Welcome to State of Palestine

Unforgettable Palestine is a not only the heart of the Holy Land, but a rich cultural gem in which visitors find mouthwatering food and wine, ancient archaeological relics, Bedouin camps, historic cities, the Dead Sea and mythical deserts.

Stroll through the enchanting Old City of Jerusalem, with its tales as old as time, narrow stone passageways and the Temple Mount shining in the distance. Explore a monastery in the Kidron Valley or the historical sites of Jericho. The West Bank is a warm and hospitable destination for intrepid travelers and a pilgrimage for the religious.

Unique Facts

• Despite its arid landscape, Palestine is known for some of the world’s most beautiful wildflower displays. To see them at their peak, visit in April and May.
• The Church of Nativity, considered to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is in Palestine and highly regarded as a sacred place by both Christians and Muslims.
• A large number of wild animals make their home in Palestine, including Nubian ibex, mountain gazelles, leopards and hyenas.
• Christmas comes three times a year in Palestine – December 25th, as is the western tradition; January 6th, per Greek Orthodox tradition; and January 18th, according to Armenian tradition.
• Olives are a central part of Palestinian culture and tradition. More than 45 percent of the land is dedicated to olive tree cultivation.

Language

Palestine’s official language is Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to Palestine is March to May and September to November.

Airports

Yasser Arafat International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Palestine: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type H. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Israeli New Shekel

Getting Around

Road conditions may differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic congestion is common in the West Bank area.

The West Bank has an excellent, easy-to-use public transportation network. Buses and shared taxis (servees) run between major cities, tourist sites and smaller cities. Consider hiring a taxi by the hour or for the day.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license and international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser Street
Jerusalem 93392
Telephone: + (972) (2) 630-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (972) (3) 519-7551
Fax: + (972) (2) 630-4070
JerusalemACS@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv Branch
71 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv Israel 63903
Telephone: + (972) (3) 519-7575
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (972) (3) 519-7551
Fax: + (972) (3) 516-4390, or 516-0315
TelAvivACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

n/a

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 100
Ambulance: 101
Fire: 101

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Parked vehicle break-ins are common at public beach areas, national parks and other tourist sites. Do not leave belongings unattended.

Do not travel to the Gaza Strip. Use caution when traveling to the West Bank, including to Bethlehem, Jericho and Hebron, due to the complex security situation there.