Frequently Asked Questions - Getting There and Back

Transit policy to the West Bank via Israel
5 Mar 2007

In response to requests from foreign missions to specify the arrangements required for transit of foreign citizens through Israel to the West Bank, we attach a guide to the policy of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) in this regard.

In the preparation of this policy every effort has been made to simplify the arrangements and to be sensitive to the needs of visitors and the local population.

It will be understood that the implementation of these arrangements takes place at a time of political sensitivity and genuine security concerns.

We trust that the foreign missions and visiting foreign citizens will demonstrate respect and understanding for the arrangements that this situation unfortunately requires.

If you have any questions or issues for clarifications, you are invited to contact the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy.

Transit Policy to the West Bank via Israel

1. General

a. The issue of transit to the West Bank via Israel is dealt with by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), working in coordination with the Ministry of Interior (which, under Israel law, holds the authority to approve the entry of foreigners into Israel).
b. This document sets out COGAT's policy regarding the issue of transit as it relates to foreign citizens who are not registered in the West Bank's Population Registry (henceforth: "foreign citizens"). These foreign citizens are permitted to enter Israel via Ben Gurion Airport and / or the Allenby Bridge.
c. Foreign citizens who are registered in the West Bank Population Registry as residents of the West Bank, are permitted to enter via the Allenby Bridge, on the basis of Palestinian documentation (Palestinian Passport / Palestinian identity card along with Exit Permit), in accordance with current procedures.

2. The following categories of foreign citizens may request an entry permit valid for up to three months:

a. Spouses of resident Palestinians registered in the West Bank Population Registry
b. Children up to the age of 16 of resident Palestinians
c. Businesspersons / investors / bearers of a working permit for the West Bank
d. Staff of foreign missions in the West Bank
e. Representatives of international organizations in the West Bank
f. Lecturers and consultants
g. Humanitarian cases and others

3. Issue of Entry Permit

a. Foreign citizens of states that do not have a visa-exemption agreement with Israel, belonging to one of the above categories, who require a visa for entry to Israel for the purpose of transit to the West Bank, should apply for a visa at the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy. They must present documentation confirming their status / position and the purpose of their visit.
b. Foreign citizens belonging to one of the above categories who are citizens of states that have signed a visa-exemption agreement with Israel to the West Bank via Israel after showing documents at the Ben Gurion Airport or Allenby Bridge that confirm their status / position and the purpose of their visit, subject to an inspection and approval by a COGAT representative.

4. Extension of Visa

a. The following categories of foreign citizens may request to extend their visa after the initial period for an additional period of up to a year (and no longer than 27 months total):

1) Spouses of resident Palestinians registered in the West Bank Population Registry
2) Children up to the age of 16 of resident Palestinians
3) Humanitarian cases and others

In order to extend the visa, they must apply to the Palestinian Population Registry in Ramallah. In special cases, they should turn to the Population Registry of the Ministry of Interior in Beit-El (Tel. 02-9977072).

b. The following categories of foreign citizens may request to extend their visa after the initial period for an additional period of up to 6 months (and no longer than 27 months total):

1) Staff of foreign missions in the West Bank
2) Representatives of international organizations in the West Bank

In order to extend the visa, they must apply to the Head of the International Organization Department in the Civil Administration at Beit-El (Tel. 02-9977744) or to the Population Registry of the Ministry of Interior in Beit-El (Tel. 02-9977072).

Note

a. Foreign citizens whose passports were stamped with 'Last Permit' in the recent months may nonetheless leave the West Bank and submit a new visa request.
b. The arrangements set out in this document are subject to imperative considerations of policy and security as may be applicable in Israel and the West Bank.
c. Entry of individuals into Israel and the West Bank remains subject to security / criminal assessments by the relevant authorities.

Source: http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Consular+affairs/Transit+po...

Most of the MEF and HLT staff have traveled extensively in the region and we can offer a lot of advice and provide some contacts. 

If you have previously travelled to the Occupied Territories, especially with another organization, you must let Middle East Fellowship and Holy Land Trust know. Certain organizations have been blacklisted by the Israeli government and if you’ve traveled with one of these groups, you might be barred from entering or cause damage to the program.

It is not illegal for foreigners to enter the Occupied Territories. However, it is frowned upon by Israeli Security Forces, and can raise red flags of suspicion for them. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding this question.

It is often best to simply not mention your plans to enter the Occupied Palestinian Territories, or, if leaving Israel, not mention that you have been. We do not advocate being dishonest, as that can often cause more trouble than it will avoid, but do not feel obligated to volunteer information. This will be covered in more detail in the Orientation Packet.

Nobody can wait for you in the airport or in the border terminal. You should either go to the group meeting place in Jerusalem or the Holy Land Trust office can arrange to have a driver sent to pick you up and bring you to our office in Bethlehem for $100. This fee is for the car and can be split if you are not traveling alone.

The group meeting place is in Jerusalem. The first day of each session is a travel day allowing participants time to arrive at the group meeting place. We will provide transportation from the group meeting place to Bethlehem where participants will be placed with their host families. The next day (2nd day of the program session) Orientation begins. Details about the group meeting place will be provided prior to the program start date. If you have problems at any point in your travels you should contact the Holy Land Trust staff. This information will also be provided prior to the program start date.