Palestine entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 need an eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine. The application is quick, usually approved in minutes to a few hours, and costs just 25 ILS (~$7 USD). You must apply at least 72 hours before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry visa (e-Visa)You must get this online authorization before you fly; it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an e-Visa (ETA) before traveling to Palestine. Apply at the official Israeli Interior Ministry ETA portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta). The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The e-Visa is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Palestine. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. Check that no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Palestine/Israel before your e-Visa or passport validity expires. Keep a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Palestine. No fixed amount is specified, but you should have enough for accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip this step; it does not apply to your nationality. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Palestine. You do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be expensive; insurance protects you financially. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance covering medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation. Check that your policy covers Palestine. | Recommended |
Apply early, even though it's fast
The ETA is usually approved in minutes, but the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before your trip. Don't leave it to the last minute — technical glitches happen.
Entry is via Israel
Palestine has no international airport. You'll fly into Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, then travel overland. Be prepared for thorough questioning at Israeli border control — it's routine, not personal.
ETA is valid for 2 years
If you plan to visit again within 2 years, you don't need to reapply — just use the same ETA. Keep a copy saved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. Have your passport details, travel dates, and a credit card ready. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Approval usually comes in minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Receive your approval
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Save it as a PDF on your phone and also print a paper copy — some border officers prefer paper. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
3
Arrive at the border
Most Swiss travellers fly into Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, then take a shared taxi or bus to Jerusalem and into the West Bank. At the airport, present your passport and ETA approval. You'll go through standard Israeli border control — be prepared for questions about your itinerary.
4
Enter Palestine
Once you pass Israeli border control, you're free to travel to Palestinian areas (Ramallah, Bethlehem, etc.). There are no separate immigration checks at the internal checkpoints, but you must carry your passport and ETA at all times.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires invitation from a Palestinian company.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)
For frequent travelers; apply at Palestinian representation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist, single entry)Required for Swiss citizens; apply online before travel. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa extensionPossible for stays up to 90 days; apply at Civil Administration office. | $100 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)May be charged at border crossings (e.g., Allenby Bridge). | Varies |
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 citizens transiting through Israeli airports (e.g., Ben Gurion) do not require a visa for airside transit, but must have a valid Palestinian visa if entering the West Bank.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
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 = 3 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
Yes, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is a type of eVisa. It's quick and cheap — 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and usually approved within minutes to a few hours. Apply online at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta.
The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple entries during that period.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
Denials are rare for Swiss citizens, but if it happens, you'll need to contact the Israeli Interior Ministry directly. There's no appeal process online — you'd have to visit an Israeli embassy or consulate in person.
Yes, you can cross via the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) from Jordan. The same ETA is required. Note that the crossing can be slow — allow extra time. You'll also need a Jordanian visa if you're entering Jordan first.
No, the ETA covers entry to both Israel and Palestine. You'll go through Israeli border control at the airport or border crossing. There's no separate Palestinian visa.
Bring your passport, printed ETA approval, return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Having these ready makes the process smoother. Also, keep your phone charged — you may need to show the ETA email.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.