Palestine Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Palestine.
Healthcare System
Palestine's healthcare system includes both public and private facilities, with quality varying significantly by location. Major cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus have better-equipped hospitals and clinics. The healthcare infrastructure faces challenges due to political restrictions, limited resources, and access issues. Gaza's healthcare system is particularly strained.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Arab Society Hospital and Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, Al-Hussein Hospital in Bethlehem, and various private clinics. Private hospitals generally offer better service but are more expensive. Wait times in public facilities can be long. Jerusalem hospitals (Augusta Victoria, Makassed) serve Palestinians but access may be restricted by checkpoints.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns, often well-stocked with common medications. Many medications available over-the-counter include antibiotics. Pharmacists are generally knowledgeable and can help with minor ailments. Brand names may differ from Western countries. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions, as specific brands may not be available
- Carry copies of medical records and prescriptions in English
- Know the location of the nearest hospital to your accommodation
- Keep your embassy contact information readily available
- Be aware that checkpoint delays can affect emergency medical transport times
- Consider medical evacuation insurance that covers transport to Jerusalem or neighboring countries
- Drink bottled water in most areas; tap water quality varies significantly
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The primary security concern involves the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which can result in military operations, demonstrations, stone-throwing incidents, and clashes, particularly near checkpoints, settlements, and in certain areas of Hebron and East Jerusalem. Situations can escalate quickly and unpredictably.
Israeli military checkpoints control movement between and within Palestinian areas. Delays can range from minutes to hours, and checkpoints may close suddenly. This affects travel planning, medical emergencies, and can cause significant stress and unpredictability.
Petty crime including pickpocketing and bag snatching is relatively uncommon in Palestine compared to many tourist destinations. Palestinians are generally very hospitable to visitors. However, opportunistic theft can occur in crowded areas and markets.
Road safety is a significant concern due to aggressive driving, poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and limited traffic enforcement. Driving standards differ significantly from Western countries. Shared taxis (servees) may be overcrowded and drivers may take risks.
In some areas, particularly near former conflict zones or military areas, there may be unexploded ordnance. This is rare in tourist areas but exists in some rural locations.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers, particularly those waiting at tourist sites or checkpoints, may quote inflated prices to foreign tourists or refuse to use meters. They may claim fixed prices that are significantly higher than normal rates.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists at major sites like the Church of the Nativity or Haram al-Sharif claiming to be official guides, then demand high fees after the tour or take tourists to shops where they receive commission.
Shop owners in tourist areas may quote extremely high initial prices, expecting heavy bargaining. Some may claim items are antique or handmade when they're mass-produced. Guides may take tourists to specific shops for commission.
Individuals may approach tourists claiming to collect money for orphanages, schools, or families in need, sometimes showing forged documents or photos. While genuine need exists, some are fraudulent.
Use official exchange offices or banks, count money carefully before leaving the counter, be familiar with all currencies used (Israeli shekel, Jordanian dinar, US dollar), avoid street money changers, and keep transaction receipts.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain contact throughout your stay
- Keep multiple copies of passport and important documents in separate locations
- Maintain comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- Keep phone charged and have local SIM card with credit for emergencies
- Learn basic Arabic phrases and emergency vocabulary
- Stay informed through multiple news sources and embassy alerts daily
- Have contingency plans and be flexible with itinerary
- Keep embassy contact details, accommodation addresses, and emergency numbers readily accessible
Political Situation
- Avoid all demonstrations, protests, and large gatherings regardless of apparent peacefulness
- Stay away from checkpoints during times of tension, Friday prayers, or protests
- Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints, or soldiers without permission
- Avoid political discussions in public or taking sides in the conflict
- Be aware that the situation can change rapidly; have exit strategies planned
- Respect all security procedures at checkpoints; remain calm and polite
- Avoid areas near the separation barrier and Israeli settlements
- Do not attempt to enter Gaza under any circumstances without proper authorization
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly, especially in religious sites and conservative areas (cover shoulders and knees minimum)
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and some homes
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Respect prayer times and religious observances
- Learn about local customs regarding hospitality (refusing offers may be seen as rude)
