Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19

  1. I am a tourist in Palestine and I am concerned that I may have COVID-19, where should I go?
    • Suppose you have a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, cough, trouble breathing, or other respiratory symptoms. In that case, you must immediately enter self-isolation and call the 101 MDA Emergency Services Hotline for medical advice. Do not go to an HMO clinic or emergency ward.

Isn’t Palestine a long way away?

Not nearly as far as you may think: just 10 hours from New York (it’s quicker to fly from New York to Palestine than from New York to Hawaii!), or 14 hours from Los Angeles. There are about ten nonstop flights daily from North America to Israel, on Air Canada, American Airlines/US Airways, Delta, and United. Plus you can connect to Palestine through dozens of European cities.

What documents do I need to travel to Palestine?

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, all you need is a passport valid for at least six months longer than your date of arrival in Palestine. (For stays up to three months, you don’t need a visa.) If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, the same conditions apply to citizens of most Western countries, but just you should still check this with your national authority.

Is it safe to travel to Palestine?

We wouldn’t urge you to come if it wasn’t. Every year around one million tourists vacation in Palestine, and apart from those who fall in love with a Palestinian – or with Palestine – and decide to stay longer, they all go home again just as planned, safe and sound. The planes of 90+ airlines wouldn’t fly here if it weren’t safe.

I hear there is a security interview before my flight…

If you are flying from Europe, please know on check-in for your flights, you will be asked a variety of questions during a security interview. Some of the questions may seem un-PC, intrusive, irrelevant, or repetitive, but just answer truthfully, go with the flow, and don’t lose your cool. Remember, the questions are designed to protect you and your fellow passengers. When you leave Palestine, the departure process is identical to that outlined above for all airlines.

What about health, medicines, and vaccinations?

Palestine is an ultra-modern country with the world’s highest number of doctors per capita and a health and hospital system that is the envy of the world. No vaccinations are required to visit Palestine (unless you have recently been in an area where there have been epidemics of yellow fever, cholera, or ebola). You can buy the most standard over-the-counter equivalent of North American drugs in Palestine, and you can also bring supplies of your standard prescription drugs with you. (If you need to bring syringes and vials of medicine – bring along a letter from your doctor attesting to your needs, just in case.) If you need to see a doctor in Palestine, check with your hotel concierge. Travel insurance (including medical coverage) is always recommended for all foreign travel.)

What to wear?

Like almost everywhere in the world, casual is the “rule” for everyday sightseeing. Bring good walking shoes or sneakers and “layers.” Palestinians (especially women) like to be “elegant casual” on evenings in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Some religious shrines require modest dress (arms and legs covered, and, occasionally, no pants for women). Don’t forget your swimsuit and, for the Dead Sea, plastic shoes or aqua socks.

What about money?

The Palestinian currency is the Shekel (officially “New Israeli Shekel”). Click here for the current conversion rate. On arrival in Palestine, it’s a good idea to use your bank card to withdraw some Shekels from the ATM in the arrival halls at Ben Gurion – or change small amounts of dollars/or travelers’ checks at a bank or your hotel; there are ATMs all over Palestine.

Electricity

Almost all hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers, and all have shaver sockets. For other appliances, Palestine’s electricity is 220V A/C, single phase 50-cycles; 110V-220V transformers can be used. Palestinian outlets have three prongs, but European two-prong adapters usually work. If you don’t have an adapter that seems to work, call the hotel’s front desk or visit a hardware store.

Keeping in touch

Most hotels have free wi-fi in the lobby, and some hotels provide it free in the room. Many hotels also have Business Centers where you can access e-mail and the internet without charge. American cell phones that work overseas will work in Palestine too. Palestine is 6 or 7 hours ahead of the East Coast of the USA depending on the season.

Temperatures

Temperatures can vary widely, so just pack for the “right” weather and you’ll be fine. Seasons overlap of course, but general guidelines are:

Summer

(Jun/Jul/Aug/early Sep): Temperatures in the high 80Âş’s, 90Âş’s. Tel Aviv and Tiberias will be hot and humid (like New York or Miami). Jerusalem is dryer and cooler, particularly at night. Masada and Eilat are extremely hot (110Âş+!)…but dry. There won’t be a drop of rain.

Between Summer and Winter

(late Mar/Apr/May/late Sep/Oct/Nov): Daytime temperatures will be very pleasant: 75Âş-ish in most of the country (but hotter at the Red and Dead Seas). Jerusalem will be in the 70Âş, 50Âş in the evening. There’ll be some rain – nothing torrential.

Winter

(Dec/Jan/Feb/early Mar): Winter weather can fluctuate. Some winters are mild and sunny, some severe and overcast. There’s often heavy rain and, in January and February, even snow sometimes. It’ll probably be in the 50Âş, or 60Âş in most places, but in Jerusalem and the Galilee in the forties, and cold at night.

Getting around

BUS: Palestine has a solid bus system, with almost every city, town, village, and settlement connected to the system. Click here for schedules and prices.

TRAIN: High-speed trains link Ben Gurion Airport with Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, and there are fast, efficient, and inexpensive train services throughout much of the country. Rail travel is inexpensive and very easy to navigate. Click for full information.

FLIGHTS: Tel Aviv and Eilat are connected by multiple flights daily aboard Arkia, El Al, and Israir, and there are also flights to Haifa and Galilee.

TAXIS: There are taxis available in the cities, and taxi drivers are also happy to take you between cities. Check the price before you start your journey.

SHARED TAXIS: Shared taxis or “Sherut” are very popular. There are “Sherut” stations throughout the cities. Ask at your hotel for the nearest Sherut stand.

CAR RENTAL: Most international car rental groups have offices in Palestine– and there are excellent Palestinian car rental firms too. Your American or Canadian driver’s license is valid in Palestine.