Palestine entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter Palestine without a visa for tourism or short visits. As of 2026, stays are allowed up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Palestine. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Palestinian authorities, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palestine | Immigration officers at the Allenby Bridge or Rafah crossing may ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight or bus booking out of the West Bank or Gaza ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Palestine. Border officials occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive via Israel-controlled crossings. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash available — around $500–$1,000 for a short trip. Immigration rarely checks, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Border crossing can be unpredictable
The Allenby Bridge crossing can have long queues and occasional closures. Check the latest status before you go, and allow extra time for delays.
Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised
Hospital stays can cost hundreds of dollars per day. A good travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border crossing
Most Swiss travellers enter Palestine via the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) from Jordan, or through Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv then drive to the West Bank. At the crossing, join the queue for foreign passport holders.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — keep answers simple and honest.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp. Check that the stamp is clear and the date is correct before leaving the counter.
4
Collect your belongings and exit
After the stamp, collect your bags (if any) and proceed through the exit. You're now free to travel within the West Bank.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Swiss passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no paid alternative needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for Swiss passport holders)
Multiple entries allowed under visa-free regime; no separate visa needed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not available for visa-free stays; must exit and re-enter. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly standardized; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Palestine
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Palestine (e.g., via Ben Gurion Airport in Israel) do not need a transit visa for airside connections, but must comply with Israeli entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit via Israeli airports may require Israeli visa if leaving airside.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) – Israel (primary transit hub for Palestine)
Health & vaccines for Palestine
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of West Nile virus; use insect repellent in rural areas.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; follow local guidelines and consider vaccination.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ramallah
Palestinian Ministry of Interior – Immigration Department
Al-Bireh, Ramallah
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Jerusalem
Israeli Ministry of Interior – Jerusalem Office
1 Shlomo Hamelech St., Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–12:00
For entry/exit issues at checkpoints; Swiss citizens may need to coordinate with Palestinian authorities.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalRamallah
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIsraeli new shekel (ILS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.9 ILS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,HType C (two round pins) and Type H (three round pins in a V shape)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, Swiss passport holders do not need a visa for tourism or short visits. You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Palestine. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter after a period outside Palestine.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Most Swiss travellers enter via the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) from Jordan, or through Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv then drive to the West Bank. Check current crossing status before travel.
It is not officially required, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Palestine can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
Not required for entry, but very useful for maps, calls, and showing documents. eSIMs like Airalo activate immediately on landing.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.