Frequently Asked Questions

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.

All participants are expected to find their own transportation to a group meeting place in Jerusalem. Most participants fly into the Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv and take a shared taxi to Jerusalem. However, if you plan to do additional traveling in the region you may want to be aware of other points of entry. Please be aware that if you plan to visit countries with bad diplomatic relations with Israel we strongly advise you to fly into Amman and request that the Israeli visa stamp be placed on a separate piece of paper.

Egypt
   + Rafah Crossing into Gaza is often closed and we do not advise using it
   + The Tabah crossing in the Sinai is the most common border crossing
   + Most people don’t know there is a ferry from Nuweiba in the Sinai to Aqaba in Jordan.

Jordan
   + If you are going from Amman, Jordan to Israel and Palestine you will most likely use the Allenby Bridge crossing. This is known as Jisr al-Malek al-Hussein (King Hussein) bridge in Arabic. Do not get this crossing confused with the Sheikh Hussein crossing farther North.
   + You can also cross between Eilat in Israel to the neighboring city of Aqaba in Jordan.

If you are a U.S. citizen you do not need to apply for a visa to travel to many countries in the Middle East including Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. If you are not a U.S. citizen you may need to apply for visa to travel any where in the region. Most Arab countries in the region will not allow you to enter if you have an Israeli visa stamped in your passport. You can ask the Israeli visa to be stamped on a separate sheet of paper. Most people don't know you can apply for a second passport. A second passport is invaluable especially if you plan to travel a great deal in the Middle East. Find out how to obtain a second passport here: http://www.zvs.com/site/Passports/secondpassport Because Israel effectively occupies and controls the West Bank you will receive an Israeli visa not a Palestinian visa. Palestinians have no control over their borders. The general entry and exit requirements for Americans traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are as follows: A passport valid for six months beyond duration of stay, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry. A no-charge, three-month visa may be issued upon arrival and may be renewed. Please note that you may receive a one month visa if you enter Israel and Palestine by land from Egypt or Jordan. Palestinian Americans may be subject to special restrictions. For more information visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html

Finding cheap flights is often one of the most difficult tasks of traveling to the Middle East. Prices can range from as little as $900 to as much as $1800. Below we provide links, tips, and other information as well as contact information for two travel agents we recommend using. A few hints: 1. Spend the extra time to compare prices. 2. Buy tickets as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more $$ you spend. 3. Try leaving a day later or arriving a day earlier to see if changing your departure days significantly reduces the price. Keep in mind if you do arrive early or stay late you will need to find housing. 4. Compare flights to neighboring countries. For example if you are going to Israel and Palestine compare both Bun Gurion Airport and Amman. 5. Check with the non-western airlines directly to see if they have travel deals. www.turkishairlines.com www.egyptair.com.eg www.rja.com.jo www.elal.co.il And check with other major airfare sites: www.travelocity.comwww.expedia.comwww.cheaptickets.com www.qixo.com - One of the least known and best online travel tools.It requires a small fee to purchase your tickets. However it often finds the cheapest flights and searches many non-western airlines that other travel websites don't.

Pack light if possible. You will be able to do your laundry so overpacking clothes is unnecessary. But definitely bring layers of clothing, extra money for souvenirs and gifts, a camera (if you have one), a jacket or coat, and a notebook. Be sure that the clothes you pack are MODEST. Sleeveless shirts and short skirts are best left at home. Shorts are usually okay (though long pants are better) and you should probably pack a towel and a swim suit or swim trunks. Laptops can cause delays in airport security so we recommend that you don't bring one unless you really need it (it may be useful for your volunteer opportunity depending on where you are placed). Make sure you bring all critical items (medication, toothbrush, contact information, etc.) on the plane-the airline probably isn't going to lose your luggage but better safe than sorry. Don't forget a gift for your host family!

