Palestine Travel Status

DISRUPTION

Travel is severely affected by the regional security situation. Gaza remains subject to extreme restrictions and severe travel warnings, while movement within the West Bank can be disrupted by checkpoints, road closures, military operations and sudden security incidents.

Gaza and the West Bank are very different

Travel conditions vary dramatically between Gaza and the West Bank. Travellers should check information for their exact destination rather than treating Palestine as having one uniform travel situation.

Gaza

Gaza remains subject to the strongest official travel warnings. Entry and exit are severely restricted, infrastructure has suffered extensive damage and essential services and medical facilities remain under severe pressure.

Rafah crossing

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has operated only under tightly controlled arrangements and can close without warning. Travellers should never assume that they will be able to enter or leave Gaza through Rafah.

Erez crossing

Ordinary civilian access through the Erez crossing has remained severely restricted. Entry and exit arrangements are controlled by Israeli authorities and can change according to the security situation.

West Bank

Travel remains possible in parts of the West Bank, including major destinations such as Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho, but conditions can change rapidly.

Checkpoints

Movement into, out of and around the West Bank involves Israeli military checkpoints. Checkpoints can close without warning and additional restrictions may be imposed during periods of heightened tension.

Road closures

Roadblocks and closures can occur with little notice. Travellers should check that their intended route is open immediately before travelling.

Northern West Bank

Particularly severe warnings currently apply to Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas governorates because of military operations and violent incidents.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem continues to receive visitors, including organised tours, but access from Jerusalem depends on checkpoints and current security conditions.

Ramallah

Travel to Ramallah remains possible, but travellers should monitor current road and checkpoint conditions before travelling from Jerusalem or elsewhere.

Jericho and Allenby Bridge

The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge provides an important route between the West Bank and Jordan. Opening hours and crossing procedures can change because of holidays, security incidents or other restrictions.

Violent incidents

Shootings, stabbings, vehicle attacks, stone throwing, arson and clashes involving Israeli forces, Palestinians and Israeli settlers can occur without warning.

No Palestinian commercial airport

There is currently no functioning commercial passenger airport in Gaza or the West Bank. Travellers therefore depend on airports in Israel or neighbouring countries and subsequent overland travel.

Gaza remains severely restricted

Gaza continues to face extensive infrastructure damage, severe humanitarian conditions and tightly controlled movement across its borders.

Violence continues despite the ceasefire

Fatal Israeli strikes were reported in Gaza as recently as 19 September 2026, demonstrating that the security situation remains unstable despite the ceasefire.

West Bank checkpoints remain a major issue

Current official guidance warns travellers to expect numerous checkpoints and road closures throughout the West Bank.

U.S. West Bank advisory remains Level 3

The U.S. State Department’s current advisory, issued on 26 August 2026, rates the West Bank Level 3: Reconsider Travel because of terrorism and unrest.

Gaza remains Level 4

The same U.S. advisory rates Gaza Level 4: Do Not Travel because of terrorism, unrest and limited health infrastructure.

Canada advises against all travel

Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 advises avoiding all travel to Palestine because of ongoing military activity, humanitarian conditions, infrastructure damage and the volatile security situation.

Check official advice for the exact part of Palestine you intend to visit, as conditions in Gaza and different areas of the West Bank vary significantly.

Do not assume that a border crossing or checkpoint that was open previously will still be open when you arrive.

If travelling to the West Bank, check road and checkpoint conditions immediately before your journey.

Check the operating status and opening hours of the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge if travelling between the West Bank and Jordan.

Avoid demonstrations, military operations, clashes and unexpected gatherings.

Be aware that foreign governments may have extremely limited ability to provide assistance in Gaza and in areas affected by active military operations.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.