Travel Work Restrictions: Palestinians In Israel

Palestinians' freedom of movement is restricted by Israel, which has placed checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank. These restrictions have been in place since the First Intifada in 1991, when general exit orders were revoked and personal exit permits were required. Since then, Palestinians have been subjected to comprehensive closures and strict permit systems, which have impacted their ability to travel for work, trade, medical treatment, and other needs. While there have been occasional easements, the situation remains largely unchanged as of 2010.

Palestinians working in Israel without permission can be deported

The issue of Palestinian freedom of movement is a complex and contentious aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel enforces restrictions on the movement of Palestinians within the West Bank and between the West Bank and Gaza, citing security concerns and the need to protect its citizens. These restrictions include a system of checkpoints, roadblocks, and the West Bank Barrier, which impede Palestinian travel and make it challenging for them to access medical services, jobs, and relatives.

The situation is further complicated by the different legal systems that apply to Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the occupied territories. Israeli settlers are tried in civil courts under criminal and civil law, while Palestinians are subject to military law and prosecuted in military courts. This disparity in legal treatment contributes to the perception of discrimination and the denial of basic due process rights for Palestinians.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israel's occupation and annexation of Palestinian territories unlawful, stating that it violates international law and constitutes racial segregation and apartheid. Despite this, Israel continues to impose restrictions on Palestinian movement, including the revocation of work permits and general exit orders, which further limit Palestinians' ability to work and travel freely.

The consequences of these restrictions are severe, impacting the economic status of Palestinians and their ability to access essential services. The right to freedom of movement, as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is curtailed for Palestinians, leading to increased unemployment, poverty, and inefficiency in trade.

Palestinians with US citizenship can enter Israel visa-free

From January 1, 2025, US citizens must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a visa to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. An ETA-IL application will cost 25 shekels. Until January 1, 2025, US citizens can submit an ETA-IL application for no fee during this voluntary, pilot phase.

US citizens who are not Palestinian Authority (PA) ID/passport holders and who wish to work in the West Bank should consult the Israeli government's COGAT regulations on entry into the West Bank. US citizens who are engaged or married to West Bank residents and wish to remain in the West Bank should also consult these regulations.

For US citizens to work in Israel, they will need to obtain a B/1 work visa. This visa is valid for a 30-day period. To work in Israel beyond 30 days, employees will need to obtain a work permit as well. They can apply for an Israeli work visa and permit at the same time. Israeli work permits are valid for an initial period of one year and must be renewed annually as long as the employee will continue to live and work in Israel.

The requirements to obtain an Israeli work visa include:

• A signed employment contract with a company based in Israel
• Two passport photographs
• A criminal background check from the applicant's country of residence, issued within the last year
• Proof that the applicant has submitted their fingerprints
• A medical certificate stating that the applicant is in good health
• A duly completed visa application form
• Applicants will also need to undergo an interview with the officials at the consulate in their country of residence

Palestinians with US citizenship can enter Israel via any port of entry except Erez

Palestinians with US citizenship can enter Israel for short-term visits of up to 90 days for business, tourism, or transit without a visa. This applies to US citizens who are also listed on the Palestinian Population Registry for Gaza. However, they can only enter via any international port of entry except the Erez crossing, which requires a permit. This policy has been in place since September 11, 2023, and thousands of US citizens have travelled under this new rule.

US citizens with a Palestinian Population Registry listing and a centre of life in Gaza can apply for a permit to enter Israel via the Erez crossing from the Government of Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). This can be done while in Gaza and is for business, tourism, or transit for up to 90 days. When outside of Gaza, these US citizens can enter Israel visa-free through any international port of entry.

US citizens with a Palestinian Population Registry listing and a centre of life outside the Gaza Strip can enter Israel visa-free for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days, including transiting to and from the West Bank. They can transit Israel to enter Gaza via the Erez crossing, but if they enter Gaza without coordination with COGAT or a pre-approved permit to re-enter Israel via Erez, they must request a permit through the Palestinian Authority Civil Committee in Gaza at least 45 workdays before the proposed re-entry date into Israel or use the travel procedures for transit from Gaza to the Allenby crossing.

The situation for Palestinians with US citizenship travelling to Israel is complex and subject to change. It is always best to check the latest official advice before travelling.

Palestinians with US citizenship must have a valid B2 admission paper to enter and exit Israel

The B2 admission paper is a permit to enter Israel and remain for a maximum of three months for one or more of the following purposes: studying in a Hebrew ulpan, tourism, a business meeting, or transit. It is the most frequent Israeli visa but does not allow its holder to work in Israel.

To obtain a B2 visa, you must complete several requirements and procedures set by the Israeli authorities. The main steps are as follows:

• Find out when is the right time to apply.
• Check where you should submit your application.
• Fill in the application form for a B2 visa.
• Collect the required documents.
• Submit your documents/attend the visa interview.
• Pay the fee for your application.
• Wait for the processing of your visa.

The processing of a B2 visa can take up to 14 working days. The fee for a B2 visa is €21 for every applicant, and the visa is valid for a maximum of three months from the date of issue.

It is important to note that the Israeli government imposes closures on West Bank crossings during various portions of the High Holidays, and during these times, US citizens may not enter Israel from the West Bank. Only the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) can approve exceptions for humanitarian, medical, or exceptional cases when the crossings are closed.

Palestinians with US citizenship are not permitted to drive Israeli-plated vehicles into Israel from the West Bank

Israel has imposed a complex system of restrictions on the freedom of movement of Palestinians within the West Bank, including physical obstacles such as checkpoints, roadblocks, and the West Bank barrier, as well as administrative restrictions such as prohibited roads, permit requirements, and age restrictions. These restrictions make it difficult for Palestinians to travel within the West Bank and between the West Bank and Israel.

In addition, Israel enforces restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals, including US citizens, into the West Bank. These restrictions are outlined in the "Procedure for entrance and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria Area", a 61-page document issued by the Israeli army. The guidelines set out detailed procedures for West Bank entry and residency for foreigners, which are distinct from the procedures for entering Israel.

While US citizens with Palestinian Authority (PA) ID/passport who are residents of the West Bank can apply for permits to enter Israel, there are specific requirements and limitations that must be followed. US citizens must apply for a "US Tourist Approval" permit or a B2 permit to enter Israel through the designated crossings. These permits are typically valid for up to 90 days and allow travel between Israel and the West Bank. However, it is important to note that these permits do not allow individuals to work or study in Israel.

The restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the West Bank and Israel are subject to frequent changes and updates, and it is advisable for travellers to stay informed about the latest regulations. Overall, the complex and dynamic nature of the travel restrictions between Israel and the West Bank presents significant challenges for Palestinians with US citizenship who wish to travel in the region.

Frequently asked questions