Palestine entry requirements for Portugal 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

Portuguese passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine, not a traditional visa. The process is quick and done entirely online. You'll need to apply before you travel, and the authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Entry visa (e-Visa)You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight to Palestine.
Apply online before travel
Portuguese citizens must obtain an e-Visa before arrival. Apply at the official Israeli Interior Ministry ETA portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Cost: 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 validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling.
Minimum 6 months beyond arrival
Your Portuguese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Palestine.Required
Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page — make sure you have a spare one.
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 want to see that you have plans to leave.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Palestine/Israel before your e-Visa or permitted stay expires.Required
Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at entry.
Sufficient for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Palestine.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Portuguese citizens entering Palestine.Not required
ETA is valid for multiple entries
The ETA is valid for two years, so you can come and go multiple times during that period. No need to reapply for each visit.
Border crossings can be unpredictable
Even with an approved ETA, Israeli border officials have the final say. Delays are common, especially at Allenby Bridge. Keep your patience and allow extra time for travel.
Portuguese citizens are generally welcomed
Portugal has good relations with Israel, and Portuguese passport holders rarely face issues. Just be honest and polite at the border, and you'll be fine.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://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. Most approvals come through in minutes, but give yourself at least 72 hours.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save your ETA approval, flight itinerary, and accommodation booking. Keep them accessible — you'll need them at check-in and at the border.
3
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or cross by land from Jordan (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge), you'll go through Israeli border control. Present your passport and ETA. They may ask about your plans — answer honestly and calmly.
4
Enter Palestine
After clearing Israeli border control, you're officially in the West Bank. If you arrive at Ben Gurion, you can take a shared taxi or bus to Jerusalem, then onward to Ramallah or other cities. At land crossings, you'll take a taxi or bus from the terminal.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)

Requires invitation from a Palestinian company and approval from the Palestinian Ministry of Interior.

Student visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$150 (approx.)

Requires acceptance letter from a Palestinian educational institution.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa feeSingle-entry tourist visa, payable online.$50 (approx.)
Visa extension feeFor stays beyond 30 days, apply at the Civil Affairs Office in Ramallah.$100 (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

Portuguese citizens transiting through Palestine (via Israel) do not require a transit visa if they remain airside at Ben Gurion Airport. However, entry to Palestine itself requires a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV)

Health & vaccines for Palestine

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to variable sanitation; practice safe food and water precautions.

Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, leishmaniasis)Low risk

Low risk for most travelers; 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, Ramallah
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles visa-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.

Jerusalem
Israeli Ministry of Interior (for coordination)
1 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Palestine entry is often coordinated with Israeli authorities; this office may assist with transit issues.

Practical information for PT 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police100
Medical101
US EmbassyFind contact

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. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta.
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can stay for up to 90 days per visit. It's not extendable, so if you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Yes. The ETA is issued by Israel and is valid for entry through all Israeli border crossings, including Ben Gurion Airport, Allenby Bridge, and others. Once you're in the West Bank, you're in Palestine.
Denials are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll need to contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority directly. There's no appeal process online, so you'd have to visit an Israeli embassy or consulate. In practice, most Portuguese citizens are approved without issue.
Yes. The ETA does not cover Gaza. Entering Gaza requires special permission from Israeli authorities, and it's heavily restricted. Unless you have a specific reason (journalism, aid work), it's unlikely you'll be allowed in. Check with the relevant authorities well in advance.
Yes, it's the same system. The ETA-IL is Israel's electronic travel authorization, and it's what you'll use to enter Palestine. The application is identical, and the fee is the same.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Israel/Palestine. If you realize you're close to the limit, leave before the 90 days are up. You can re-enter after a short absence if you want to come back.

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.