One of the main concerns for people traveling to Palestine is their personal safety. Among the most frequently asked questions by tourists are: Is Palestine a safe country to visit? Is my life going to be in danger during my stay? What are the risks? Holy Land Trust staff assures you that Palestine is very safe for international visitors. Unlike other conflict zones, foreigners here are not intended targets of violence. As an added precaution, we do not take tourists to areas considered to be high-risk or dangerous. Additionally, our participants are not typical tourists. They volunteer, live with Palestinian families, and study Arabic. Because of this they are often viewed as a part of the community and are treated as such.Some internationals who have participated in peaceful demonstrations against Israeli policies have been subject to teargas and ammunition fire.

If you choose to participate in these activities, you should be well-informed by organizers as to the potential risks. However, thousands of visitors travel to Palestine generally and Bethlehem in particular every day without incident. Additionally, robbery and theft are both extremely rare. Palestine also suffers from the media''s narrow focus on incidents of violence.

Although it is a sad truth that thousands of Palestinians and Israelis have died in the current Intifada period, very few internationals were among the casualties. Much of the harm of the occupation comes from structural violence and the military control over a civilian population. During your time with us, you will experience the reality of daily life of Palestinians and better understand the nature of all aspects of this conflict. We urge you to come to see for yourself the news which does not make it into the media. Some of these untold stories are covered by Holy Land Trusts online news service, Palestine News Network (www.pnn.ps). People from around the world have come to Palestine through Holy Land Trust. To learn about the personal experience of other visitors, please take the time to review the photos and journal entries of past Palestine Summer Encounter participants. Many of the countries we encourage people to visit in order to build relationships with its people have Travel Warnings from the U.S. State Department. Please be aware of these warnings and take them into consideration. You can check the most recent travel warnings, find visa/passport information, and obtain other travel information from the State Department website: http://travel.state.gov

This is a question best asked in consultation with a financial or tax advisor. We encourage you to save all of your receipts, including correspondence and receipting from us and receipts from your purchase of airline tickets, expenses on the ground, etc. Bring a manilla envelope to safely store receipts in during your trip–and don't lose it!

Our current understanding of U.S. law is that at least a portion of your trip would be tax deductible because this is a volunteer program. It would not be tax deductible if the only purpose were educational. Here's good article to use as a reference point:

Missions Trips and Tax Deductions by Frank Sommerville.

Although specific to missions trips, the law applies to all volunteer based trips. Laws on tax deductions can change. It is ultimately the responsibility of each participant to determine for themselves to what extent their experience is tax deductible. We should be able to offer an itemized breakdown of how your payments were used at the end of the program upon request. Again we recommend: a) keeping all of your receipts and b) when tax season comes up, consult a tax advisor.

Palestine Summer Encounter is an extremely inexpensive program if you compare it, for example, to other Arabic programs offered at institutions in the Middle East. Unfortunately, it simply is not possible to offer the program at no charge (otherwise we would!) Some of the many expenses include: salaries of the Arabic instructors; weekend excursions (tour guides, buses, hotels, etc.); compensation for host family expenses (room and board); and staff time (to set up volunteer opportunities, lead the orientation, help participants prepare for their trip, etc.) In spite of the many necessary expenses incurred, we make every effort to keep the program as affordable as possible.

For your time in Israel and Palestine you will be responsible for exchanging your own money. To save hassle and time, we encourage you to exchange all the money you anticipate needing at the beginning of your time there. This can be done in the airport or bank or even in the occupied territories. The exchange rate is approximately 4 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) to $1. Palestinians in the Occupied Territories occasionally often accept U.S. dollars and Jordanian Dinars.

Previous delegates have found that $10-20 per day is sufficient to cover the cost of daily expenses including lunch and transportation. You should probably bring some additional money for tips and if you plan to buy souvenirs and gifts. Cash and your credit card (Visa is the most accepted at ATM machines) usually work best. Please bring small bills (5s and 1s). It is very difficult to cash travelers checks in most of the places we will go.

Yes. There is some flexibility. However we STRONGLY encourage participants to work within the dates already provided, which are already highly flexible (with five different packages to choose from). We can't offer any discounts for those who choose to stay for less than one month (our expenses will mostly be the same). If you miss the orientation session at the beginning of each session, you may have a harder time adjusting to the culture as well as your volunteer placement and Arabic class. Any special travel arrangements, including early or late start dates, must be communicated to the Middle East Fellowship at least two months in advance of your departure.

