Palestine entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine via Israel, which you can get online before you fly. It's a quick, cheap process — apply at least 72 hours ahead and you'll be set for multiple entries over two years.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry visa (e-Visa)You must have an approved e-Visa before you travel; without it you will be denied boarding or entry. Apply online before travel | French passport holders must obtain an e-Visa (ETA) before arrival. Apply at least 72 hours before departure via the official Israeli interior ministry portal (the e-Visa is issued for entry to Palestine via Israel). Cost: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours. The e-Visa is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner. | Required |
| Passport validityBorder officials will check that your passport is valid well beyond your trip dates. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your French 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 a clean page for the border officer to stamp when you arrive and leave. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. This is in addition to any pages used for the e-Visa if it is stamped. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of the country shows you are a genuine visitor and not planning to overstay. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return flight ticket or onward travel itinerary. Immigration may ask to see it as proof that you will leave Palestine/Israel before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements, credit cards, or cash. There is no fixed minimum, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for French citizens entering Palestine. The e-Visa (ETA) serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
Entry via Israel only
There are no international airports in Palestine. You'll fly into Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Israel, and the ETA is required for that entry. The ETA is valid for multiple entries, so you can cross back and forth between Israel and Palestine freely.
Checkpoint realities
Expect delays at checkpoints like Qalandia, especially during holidays or security alerts. Keep your passport and ETA confirmation accessible, and be patient — it's a normal part of travel here.
ETA is cheap and fast
At just 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and with approval often in minutes, this is one of the easiest travel authorizations you'll ever get. Just don't forget to apply before you fly!
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official Israeli government ETA website (interior.gov.il/en/eta) and fill out the application. It takes about 10 minutes. You'll need your passport details and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD).
2
Wait for approval
Approval is usually instant or within a few hours, but the official advice is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. You'll receive an email confirmation — save it on your phone and print a copy just in case.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. After landing, follow signs to passport control. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. The officer may ask where you're staying and what you're doing — answer clearly.
4
Cross into Palestine
From the airport, you can take a shared taxi or bus to Jerusalem, then onward to Ramallah or other Palestinian cities. There are checkpoints (e.g., Qalandia) where you'll show your passport again. Keep your ETA handy — it's valid for multiple entries.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eVisa
Max stay90 days total within 180 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx. 90 EUR)
For frequent travelers; apply online.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx. 180 EUR)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Palestinian authorities; apply through the Civil Affairs Department.
work visa
Work Visa (Palestine)
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Palestinian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (institution-specific)
For those enrolled in a recognized Palestinian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Palestinian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist/business, single entry)Required for French citizens; apply online before travel. | $50 (approx. 45 EUR) |
| Visa extension (per month)Available at the Ministry of Interior in Ramallah; subject to approval. | $30 (approx. 27 EUR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
French citizens transiting through Palestine (e.g., via Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and then crossing into Palestine) do not need a transit visa for Palestine itself, but must meet Israeli entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are staying in the transit area of an Israeli airport without entering Israel, no Palestinian visa is needed.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) – Tel Aviv, Israel (main gateway) · Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) – Amman, Jordan (via King Hussein Bridge)
Health & vaccines for Palestine
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of West Nile virus and leishmaniasis; use insect repellent.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing risk; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
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, near the Ministry of Interior building
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Jerusalem (East)
Israeli Ministry of Interior - East Jerusalem Branch
Salah al-Din Street, near the American Colony Hotel
Sun–Thu 08:00–12:00
For entry/exit issues in East Jerusalem; note that this is under Israeli authority.
Practical information for FR 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 don't need a traditional visa, but you do need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) from the Israeli government. 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 you travel.
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries, and each stay is typically up to 90 days, though the exact duration is at the discretion of border officials.
No. The ETA must be approved before you fly. There's no on-arrival process at Ben Gurion Airport. If you arrive without an approved ETA, you'll likely be denied entry.
Rejections are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll need to contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority directly. You can also apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate in France for a traditional visa, but that takes longer — so apply early.
Yes, the ETA is the Israeli government's electronic authorization for visa-exempt nationalities. Since Palestine is accessed through Israel, this ETA covers your entry into both Israel and Palestinian territories.
No, the ETA covers the West Bank, including Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho. However, some areas (like parts of Hebron) are under Israeli military control and may have additional checkpoints. Always carry your passport and ETA with you.
Take a shared taxi (sherut) or a private taxi from the airport to Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, then a shared taxi to Ramallah. Alternatively, you can arrange a private transfer. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on checkpoint wait times.
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.