As an Indian citizen, you must be aware of the following: There is no clear requirement that Indian passport-holders need to have a regular tourist visa before travelling to the Palestinian Territories, specifically, the West Bank and/or Gaza. There are sources that add them as “visa-free in the case of short visits.
But due to the fact that the area is entered through Israel or Jordan (or through border crossings that are run by various authorities), and that entry regulations can change, Indian travellers are advised to plan and check up to date entry and security measures.
Documents Needed
Even though no formal visa to Indians is frequently required, you are expected to have the following documents with you in order to pass by without problems and not to get into trouble:
Legal Indian passport with minimum 6 months validity of the date of entry to the Palestinian Territories.
Unstamped blank pages in your passport to receive any entry/exit stamps or immigration marks.
Confirmed return or onward ticket, indicating that you will be leaving the area within your permitted period.
Evidence of accommodation like hotel reservation in a city like Ramallah, Bethlehem or Jerusalem region, or host address.
Evidence of the fact that you have enough money to pay your accommodation (bank statement, credit card).
Inbound route information, especially when you are coming in through Israel or Jordan - be sure you have cleared the appropriate immigration/exit processes.
Security clearance/ registration - you might require extra permits or clearance by the local or Israeli authorities depending on the area (West Bank, Gaza) you are visiting.
Eligibility Criteria & Major Conditions.
Prior to your travelling, you must ensure that you satisfy the following generic eligibility requirements:
Your passport should have a minimum of six months to your arrival date.
Purpose of travel should be tourism, visiting friends/family, cultural visit or short term business - not long term work or residence.
You have to be able to show evidence of onward or return travel, accommodation and financial support to remain.
Entry is possible through either Israel or Jordan but you are advised to observe their immigration policies (Israel/Jordan) before entering the West Bank or Gaza.
You are required to respect any local restrictions on traveling (there are places where special permits are necessary).
The permitted stay is usually not more than a short-term one; although some sources mention that Indians can stay without a visa with an unspecified temporary stay, you should assume that it would be up to 30-90 days until local entry regulations change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application & Entry Process
The following is an advisory step-by-step procedure that Indian travellers should take into consideration in case they would like to visit the Palestinian Territories:
Check the most recent advisory - Check with the Indian MEA (or the Indian consular representative office) whether the route you are to follow (via Israel or via Jordan) is permissible of your travel and whether any special permission is required.
Check passport validity - Your Indian passport must have a minimum of six months to expire and one or two blank pages.
Make your travel and accommodation bookings - Book return/onward ticket and hotel/host booking on the days you are staying.
Planning your route of entry - Determine the entry mode you are going to use i.e. Israel (the most used) or entering through Jordan. Make sure that your airline/entry point will admit you to the Territories and that you are in their conditions of entry.
Make all necessary documents ready - Passport, flight tickets, accommodation evidence, money and permit in case they are needed (especially in Gaza or restricted areas of the West Bank).
Arrive and check documents at border/immigration - When you enter the country at your entry point you are likely to pass Israeli or Jordanian immigration; continue to the Palestinian Territories. Prepare against possible checks, stamps or permits.
Stay within the allowed limits - Be careful not to overstay. In case of a short stay (e.g., 30 days) at the beginning, make sure that you leave or seek an extension / permit in time as far as possible.
Exit by authorized route - Leave by the same route you came in or by a permitted border crossing and have a clean immigration departure record.
Summary
Indians going to the Palestinian Territories should know that the process of entry is quite complicated as compared to other tourist destinations. Different sources list that Indian passport holders can enter visa-free for a short duration, but it is not exactly so as your trip will depend on the border you use (Israel or Jordan), the permits of the particular area and local/Israeli immigration rules.
Make sure that the validity of your passport, the travel route, the accommodation and the money are all proper and also check the travel advisories. If you are well prepared you can visit the famous landmarks of Ramallah, Bethlehem or Jerusalem (West Bank side) and immerse yourself in the culture, history, and hospitality of the region—just make your plans thoroughly and be careful of the weather.
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