Yes. Through a generous grant from the Foundation for Middle East Peace we do now have a few needs-based scholarships available for Palestine Summer Encounter participants. If you are unable to afford the full cost of the program but feel yourself to be a qualified candidate, please apply online.

There are also scholarships available for alumni of the program who want to return in a leadership position.

Not everyone will be able to join the program on a scholarship. We do, however, strongly encourage all of our participants to fundraise for their trip- especially if they are having difficulty finding the money to cover their costs. Your friends and family can send in money on your behalf and it will be counted as a tax-deductible donation to Middle East Fellowship. We have had a number of participants who, through appeal letters and fundraising events, have been able to raise enough money to cover the entire cost of the program (including flight!). Please feel free to contact us if you want to brainstorm strategies for raising your own support.

Simply fill out the online registration form. Once you have done this you will need to submit your $150 registration fee (see the payments page).

Yes, we have many alumni who would be happy to give you advice and answer any of your questions. We can provide you with contact information of alumni or you can post questions to the Middle East Fellowship facebook group where many of alumni are “friends” of our program.

Unfortunately we do not provide the contact information of other participants before the program starts. This is for confidentiality and security reasons.

For the current deadlines please refer to the Dates and Prices page. Typically the deadline is one month prior to the start of the program.

We do accept participants who are under the age of eighteen on a case-by-case basis, particulalry if they are being accompanied on the program by a parent or guardian. If you are under the age of eighteen please contact us with a brief explanation of your interests in the program.

Middle East Fellowship and Holy Land Trust reserve the right to reject any application submitted to us. We may, for example, impose a cap for a maximum number of participants. In this case any application submitted after we have filled all available spots will be returned. If for any reason whatsoever we feel that you may be a risk to yourself or others during the program, your application will be denied. We ask that people do not purchase their plane tickets until they have been formally accepted into the program.

Because the goal of our program is to build relationships and because most of our participants are beginner students our beginner Arabic class uses transliteration. Other levels incorporate Arabic script.

You will be asked on your application to place yourself in a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level. Our beginner class is for people who very unfamiliar with Arabic. Our intermediate class is designed for people who have taken approximately one month of Arabic using transliteration. If you do not fit into this category we may consider you an “advanced” student. A persons level for intermediate and advanced is often relative to the level of of other participants. Thus usually the first few days of class the teachers evaluate the level of students and make approprieate adjustments.

We have several classes during the day with several teachers. Usually class is 2 – 3 hours a day 4 – 5 days a week. Every year the structure changes slightly depending on the volunteer schedule of participants, availability of teachers, and desire of students.

Our summer program is not an academic program. Most or our participants are students but they do not want the expectation and demands of homework and tests an academic program would require. Thus the majority of our participants do not receive Academic credit. However academic credit can be obtained and transcripts are available for an additional fee.

Yes. Internet cafes are common in the Bethlehem area.

Generally speaking Bethlehem is safer and more stable than other
places in the Occupied Territories but the security situation on the ground can change abruptly due to Israeli incursions and closures. If you have special or
specific concerns than you should contact the Holy Land Trust office.

The geography of Israel and Palestine is very diverse and hence weather and temperature can fluctuate. The weather below sea level at the Dead Sea can be very different from the weather in Tel Aviv on the coast, or in the hills around Bethlehem. You should plan clothing in terms of layers, especially if you plan to travel around a great deal. The summers are very hot and winters are very cold and can be surprisingly damp.

Palestinian society is a bit conservative, although Bethlehem is slightly less conservative than most of Palestine. You might find restaurants in Bethlehem that serve alcohol, as well as bars. Still, Internationals should be careful to be culturally sensitive and respect the cultural norms; especially male/female relations. It is very important to pay attention to Palestinian culture and traditions in terms of acceptable behavior. Its important to respect your family and their beliefs and not offend them.

