Palestine entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine, which you can get online before you travel. The process is quick and straightforward, and you'll need to show your approved ETA at the border. As of 2026, this applies to all UK citizens visiting Palestine.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry visa (e-Visa)You must have an approved e-Visa before you travel to Palestine (via Israel). Apply online before travel | British citizens must obtain an e-Visa before arrival. Apply at the official Israeli interior ministry site (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The e-Visa is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Palestine. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border officials to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials often require evidence of your departure plans. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Palestine/Israel before your e-Visa or passport expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means in case you are asked at the border. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for British citizens entering Palestine. | Not required |
ETA is issued by Israel
The ETA is processed by Israeli authorities, even though you're visiting Palestine. You'll enter through Israeli-controlled border crossings, so be prepared for Israeli security checks.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While approval is usually quick, the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours ahead. Don't leave it to the last minute — if there's a glitch, you could miss your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details and a valid email address. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours ahead to be safe.
2
Receive your ETA approval
Once approved, you'll get an email confirmation. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at the border. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, so you can use it for multiple visits.
3
Arrive at the border
When you arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby Bridge crossing, go to the passport control queue. Present your passport and the ETA confirmation. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Entry is usually smooth if your ETA is approved.
4
Enter Palestine
After clearing Israeli border control, you can proceed into the West Bank. Note that the ETA is issued by Israel, and you'll be entering through Israeli-controlled checkpoints. Keep your passport and ETA handy for any additional checks.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 (via Israeli authorities)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years (typical for UK citizens)
CostApprox. 100 ILS (about $28)
Issued by Israeli Ministry of Interior; allows multiple entries into Israel and the Palestinian territories. Apply at an Israeli embassy before travel.
work visa
Work Visa for Palestine
1 year, renewable
Unknown (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 for Palestine
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Unknown (institution-sponsored)
For those enrolled in a recognized Palestinian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exit fee (if departing via Allenby Bridge to Jordan)Paid at the border; subject to change. | Approx. 50 ILS (about $14) |
| Visa extension (if staying beyond 90 days)Apply at the Palestinian Civil Affairs office in Ramallah; extensions are discretionary. | Approx. 100 ILS (about $28) |
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
UK passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit at Israeli airports (e.g., Ben Gurion) when transiting to/from Palestine. However, if you leave the airport, you must pass through Israeli border control and may receive a free entry stamp.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have an Israeli visa refusal stamp or certain security flags, you may be questioned or denied entry.
- Transit through Jordan (Queen Alia Airport) requires a Jordanian visa if leaving the airport; airside transit is visa-free for UK citizens.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) – Israel · Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) – Jordan
Health & vaccines for Palestine
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; no malaria in most areas.
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, Ramallah
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa and residency matters; bring passport and supporting documents.
Jerusalem
Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (for East Jerusalem)
HaNevi'im Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles entry/exit for Jerusalem area; coordination with Palestinian authorities may be needed.
Practical information for GB 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
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online application. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours.
The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple entries during that period.
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.
You'll likely be denied entry at the border. The ETA is mandatory for UK passport holders. Make sure you have it approved before you travel.
No, the ETA issued by Israel covers entry into the West Bank. There's no separate Palestinian visa. You'll enter through Israeli-controlled border points.
No, the ETA is specifically for entry into Israel and the Palestinian territories. It doesn't grant access to any other country.
Your ETA becomes invalid when your passport expires. You'll need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport.
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.