PRE ARRIVAL BRIEFING
Please take the time to review this page. The information has been included to help you prepare for your visit and have a comfortable and safe stay while you are in the West Bank and Israel. This briefing contains CARE specific safety and security details that you should follow. We ask that you ensure working communication device such as cell phone for the duration of visit.
It is advisable to print out this pre arrival document and carry it on you.
The situation for ordinary Palestinians continues to deteriorate in both Gaza and the West Bank. Before the latest conflict in Gaza it was estimated that 66% of Palestinian households live in poverty; unemployment had increased significantly and as many as 60% of young people cannot find work. The conflict in Gaza and the continued embargo has brought additional suffering for ordinary people. Even before its outbreak, unemployment in Gaza was higher than 40% with over 80% of the population reliant on humanitarian assistance. Widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure has wreaked havoc with water supply and sanitation, electricity, emergency medical care, basic healthcare and food security. It is estimated that over 80% of farm lands have been destroyed, devastating the few livelihoods that remained. The remnants of Gaza’s private sector have been bombed, destroying the largest and only functioning flour mill, concrete factories and food production units. In many areas the urban and rural landscape is unrecognizable. Humanitarian agencies have not yet secured unfettered humanitarian access. Despite an unofficial ceasefire with Israel unilaterally declared by the militant Palestinian movements in Gaza, Palestinian rocket fire towards mostly uninhabited areas in Israel and Israeli army incursions into the Gaza strip and tank fire towards border areas between the Gaza strip and Israel are still frequent. The Gaza Strip is currently under the control of the Hamas movement.
In the West Bank, Israel’s restrictions on movement and access (checkpoints, road blocks and restricted roads) undermine Palestinian livelihoods and damage people’s access to health facilities, education and culture. Israel retains civil and security control over Area C which represents 60% of the land in the WB, and includes much of the natural resources, especially sources of water. There are more house demolitions and displacement and more arrests than Gaza. A wall to separate Palestinians from Israel is 90% complete. In many areas the wall cuts into the West Bank, absorbing Palestinian land and separating villages from their livelihoods, schools, and hospitals. Approximately, 10% of the most fertile land has been appropriated to build the wall. The various ongoing peace processes have not ushered in a reduction of obstacles to movement and access as stipulated, or to settlement growth but rather an increase. Settlements are illegal under international law. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority headquarters headed by President Mahmoud Abbas is based in Ramallah in the West Bank.
Both Israel and the Palestinians continue to have very real security concerns.
Risk rating as of: March 2018
| Gaza strip and Hebron city in South of West Bank | HIGH Stringent security precautions | ||
| Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Jericho Jerusalem: both West and East Jerusalem Israel: Northern Israel (Golan heights), Southern Israel near the Egyptian and Gaza border | MOD Elevated safety precautions due to road closures and disruptions to travel | ||
| Other | LOW Normal security precautions |
Please ensure that you visit your embassy website to gain further safety and security information. The following links may also be of use:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.html
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel/safety-and-security
Travel and Visas
Current CI S&S protocols require CD approval to travel to West Bank and Gaza, as it is High Risk
CO. In order to enter the West Bank and Gaza you must travel through Israel. Travel into and
through West Bank & Gaza is subject to frequently changing restrictions and regulations from the
Israeli Authorities, sometimes without much advance notice, so the CO might not always have the
most updated information. The CARE Safety and Security Officer will brief you on safety and
security protocols after your arrival in-country. The security situation is volatile and complex and
visitors are requested to carry their passport with them at all times.
Entry/Exit Requirements: As immigration requirements can change without much prior notice,
please check requirements for your nationality on https://israel.visahq.com/. Passports must have
at least 6 months’ validity, and usually an onward or return ticket are required. A no-charge,
three-month single-entry tourist visa will be issued upon arrival.
Israeli Visas: Citizens form US, EU and some other countries are eligible for on-arrival visas at Ben Gurion Airport- the B-2 entry visa.
B-2 Entry Visa: Most visitors receive this visa category. This is a single-entry visa valid for
up to three months that will be issued to passport holders from the US, Canada, EU,
Australia and a few other countries that have established migration relationships with
Israel. Please check on the Israeli with the CARE S&S Officer. You will be able to stay but
not to work in Israel. Working in the West Bank –excluding east Jerusalem-and Gaza is
acceptable.
