10 Practical Tips for Traveling in Palestine: Safety, Border Crossing, and Dining Advice
Practical Tips
2026-10-03
0 views
From safety alerts and border entry to cash and etiquette, these details can help ensure a smooth and worry-free trip to Palestine.
- Stay Informed on Safety: Before traveling, check safety advisories issued by your country’s foreign ministry or consular protection center, and carefully assess your itinerary. If the advisory advises against travel, do not proceed. If you must go, monitor the latest updates and purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
- Border Crossing and Security Checks: Most travelers enter via Israeli or Jordanian border crossings. Entry is managed by Israeli authorities, and you’ll need a valid passport and relevant permits. Clearance can take a long time, so allow extra time.
- Carry Identification: Always carry your passport and any permits with you for inspection. Be cooperative and patient during checks. It’s advisable to also carry copies and digital backups of your documents.
- Respect Religious Customs: Shoes must be removed when entering mosques, and modest clothing is required. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours, and keep noise levels down at religious sites.
- Religious Site Etiquette: When visiting places like the Church of the Nativity, stay quiet, follow on-site rules for management and photography, and do not photograph people who are praying.
- Cash and Payments: Markets primarily deal in cash, using the Israeli New Shekel. When using Jordanian Dinars or US Dollars, confirm the exchange rate and change currency type on the spot. Carry plenty of small bills.
- Tipping and Spending: Tipping is not a strong local custom. You may leave 5–10% in restaurants or for drivers if you’re satisfied. Consider tipping for assistance at borders or for guided services as appropriate.
- Photography and Drones: Do not bring drones. Avoid taking photos of checkpoints, security installations, or other sensitive areas. Always ask for permission before photographing locals.
- Food and Water: It’s best to drink bottled water. Be cautious with raw or cold food, stay hydrated and protect against heat and sun in summer, and ease into local foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Health and Vaccinations: Bring routine medications and any personal prescriptions. Consider getting standard vaccinations, purchase travel insurance with emergency medical and evacuation coverage, and know the local emergency number.
- Choose Guides Wisely: Opt for relatively stable areas and use qualified guides or travel agencies. Avoid venturing alone into remote or unfamiliar regions.
- Women and Solo Travel: Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Avoid walking alone at night, choose reputable accommodations and transport, and inform family about your travel plans.
- Communication and Time Zone: The local time is UTC+2 (Israel Standard Time) or UTC+3 (Israel Daylight Time) in summer, which is typically several hours ahead or behind your home location depending on your time zone. You can buy a local SIM card or activate roaming. Power outlets are mostly the European-style two-round-pin type—bring an adapter.
- Stay Connected: Share your itinerary and accommodation details with family, keep communication lines open, and know how to contact local emergency services and your country’s consular support.