Palestine entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine for tourism or short stays. The application is quick, online, and typically approved within minutes to a few hours, so you can sort it out just before your trip in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry visa (e-Visa)You need to apply for this online visa before you fly; it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Bulgarian citizens must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Palestine. Apply at the official Israeli e-Visa portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. The e-Visa costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is processed within minutes to a few hours. It is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid for half a year after you arrive, or you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Palestine. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Check that no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials often ask to see proof that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Palestine before your visa or passport validity expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or credit cards. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before or upon entry. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Bulgarian citizens entering Palestine. | Not required |
Entry is through Israel
Palestine doesn't have its own international airport. You'll enter via Israel (usually Ben Gurion Airport) or through the Allenby Bridge from Jordan. The ETA is issued by Israel and is required for Bulgarian passport holders.
Checkpoints in the West Bank
While traveling within the West Bank, you'll encounter Israeli military checkpoints. Always carry your passport and the entry slip you received at the border. Keep them accessible, not buried in your luggage.
ETA is valid for 2 years
Once approved, your ETA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years (or until your passport expires). If you plan to visit again within that period, you won't need to reapply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official ETA portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval usually comes in minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Receive your ETA confirmation
Once approved, you'll get an email confirmation. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at the border.
3
Fly into Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) or cross by land
Most travelers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, then take a shared taxi or bus to Jerusalem and onward to Ramallah or Bethlehem. If crossing by land from Jordan (Allenby Bridge), you'll present your passport and ETA at the border crossing.
4
Go through Israeli border control
At the border, hand over your passport and ETA confirmation. You may be asked about your travel plans — answer honestly. You'll receive an entry stamp (or a paper slip, depending on the system). Keep this document with you until you leave.
5
Enter Palestine
After passing Israeli border control, you're free to travel to Palestinian areas. There are no additional checkpoints for entering Palestine proper, but you may encounter Israeli military checkpoints within the West Bank — have your passport and entry slip ready.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$100 (approx.)
May be available for business or frequent travelers; apply at Palestinian representative office.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Palestinian authorities.
work visa
Work Visa (Palestine)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Palestinian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Palestine)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university fees)
For enrolled students at Palestinian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD
For spouses or close relatives of Palestinian residents. Requires proof of relationship and residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist/business, single entry)Fee varies by nationality and processing time; payable online. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at certain border crossings (e.g., Allenby Bridge) for some nationalities; check current policy. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (land border)Charged at Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan; subject to change. | $30 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (overstay fine)Overstay penalties apply; extensions are rarely granted. | $20 per day (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Palestine
No transit visa needed
Transit through Israel (Ben Gurion) is common; Bulgaria passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit in Israel, but must have a valid onward ticket and may be subject to security screening.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or entry permit for Israel is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) – via Jordan
Health & vaccines for Palestine
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of West Nile virus; no malaria in most areas.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and vaccination recommendations.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ramallah
Palestinian Ministry of Interior - Immigration Department
Al-Bireh, Ramallah
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Gaza City
Gaza Immigration Office
Unknown
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Limited services due to restrictions; check current access conditions.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalRamallah
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIsraeli new shekel (ILS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3 ILS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,HType C (two round pins) and Type H (three round pins in a V shape)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. It's an online application, costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD), and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip.
The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each entry typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, but always check the stamp you receive at the border for the exact duration.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
Rejections are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate instead. Allow extra time for this process.
No, the ETA covers entry into Israel as well, since you'll be entering through Israeli-controlled borders. You don't need a separate Israeli visa for tourism.
Yes, the ETA is valid for land crossings too. At the Allenby Bridge crossing, you'll present your passport and ETA. Note that the crossing has specific hours and can be busy, so plan accordingly.
It's similar but not identical. The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's faster and cheaper than a traditional visa, but it doesn't allow for extensions or work. For most tourists, it's all you need.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.