Please note that you need to obtain your Visa to Jordan prior to traveling. You can purchase a Visa ahead of time through a third-party vendor. A few options include:
•Passport Visa Express
•Visa Central
•Passports & Visas
Once obtained, copy of your Jordanian visa needs to be emailed to hiba.amjad@care.org.
Security Interviews (at entry or exit): Detailed searches and prolonged questioning may take
place at the time of entry and/or departure at all points of entry to Israel, including entry from the
West Bank and Gaza. Travelers related to humanitarian work, unaccompanied female or young
male travelers, and people with Arabic surnames, have been delayed and subjected to close
scrutiny at points of entry. Security-related delays or obstacles in bringing in or departing with
cameras or electronic equipment are not unusual.
From time to time computers and other electronic equipment have been confiscated from
travelers leaving Israel from Ben Gurion Airport during security checks. While most are returned
prior to departure, some equipment has been damaged, destroyed or lost as a result. During
searches and questioning, Israeli authorities have denied visitors’ access to consular officers,
lawyers, or family members.
Note: As of Mar 2017, the Knesset has passed a law that would ban entry into Israel to foreigners
who support BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction) activities directed at Israel or “area under its
control” i.e the settlements. Please be aware that the authorities regularly scan an individual’s
social media footprint for any security or other issues that could result in being barred from entry.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CO’s S&S Officer or the CD.
Arrival through Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), Israel:
Tip: To minimize possibly unpleasant questioning, avoid traveling on flights operated by El Al,
especially flights inbound to Israel.
In the arrival hall you will join immigration lines prior to baggage collection, search/scanning.
Passport – if your passport has stamps from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and other similar countries, please contact the CO’s S&S officer. It
is recommended that you use a secondary passport if that is possible.
ONLY if you are not issued a visa based on your passport alone and you are asked about the
purpose of your visit then present the letter of invitation supplied by the CO prior to arrival.
You may be asked questions about your visit. The name and address of the hotel is on your
invitation letter. You may be asked if you are visiting the West Bank. Answer accurately, that
you will visit the office in Ramallah and possibly other areas.
After the immigration section, you will proceed to turn styles that open upon scanning of the
entry visa slip and lead to baggage collection.
After collecting your luggage, you will exit through one common exit. Customs officials may
require inspecting your luggage.
You will then exit to the arrivals halls, where a CARE designated driver will receive you.
Please access this document for a more detailed overview of the travel and movement situation in West Bank and Israel.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The CARE Safety and Security Officer will brief you on safety and security protocols after your arrival in-country. The security situation is volatile and complex and visitors are requested to carry their passport with them at all times.
Visitors should to the extent possible avoid travel on public transportation or wait at bus stops in Israel. Extreme caution should be used in the vicinity of military sites, areas frequented by off-duty soldiers, contentious religious sites, and large crowds. Visitors should remain aware of their immediate surroundings, and should not touch any suspicious object.
During periods of unrest, access to the West Bank and Gaza may be closed off by the Israeli government. Travel restrictions are imposed with little or no warning. Strict measures have frequently been imposed following terrorist actions, and the movement of foreign passport holders has been severely impaired.
Visitors should exercise caution at religious sites on Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Modest dress is required when visiting the Old City of Jerusalem and on field trips.
The crime rate is relatively low in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and Israel. Please follow normal security and safety precautions.In the event that you are the victim of a crime, please notify the CARE Safety and Security Officer immediately, who will coordinate next steps.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
Although petty crime is most prevalent, violent crimes involving foreigners do occur. Personal security measures and common sense should be exercised at all times. At night, travel with someone and avoid walking on poorly lit streets and alleys. The most common crimes are purse snatching, pick pocketing, and identity theft. Credit card fraud and identity theft schemes are active in the Country. You should take reasonable precautions to safeguard your valuables at all times.
Communications
The cell phone system is good across most of Israel & West Bank has excellent cover. Most roaming authorized cell phones will work. However, please check with your provider before you travel. There are also good internet connections in most hotels and at various ‘hotspots’ in urban areas.
