How to Stay Safe in Palestine (West Bank & Gaza)
1. Introduction & Advisory
| WARNING — ACTIVE CONFLICT — GAZA: Gaza is rated DO NOT TRAVEL by all Western governments. Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been the scene of active armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in devastating civilian casualties and the near-total destruction of infrastructure. No tourism is possible. Humanitarian workers operate in extremely dangerous conditions. |
| WARNING — RECONSIDER TRAVEL — WEST BANK: The West Bank (Palestinian Authority-administered areas and Israeli military zone) has seen a significant increase in violence since October 2023. Israeli military operations, settler violence, and Palestinian militant activity have all increased. Most Western governments now advise reconsider travel or exercise high degree of caution for the West Bank. |
This guide focuses on the West Bank, which has historically been accessible to tourists visiting Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron. The Palestinian territories encompass the West Bank (separated from Israel by a barrier and checkpoints) and Gaza (under Hamas control since 2007, currently under active conflict). The currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS) and Jordanian Dinar (JOD) in the West Bank.
2. Security Landscape — West Bank
2.1 Military Operations
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conduct periodic raids and operations throughout the West Bank, including in cities (Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Jericho). Military operations can happen with little or no warning in any part of the West Bank. Access can be cut by curfews, checkpoints, or closures. During IDF operations, stay indoors and away from windows.
2.2 Settler Violence
| WARNING — Settler Violence: Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank has increased significantly. Settler attacks on villages, particularly in areas C and B (Israeli military control), have caused deaths and injuries. Tourists caught in settler-Palestinian confrontations face risk. Avoid remote rural areas in the northern West Bank (near Nablus, Hebron hills). |
2.3 Checkpoints
The West Bank is accessible from Israel via designated checkpoints (Qalandia, Bethlehem/300 checkpoint, Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan). Checkpoint wait times can be very long (1-3 hours at peak times). Carry your passport at all times. Checkpoints can be closed without notice during security incidents. Plan significant time buffers for checkpoint crossings.
3. Accessible Tourist Sites
| TIP — Key Tourist Sites: Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity, Manger Square), Jericho (world’s oldest city, Hisham’s Palace), Ramallah (administrative capital, lively cultural scene), Hebron/Al-Khalil (Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of Machpelah — extremely sensitive, divided city), Nablus (old city, Jacob’s Well), Sebastia (ancient Samaria ruins). |
| WARNING — H2 Zone Hebron: The H2 zone of Hebron is divided between Israeli military control and Palestinian areas. This area has extreme tension — both Jewish settlers and Palestinian residents in close proximity with regular friction. Exercise extreme caution and consider going with a licensed guide if visiting. |
4. Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho are limited compared to Israeli hospitals but function for routine care. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society operates ambulances. For serious conditions, transfer to Israeli hospitals (with permits) or Jordan may be required. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
5. Common Scams & Threats
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Taxi Overcharging | Taxis from the Qalandia checkpoint and in Bethlehem quote tourist rates several times above local fares. | Agree fares before departure. Research standard fares. The checkpoint-to-Ramallah journey should cost ILS 20-30. |
| Souvenir Overpricing | Olive wood carvings, ceramics, and religious items near the Nativity Church are priced for tourists. | Shop at cooperatives and fair-trade outlets (Bethlehem Souvenirs, Palestinian Fair Trade Association shops) for fairer prices. |
| Fake Antiques | Vendors claim that Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader-era artefacts are genuine antiques. | Exporting genuine antiquities from Palestinian territories or Israel is illegal without permits. |
| Tour Guide Pressure | Guides in Bethlehem insist you visit specific shops where they earn commissions. | Use guides certified by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism. Be clear you do not want commission-based shopping stops. |
| Currency Confusion | Multiple currencies (ILS, JOD, USD) are used in the West Bank, creating potential for confusion. | Know exchange rates for all three currencies. Always clarify which currency is being used. |
6. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Details |
| Palestinian Police Emergency | 100 |
| Palestinian Red Crescent | 101 |
| Fire Service | 102 |
| Palestinian Civil Defence | 102 |
| Palestinian Authority Tourist Police | +970 2 274 1236 |
| UK Representative Office Ramallah | +972 2 541 4100 |
| US Consulate Jerusalem (West Bank) | +972 2 630 4000 |
| Australian Representative Office Ramallah | +972 2 241 0200 |
| ICRC Jerusalem | +972 2 569 9233 |
7. Safety Checklist
- Do not attempt to travel to Gaza under any circumstances
- Check current West Bank security situation before travel
- Carry your passport at all times — required at checkpoints
- Build extra time into all plans — checkpoints can cause multi-hour delays
- Stay indoors during any IDF military operations in your area
- Avoid remote rural areas in the northern West Bank (settler conflict zones)
- Use licensed Palestinian Ministry of Tourism-certified guides
- Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance
- Register with your embassy before travelling
- Monitor local news for escalation and closures
