Israel and Egypt to the south-west. It is de facto under control of Hamas, a rival of the Fatah-controlled PNA. The only foreigners permitted to enter are journalists and aid workers.
Public transport and paid services in Palestine.
By shared taxi
Most shared taxis have fixed bus-stations, often car-parks near the centre of towns or cities. Larger minivans carry 7 passengers and inner-city shared taxis carry 4.
By private taxi
Private taxis are very common and can be hailed down at any point.
By car
For the West Bank, driving a private car is a very convenient way to see more.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Palestine.
Finding apps for Palestine…
Other ways to travel:By thumb
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Ramallah
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 16° | 17° | 20° | 24° | 28° | 31° | 33° | 33° | 31° | 28° | 23° | 18° |
| Avg. low | 7° | 8° | 9° | 12° | 15° | 18° | 20° | 21° | 20° | 17° | 13° | 9° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 88 | 62 | 37 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 46 | 83 |
| Humidity | 74% | 73% | 70% | 65% | 61% | 62% | 63% | 65% | 65% | 65% | 64% | 70% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 4 of 4Do not travel
Do Not Travel to Gaza due to terrorism, unrest, and limited health infrastructure. Advisory Summary: Restrictions on U.S. Government Personnel Movement U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Gaza for any reason due to safety risks. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza. Terrorism Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Gaza. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) that needs our assistance, and you have not already provided your information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov. Health Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Gaza. Hospitals and clinics lack basic resources. For U.S. citizens in Gaza: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Gaza FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza Areas near Gaza FCDO advises against all travel within 500m of the border with Gaza The West Bank FCDO advises against all travel to: Tulkarm Governorate, Jenin Governorate, and Tubas Governorate except Route 90 Northern Israel and Occupied Golan Heights FCDO advises against all travel to: Areas north of Route 89 between Nahariyya and Dalton; north of a straight eastward line from Dalton to Route 91; and north of Route 91 across the Golan Heights, excluding routes 89 and 91 themselves Within 500m of the Area of Separation in the occupied Golan Heights (the ‘Alpha line’). Do not attempt to enter the occupied Golan Heights through Syria Sheba’a Farms and Ghajja Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel West Bank FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: The rest of the West Bank, except for: East Jerusalem, Bethlehem Governate, Ramallah Municipality, Jericho municipality and all areas which lie south of it (this includes the Allenby crossing). Highway 1 that links Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the areas that lie to the south and west of the Highway (this includes Highway 3), and Route 443 and Highway 45 which link Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Palestine.
Culture & historyChristianity is the world's most prolific religion, with more than 2.38 billion followers, and churches, cathedrals and chapels on every continent including Antarctica. Many of those are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyAn archaeological site (or archeological site) is any place with physical evidence of past human activity. Such sites might be from pre-history as well as history, and the oldest sites can be considered paleontology.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThis page is about problems that may arise from evidence of travel to or visa for certain territories. For the issue of visas in general, see Visa.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsSince the beginning of humanity, people have been finding and exploring new lands. But have you ever imagined following the voyages by Polynesians through the tropical islands of Oceania or Amundsen and Scott's routes…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe Roman Empire was the greatest ancient empire of Europe. At the height of its power in 117 AD, it ruled over considerable parts of Europe, as well as much of North Africa and the Middle East.
Wikivoyage
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