Palestine entry requirements for New Zealand 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

New Zealand passport holders can enter Palestine visa-free for tourism or short visits. No visa is required for stays under 90 days. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
New Zealand passport
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Palestine. Border officers at the Allenby Bridge crossing and Ben Gurion Airport check this carefully.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration at the Allenby Bridge crossing and Ben Gurion Airport may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or onward itinerary ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Palestine. Officers at the border sometimes ask where you're staying.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around $500–$1,000 USD equivalent) to cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if questioned.Recommended
Border crossing realities
The Allenby Bridge crossing can be slow — expect queues of 1-3 hours. Bring water and snacks. At Ben Gurion, Israeli security may ask detailed questions about your itinerary. Stay calm and answer honestly.
Travel insurance is a smart buy
While not mandatory, a single hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. Get it before you go.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the border
You'll enter Palestine via the Allenby Bridge (from Jordan) or Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv, Israel). At the Allenby Bridge, expect a bus ride, passport check, and luggage scan. At Ben Gurion, you go through Israeli immigration first, then cross into the West Bank.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (on your phone or printed), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and blank pages.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport. You're usually given a 90-day stay. No visa fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Exit procedure
When leaving, show your passport with the entry stamp at the same border crossing. No exit fee for New Zealanders.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

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 NZ passport holders)

Visa-free entry already covers up to 90 days; no paid alternative needed.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for NZ passport holders)

Multiple entries are allowed under visa-free regime; no separate visa needed.

work visa
Palestinian Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Palestinian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Palestinian Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment at a Palestinian university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
volunteer visa
Palestinian Volunteer Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For those volunteering with registered NGOs or humanitarian organizations. Requires sponsorship from the NGO and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Stay extensionVisa-free entry is not extendable; you must leave and re-enter.Not available
Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying.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

New Zealand passport holders transiting through Palestine (via Israel's Ben Gurion Airport or Jordan's Queen Alia Airport) do not need a transit visa for Palestine itself, as there is no direct international airport in Palestine. Transit is handled by Israeli or Jordanian authorities.

Airside transitAllowed

Health & vaccines for Palestine

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to variable sanitation; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, leishmaniasis)Low risk

Low risk for most tourists; use insect repellent in rural areas.

COVID-19Moderate risk

Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination before travel.

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, near the Ministry of Interior building
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and any supporting documents.

Gaza City
Gaza Immigration Office
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Access is restricted; most travellers enter via Israel and handle matters at border crossings.

Practical information for NZ 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
updated May 19
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 visa. You get a free entry stamp on arrival, valid for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism and short visits.
You can stay up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for an extension at the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in Ramallah. Extensions are not guaranteed.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at the Allenby Bridge and Ben Gurion Airport.
Yes, most travellers fly into Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) and then cross into the West Bank via a checkpoint. You'll go through Israeli immigration first, then Palestinian checkpoints. Alternatively, you can enter via the Allenby Bridge from Jordan.
No, it's not legally required, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Palestine can be expensive, and insurance covers emergencies, evacuation, and trip disruptions.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entry, or difficulty at future border crossings. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your 90 days are up.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a flight, bus, or ferry ticket out of Palestine or Israel. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.

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.