Yes, it is possible.  You will need to work out with Holy Land Trust and them for how long you if you will need to pay extra.  Generally two weeks of housing with a family is about $250 which you will pay to Holy Land Trust.

Each host family is different.  Most have at least one family member that can speak good English.  If this concerns you let Holy Land Trust know when you arrive and they might switch your housing.

If you are unhappy or uncomfortable in your home stay or volunteer work for any reason, please notify a member of the Holy Land Trust or Middle East Fellowship staff and we are happy to discuss making an adjustment. The more information you give us of your preference prior to departure, the more satisfying your experience will be with a family and in your volunteer position.

Most participants are placed with Palestinian Christian families. However participants also stay with Muslim families and on a case by case basis have been allowed to stay in refugee camps. Guest houses and apartments are also available if participants desire more privacy.

Families are expected to provide two meals a day which usually includes breakfast and dinner. Most participants eat lunch at or near their volunteer sight. Because most Palestinian families eat their largest meal in the afternoon (lunch) when you return in the evening you may have a light meal with the rest of the family as the evening meal or you may eat what the rest of the family ate at lunch.

All participants in the Palestine Summer Encounter should expect the possibility of sharing rooms with members of the host family or with other Internationals from the program. However, depending on the family, there will be some rooms that are not shared.

We have yet to have a single participant diagnosed with illnesses that could have been prevented with vaccinations. However this does not mean you should not obtain vaccinations. Your health is your responsibility before during and after the program. For information on vaccinations and other travel tips regarding health visit the Center For Disease Control website at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/mideast.htm. Many vaccinations require boosters or multiple shots so please plan in advance and accordingly.

We provide each participant with travel insurance through www.travelinsure.com. This offers basic medical coverage. It does not offer insurance coverage for trip cancellation, lost luggage or other potential losses. We will send you your travel insurance statement once you have been accepted into the program.

Our program focuses on the life of Palestinians and the impact the Israeli occupation. Thus the majority of the weekend excursions take place in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. We do not take participants to Gaza. Participants will also visit West Jerusalem and other cities within Israel which usually include Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nazareth. If the program does not plan to visit a desired destination during a participants' session we encourage participants to travel independently but check with Holy Land Trust staff before they go.

Every weekend of every session of PSE has an educational travel day with one over night (2 day) excursion usually to the Galilee. The day long travel days usually include: Hebron, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Jericho, and many more. Our program is designed ideally for two month participants. Thus two month participants will be able to participate in two overnight excursions and participate in approximately six other weekend day trips. This means that participants in only a one month session will not be able to participate in every weekend trip possible and may wish to visit some sights on their own.

Participants are encouraged to travel in the region before and or after the program. Flying to the Middle East is expensive and we encourage people to spend as much time as possible traveling to make their flight worth the money. During the program participants often travel throughout Israel and the Occupied Territories especially during their day off. Participants have also taken a long weekend to visit Petra in Jordan. PSE is a very flexible program and we want participants to gain as much as possible from their experience. Our only requirement is that participants discuss their travel plans with HLT staff on the ground before adventuring off and then follow any instructions or advice that HLT or MEF staff provide.

Please refer to the Volunteer Opportunities page.

Each year the list of volunteer options changes slightly. In addition every year we have participants who we have created customized volunteer work for. For example participants have used their volunteer work to conduct research for a Masters or Doctoral thesis and we have helped them find volunteer work that will help them with their research. If you do not find information about the kind voluteer work you are interested in please contact us.

If you have specific requests regarding volunteer work please email HLT with specific questions. Please also inform the MEF office of any requests.

Holy Land Trust is responsible for arranging volunteer opportunities based primarily upon the information from your application.

When we set up your volunteer opportunity, we take three factors into consideration: 1) the expressed needs of the organizations in Bethlehem, 2) Your skills and talents (based on an assessment of your application) and 3) Your preferences and interests. We will work hard to to find a volunteer placement that is right for you. And please feel free to contact us regarding any strong preferences. We won't, however, guarantee that you will automatically get your top choice.