GETTING TO PALESTINE
You can arrive in Palestine from different entry points, depending on your preferences. We can either book your tickets to Tel-Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport or we can arrange for your arrival at the one of borders with Jordan. The options are the Allenby Bridge or the Sheikh Hussein Bridge, both of which cross the legendary Jordan River.
TRAVELER’S SAFETY AND HEALTH
Though you may encounter checkpoints and red signs on your way into Palestinian cities, let this be of no concern: even though Palestine is usually (and unjustly) depicted as unstable, it has always been safe for tourists to visit and tour the country. Tourists are welcomed by all the citizens who love to share their country and traditions with people from all over the world. And there is no need to worry about crossing between Palestine and Israel, as hundreds of tourists make the crossing everyday safely. Note that you should carry your passport and entry visa with you in order to pass through the checkpoints. There is no need to take vaccinations prior to arrival. Drinking tap water is safe in Palestine and mineral water is available everywhere.
VISA, PASSPORT AND EMBASSY INFORMATION
All visitors must hold a machine-readable or biometric passport at the port of entry and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure. If you are a citizen of the following countries and do not plan to staying more than 3 months, then you do NOT need a visa prior to arrival.
- Africa
Botswana, Central African Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland, Vanuatu - Asia Pacific
Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (South), Macau, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Tonga - Europe
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malta, Man and Canal Islands, Moldova (biometric only), Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom - Central and South America and the Caribbean
Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay - North America
Canada, United States
However, it will be your responsibility to double check the above information with the diplomatic mission in your country. It is also important to note that tourists wishing to continue their visits to other Arab countries, except Egypt and Jordan, should ask that an Israeli stamp does not appear on their passport upon entry.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
When you sign up for a Golden Globe Tour package, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance to cover the duration of your trip.
ATMS & MONEY
The Local currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or Shekel for short. However, several currencies are accepted for normal transactions, like Us Dollars, Euros and Jordanian Dinar. But it would be better to exchange foreign currency at one of the plenty exchange agencies all over Palestine or in the airport, borders and banks. Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local or foreign currency from banks or Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) as well.
WEATHER
The Mediterranean climate dominates Palestine which is known for long, warm, dry summers and mild winters. In summer, the temperature may reach up to 35° C while in winter it may fall to zero. However, since Palestine is known for variations in its geography between mountains, valleys and seaside the temperatures may vary depending on the area. Tourists are generally advised to wear light clothes in summer and sweaters in the evening, and in winter they should be equipped with warm clothes.
PROPER DRESS
It is important to follow traditional dress code when traveling in the Middle East. We suggest dressing modestly. For women a scarf and long dress will be needed to enter several holy sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.