Palestine Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to visit Palestinian territories (West Bank and Gaza). Entry is made via Israel, which controls the borders. The Government of Canada advises avoiding all travel to Gaza and exercising a high degree of caution in the West Bank.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Palestine without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No Palestinian visa is required. Entry is controlled by Israeli immigration at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv), the Allenby Bridge (from Jordan), or other Israeli-controlled border crossings. You will receive an Israeli entry permit rather than a Palestinian one. Be prepared for thorough questioning and document checks by Israeli border security, which can take several hours. If you have stamps from countries that do not recognize Israel in your passport, this may cause delays. Travelers of Arab or Palestinian heritage may face additional scrutiny.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Palestine: What You Need to Know
The Palestinian Territories consist of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Canadian citizens enter the West Bank through Israel, typically crossing from Israel itself or via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan. Israeli border authorities control all entry points and have full discretion over admission. Gaza is under a blockade and travel there is extremely dangerous; the Government of Canada advises against all travel to Gaza. The West Bank contains significant historical and religious sites including Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, and Ramallah. The security situation in the West Bank is volatile and can change rapidly.
Practical Tips
Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad before travel to the West Bank. The Israeli new shekel (ILS) is used across both Israel and the Palestinian Territories, though Jordanian dinars are also accepted in some areas. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Follow the guidance of local contacts and monitor Government of Canada travel advisories, which are updated frequently. Bethlehem and Jericho are accessible as day trips from Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Canadians enter the Palestinian Territories?
Entry to the West Bank is controlled by Israeli authorities. Most Canadians enter via Israel (through Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv) or via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan. There are no separate Palestinian immigration checkpoints; you receive an Israeli entry permit that covers the Palestinian Territories.
Is it safe for Canadians to visit the West Bank?
The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in the West Bank. The security situation is volatile and can change rapidly, including in areas popular with tourists such as Bethlehem and Ramallah. Check the Government of Canada travel advisory immediately before and during your trip.
Can Canadians visit Gaza?
No. The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Gaza due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. The Canada-Gaza land border does not exist; entry would require crossing through Israel or Egypt, both of which are effectively closed for foreign tourist travel to Gaza.
What sites can Canadian tourists visit in the West Bank?
Popular tourist sites include the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient city of Jericho (one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world), Ramallah, Hebron's Old City, and numerous Israeli checkpoints that are part of the political reality of travel in this area.