Palestine visas

Who needs a visa to Palestine

The Visa Policy of Palestine refers to the special entrance requirements for the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza. Except for those imposed by the State of Israels visa policy, there are no additional visa requirements placed on foreign citizens. Access to the West Bank is controlled by the Israeli government, whereas access to Gaza is controlled by the Hamas militant group.

Entry into Palestine

Currently, the security situation is unpredictable and precarious. Please adhere to local authorities' recommendations and remain aware of the security situation. All public meetings and demonstrations should be avoided. The situation remains tense in the occupied West Bank, particularly East Jerusalem. We suggest extreme caution and vigilance in and around East Jerusalem. Be mindful of the possibility of political demonstrations or civil upheaval, especially in the Old City and the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount area, where tourists can also anticipate a heightened security presence.

Recent attacks by so-called "lone wolves" have occurred in both Israel and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This includes stabbings, shootings, vehicular attacks, arson, and the throwing of stones. These incidents are met with a vigorous response from Israeli security personnel, including live fire.

Israeli legislation permits immigration officers to restrict entrance to foreign nationals who have publicly campaigned for a boycott of Israel and/or settlements, or who are members of an organisation that has done so. If you require further information, please contact the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. The best assistance is typically close at hand, so if you have difficulties, speak with your local connections, tour operator representative, or hotel administration.

The situation in and around the Golan and the Israel-Lebanon border is precarious and subject to quick deterioration. We warn against all travel to the portions of the Golan Heights that border Syria east of State Route 98, as well as the Sheba'a Farms and Ghajar along the border with Lebanon.

We strongly discourage all travel to the Gaza Strip. There is no permanent Irish diplomatic or consular presence within the Gaza Strip, and any entry is contingent on Israeli, Palestinian, and de facto authorities' facilitation. Our ability to act on behalf of Irish nationals in Gaza with local authorities remains severely limited.

The provision of essential services (water, electricity, and health care) in Gaza is extremely limited, and travel within the region is extremely hazardous due to the prevailing conditions, which include poor roads and infrastructure as well as the possibility of criminal activity and disruptions of public order.

Israel's embargo of the Gaza Strip continues. We advise against attempting to enter Gaza by ship or sailing in the waters off Gaza's coast.

There is a strong chance of protests and other types of civil disturbance in the occupied West Bank, where the situation remains extremely tense. Whenever feasible, travel in the occupied West Bank should be limited to daytime hours. We advise against non-essential travel to parts of the occupied West Bank, including Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and neighbouring areas, where violence has escalated.

When travelling to the Old City of Jerusalem, extreme caution is recommended. Avoid congregating in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate, Lions Gate, Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount, and Al Wad Street. At checkpoints, one should use extreme caution.

Criteria to apply for a Palestine Visa

You will need the following:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure date.
• You must ensure that all of your documents are submitted on time for your visa to be approved.
• Business travellers to Palestine are required to obtain a business visa.

Who Can Visit Palestine Without a Visa?

Palestine's visa policy refers to the entry requirements for the Palestinian territories. Other than those stipulated by Israel's visa policy, no additional visa requirements apply to foreign nationals. Access to the West Bank is managed by the Israeli government, while access to Gaza is managed by Hamas.