Palestine entry requirements for Cyprus 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

Cyprus passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Palestine, which you can get online before you travel. The process is quick and inexpensive, and the authorization is valid for two years. Here's everything you need to know for a smooth entry in 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Entry visa (e-Visa)You need this online authorization before you board your flight; it's not a visa on arrival.
Apply online before travel
Cyprus passport holders must obtain an e-Visa (ETA) before traveling to Palestine. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). The e-Visa costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is processed within 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 validityBorder officials will deny entry if your passport expires too soon.
At least 6 months beyond your stay
Your Cyprus 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 pagesStamps need a blank page; otherwise you may be turned away.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. Check that you have a clean, unmarked page available.Required
Return or onward ticketYou must prove you plan to leave the country.
Proof of departure
Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Palestine/Israel before your e-Visa or passport expires. Immigration may ask to see it.Required
Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids delays.
Sufficient for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Palestine. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned duration.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou can skip this step – it's not part of the entry process.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Cyprus passport holders entering Palestine. You do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival.Not required
ETA is not extendable
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, but it cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new ETA.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While processing is usually quick, it's not guaranteed. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid any last-minute issues. Also, check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and an email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your email for approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your ETA confirmation. Print a copy or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at the border crossing
Most travelers enter Palestine via Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan. At the border, present your passport and ETA. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep your ETA handy throughout your stay.
4
Enter Palestine
After clearing immigration, you're free to travel to Ramallah, Bethlehem, or anywhere else in the West Bank. Note that the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Multiple-entry visa (via Israeli authorities)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApprox. $100

For frequent travel; must be arranged through Israeli missions or the Population and Immigration Authority.

Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Palestinian Ministry of Labor.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year (renewable)
CostVaries

Requires acceptance from a Palestinian educational institution.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa extension (if applicable)Extensions are rarely granted; apply at the Civil Administration or Palestinian Ministry of Interior.Approx. $50

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect documentation30%
Security or political concerns25%
Insufficient funds20%

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

Cyprus passport holders transiting through Israeli airports (e.g., Ben Gurion) do not require a transit visa for airside stays up to 24 hours, but must have a valid onward ticket and meet entry requirements for the final destination.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or entry permit is required.
  • Passengers with Israeli entry stamps may face restrictions when entering certain Arab countries.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)

Health & vaccines for Palestine

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssential
Health risks
Travellers' diarrheaModerate risk

Common due to food/water contamination.

Typhoid feverLow risk

Risk in rural areas with poor sanitation.

Hepatitis AModerate risk

Transmitted via contaminated food/water.

Malaria risk: low

Risk exists in the Jordan Valley area; prophylaxis recommended for rural stays.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Ramallah
Ministry of Interior – Ramallah Office
Al-Bireh, near the Municipality Building
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Gaza City
Ministry of Interior – Gaza Office
Omar al-Mukhtar Street
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Practical information for CY 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police100
Medical101
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online application. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours.
The ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter multiple times during that period.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but check with local authorities for any special circumstances.
You won't be allowed to board your flight or enter the country. The ETA must be approved before you travel. There's no on-arrival process for Cyprus passport holders.
Most travelers enter via Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, then take a taxi or bus to the West Bank. You can also cross by land from Jordan at the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge). The ETA is valid for all entry points.
No, it's a travel authorization, not a visa. It's simpler and faster. You don't need to visit an embassy or provide extensive documentation. Just fill out the online form and pay the fee.
The ETA is tied to your passport. If your passport expires, the ETA becomes invalid. You'll need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport.

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.