Palestine entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine for tourism or short stays. The ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries, with each stay limited to 90 days. Apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry visa (e-Visa)You cannot get this visa on arrival; you must apply and receive approval before you fly. Apply online before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Palestine. Apply at the official Israeli Interior Ministry website (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta). The e-Visa costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is processed within 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 validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Palestine. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; extra pages are recommended if you travel frequently. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry 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 (and the region) before your visa or permitted stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your intended stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for New Zealand passport holders entering Palestine. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your stay within the visa validity; overstaying can lead to fines or bans. Not possible | The e-Visa cannot be extended. You must leave before the visa expiry date. | Not required |
ETA is issued by Israel
Palestine is not a fully independent state for immigration purposes. Entry is controlled by Israel, so you'll be processed by Israeli border authorities. The ETA you get is the same one used for Israel, and it allows you to enter both Israel and Palestine.
Checkpoints and travel restrictions
Even with a valid ETA, you may encounter Israeli military checkpoints within the West Bank. Always carry your passport and ETA approval. Some areas (like Gaza) have additional restrictions – check current travel advisories before planning your route.
Multiple entries allowed
Your ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries. This is handy if you plan to pop over to Jordan or Israel and come back.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official Israeli ETA website (interior.gov.il/en/eta) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee. The form takes about 10 minutes.
2
Receive approval and check your email
Approval is usually sent within minutes to a few hours, but can take up to 72 hours. Check your email (including spam) for the confirmation. Save a copy on your phone or print it just in case.
3
Arrive at the border crossing
When you arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or a land crossing like Allenby Bridge, go to the passport control queue. Present your passport – the officer will see your ETA is approved. They may ask about your travel plans, so have your accommodation details handy.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Your 90-day stay starts from that day. Keep your passport safe – you'll need it for any internal checkpoints.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 stay3 months per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApprox. $100–$150
Obtained from Israeli embassy/consulate before travel; allows multiple entries into Palestine via Israel.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
CostVaries (approx. $200)
Requires sponsorship from a Palestinian employer or educational institution; apply through Palestinian Civil Affairs.
work visa
Palestinian Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Palestinian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Palestinian Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment at a Palestinian university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
volunteer visa
Palestinian Volunteer Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For those volunteering with registered NGOs or humanitarian organizations. Requires sponsorship from the NGO and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extensionApply at the Civil Administration office in Ramallah or via a local sponsor; extension up to 3 months. | Approx. $50 (₪180) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Some border crossings (e.g., Allenby Bridge) charge an exit fee; check current rates. | Varies (approx. $30–$50) |
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
New Zealand citizens transiting through Israeli airports (e.g., Ben Gurion) do not need a separate transit visa for airside transit, but must have a valid passport and onward ticket. For land crossings into Palestine, entry is granted on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or entry permit is required.
- Transit via Rafah crossing (Egypt) may have separate restrictions.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) – Tel Aviv, Israel · Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) – Amman, Jordan (for land crossing via Allenby Bridge)
Health & vaccines for Palestine
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to variable sanitation; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Low risk for most tourists; use insect repellent in rural areas.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination before travel.
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 any supporting documents.
Gaza City
Gaza Immigration Office
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Access is restricted; most travellers enter via Israel and handle matters at border crossings.
Practical information for NZ 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 approval. It's valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries, with each stay up to 90 days.
Usually minutes to a few hours, but the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. It's best to apply as soon as you book your trip.
The fee is 25 ILS, which is about $7 USD. You pay online when you apply.
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 to reset your allowance. Best to plan your trip within 90 days.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back. There's no on-arrival ETA facility. Always apply before you travel.
Yes, the ETA is issued by Israel and is valid for entry through Israeli-controlled border crossings, including Ben Gurion Airport and the Allenby Bridge. It's the standard entry method for tourists going to Palestine.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own ETA. You'll need to provide their passport details and pay the fee for each person.
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.