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Use right hand for eating and greeting (left hand considered unclean)
- Be sensitive about discussing politics, religion, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Transportation
- Arrange airport transfers in advance through reputable companies
- Use hotel-recommended taxi services rather than street hails
- Keep taxi driver's contact information for return trips
- Allow double the expected travel time due to potential checkpoint delays
- Carry passport and relevant documents at all times when traveling
- Avoid traveling at night, especially between cities
- If self-driving, be extremely cautious and consider hiring a local driver instead
- Understand that GPS may not work well due to political situation; carry offline maps
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled water; avoid ice in drinks
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations
- Bring comprehensive first aid kit and adequate supplies of prescription medications
- Know location of nearest hospital to your accommodation
Money and Valuables
- Carry multiple payment methods (cash in shekels, dollars, and credit cards)
- Use ATMs in secure locations like banks and shopping centers during daytime
- Keep money and valuables in hotel safe when possible
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess in safe
- Be discreet with money and electronics in public
- Notify bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash separate from main wallet
- Be aware that many places are cash-only; ATMs may be scarce in some areas
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card for reliable communication (Israeli or Palestinian network)
- Download offline maps and translation apps before travel
- Share itinerary and check-in regularly with family/friends
- Save important contacts in phone and keep written backup
- Learn that internet may be unreliable; don't depend on it for critical information
- Understand that some areas have limited cell coverage
- Keep hotel business card with address in Arabic for taxi drivers
- Be aware that some communication may be monitored
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Palestine safely, though the experience differs from Western countries due to cultural norms. Palestinian society is generally conservative, and women should be prepared for occasional unwanted attention, particularly in more traditional areas. However, harassment is typically verbal rather than physical, and Palestinian women are often helpful and welcoming to female tourists. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, but cultural sensitivity and modest dress significantly improve the experience.
- Dress conservatively: cover shoulders, knees, and cleavage at minimum; loose-fitting clothing is best; carry a scarf for religious sites
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband if asked about marital status to deflect unwanted attention
- On shared taxis, try to sit next to other women when possible
- In traditional areas, avoid extended eye contact with men as it may be misinterpreted
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention; saying 'la, shukran' (no, thank you) usually suffices
- Stay in reputable accommodations with good security and ask staff for advice about safe areas
- Use hotel-arranged transportation rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially at night
- Connect with local women when possible; they can provide valuable insights and support
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis for evening transportation
- Be aware that some cafes and restaurants are male-dominated; look for family sections
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Join women's tours or groups for additional safety and cultural exchange opportunities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are not criminalized in the West Bank (though Gaza has different laws), but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Palestinian society does not have specific anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, but the legal framework offers no recognition or protection for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Avoid all public displays of affection regardless of gender (this applies to all couples)
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Be extremely discreet about relationships; book separate beds in accommodations if traveling as a same-sex couple
- Avoid LGBTQ+-related discussions in public spaces
- Do not wear clothing or accessories with LGBTQ+ symbols or messages
- Be aware that some hotels may refuse accommodation to same-sex couples sharing a room
- Use LGBTQ+-friendly travel resources and connect with international organizations before travel
- Understand that local LGBTQ+ individuals face significant challenges and may not be able to openly assist
- Consider the risks carefully before traveling; this is not an LGBTQ+-friendly destination
- Keep emergency contact information for your embassy readily available
- Research LGBTQ+ travel experiences in Palestine before your trip to make informed decisions
- If you face discrimination or threats, contact your embassy immediately
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Palestine due to the complex security situation, limited advanced medical facilities, potential need for medical evacuation, unpredictable checkpoint closures that can disrupt travel plans, and possibility of rapid situation changes requiring early departure. Standard travel insurance may not cover conflict zones, so specialized coverage is necessary. Medical evacuation to Jerusalem, Israel, or neighboring countries may be required for serious health issues, which is extremely expensive without insurance.
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