United States Visa RequirementsFor Palestine passport holders

Palestinian Authority (PA) passport holders are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. There is no US Embassy or Consulate in Palestinian territories. Applicants from the West Bank typically apply at the US Embassy in Jerusalem (located in the Arnona neighborhood), or alternatively at the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Applicants from Gaza face the most difficult situation given the severe restrictions on movement out of Gaza; departure for the interview itself requires coordination.

The US does not recognize a sovereign state of Palestine, and Palestinian Authority passports are issued by the Palestinian Authority. Some Palestinians also hold Jordanian passports; in such cases, the applicable consulate may vary. Applicants should check the most current guidance from the US Embassy Jerusalem or US Embassy Amman regarding which documents they should present.

Interview appointment wait times are typically 180 to 300 days at both Jerusalem and Amman. Additional administrative processing after the interview is common and can extend the total timeline significantly.

Given the ongoing conflict in Gaza since October 2023 and the US State Department's Level 4 advisory for Gaza and Level 3 advisory for the West Bank, applications from Palestinian passport holders are subject to enhanced scrutiny. This does not constitute a blanket ban but does mean security review is thorough and processing times can be lengthy.

Travel to the US from Palestinian territories requires departing from either Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv (which requires crossing Israeli checkpoints) or from Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) after traveling to Jordan.

Palestinian travelers have no international airport within Palestinian territories. Travel to the US requires departing from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv (TLV) after crossing Israeli checkpoints, or from Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Jordan after crossing the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge. From Ben Gurion, El Al, Delta, United, and American Airlines operate nonstop or direct US services. From Amman, Royal Jordanian Airlines operates nonstop flights to New York JFK, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates offer additional connection options from both airports.

The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). USD is also widely used in Palestinian territories, providing currency familiarity. US merchants, hotels, and ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard bank cards. Check with your bank that your card is enabled for international transactions.

The US is significantly more expensive than Palestinian territories for accommodation and everyday costs. Budget $150 to $300 per day for mid-range city travel. New York and San Francisco are the most expensive major destinations.

Tipping is expected and standard in US restaurants at 18% to 20% of the bill. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect tips.

ATMs are widely available across the US. Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all merchants.

Choose Jerusalem or Amman for your interview. Both US embassies accept applications from Palestinian Authority passport holders. Choose based on which is more accessible given your location and current movement conditions.

Additional administrative processing is common. Palestinian applications frequently undergo extended security review after the interview. This is not a refusal. The process can take several months after the interview. Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is physically in hand.

Travel logistics require planning. Departure to the US requires either crossing to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) via Israeli checkpoints, or traveling to Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge border crossing and departing from Amman (AMM). Plan these logistics carefully and allow extra time.

Demonstrate ties to Palestine or your home location. Employment, property, business, and family members remaining in the region all help establish non-immigrant intent. Be clear and consistent about your purpose of travel.

Check the latest entry requirements at the US Embassy Jerusalem website, as conditions in the region can affect procedures.