Health
The standard of medical facilities throughout Israel & West Bank varies. While private hospitals with international standard facilities can be found in major cities, services can be limited elsewhere. Private hospitals generally require confirmation of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient.Costs can be very expensive. Generally, serious illnesses and accidents can be treated at private or public hospitals in Jerusalem and other large cities. However, medical evacuation to a destination with the required facilities may be necessary in some cases at considerable cost.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccine recommendations are based on the best available risk information. Please note that the level of risk for vaccine-preventable diseases can change at any time.
| Vaccination or Disease | Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases |
| Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots, such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. | |
| Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) | Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors. |
| Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
Medical Emergencies
Please ensure that you have details of your medical insurance with you and a means of guaranteeing excess fees (Credit and debit cards accepted) if you require treatment. Hospital contacts in Jerusalem and West Bank are on the contacts page.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Language: Arabic is the official language of the occupied Palestinian territory. English is widely understood and spoken. The official language in Israel is Hebrew, Arabic is a second language; English is understood in tourist areas, but not in general areas.
Local currency: In Israel, the West Bank and Gaza – the New Israeli Shekel (ILS) is used. Jordanian Dinars and US dollars are often used for large purchases. ATM machines are available in Jerusalem and urban centers in the West Bank.
Credit Cards: Large restaurants and businesses accept credit cards, but cash is usually preferred, especially for smaller purchases.It is recommended that visitors to Gaza pay hotel and other expenses in cash. Hotels do accept Euros, USD and Shekels.
Exchange rate: Check the Internet or newspapers for the latest exchange rates.The current exchange rate is: $1 USD = 3.45 ILS as of Mar. 2018. Banks and money changers are easily found.
Shopping: Items sold by street vendors in markets (both in West Bank and Israel) or in many shops are flexibly priced i.e. negotiable. Food prices are not negotiable and so are items sold in malls.
Weights and measures: Metric measures are used throughout the region.
Time zone: The Palestinian Authority is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2) and seven hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time.Summer daylight savings time (GMT+3) is observed from April through September.
Telephones: The country code for Israel, West Bank and Gaza is +972.From most countries in the Middle East and some other countries, the country code +970 is used.Please check with your local phone company to know which code to use. An extensive, reliable system of landlines and mobile phones exists in the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel, with good international access.The code for international dialing is 00. Note that calls from Israel to the United States, Europe, and some other countries are extremely inexpensive.
Dress: Modest, casual dress is the norm in the West Bank and Gaza. It is not necessary for men to wear ties to most meetings. It is considered inappropriate for women to wear short tops or short dresses, but blouses and informal clothing are quite normal. When visiting religious sites, women and men are expected to wear long sleeves and pants. It is not normal for men or women to wear shorts except at the beach or pool. Women do not need to cover their heads.
Hand shaking: Occasionally, some people will not shake hands with the opposite sex for religious reasons. The best way to judge this is to wait for a cue from the other person.
Accommodation: CARE arranges hotel accommodation for visitors in hotels that have been checked for both comfort and security. These hotels are in areas where it is safe to walk around outdoors during the evening as well as the daytime.
Electricity: The electricity supply throughout most of the West Bank is reliable and cut offs are infrequent. Power is 220 volts 50 hertz which is suitable for equipment from most parts of Europe. A transformer may be required for equipment that is normally used in the United States. The plugs are the two pronged type used in Europe.
Water: Tap water in the West Bank is safe to drink. Bottled water is available throughout the country. We advise you drink bottled water in Gaza.
Health Services: Health services in Jerusalem are good.If you become ill and need assistance, please contact your CARE counterpart or the Safety and Security Officer.
Fast Facts
Areas We are Visiting
West Bank
Israel
Population
4.9 M (2.9 - West Bank, 2.0 - Gaza)
6.8 M Israel
Currency
Name: New Israeli Shekel
Code: Shekel
Symbol: ₪
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Official Language
Arabic; Hebrew
Country Dialing Code
West Bank- +970
Israel- +972
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +2
Weather
West Bank and Israel are located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. The northern and coastal regions of West Bank and Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters. Whereas the southern and eastern areas of West Bank and Israel are characterized by an arid climate.
The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rainfall is negligible. The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and at the northern tip of Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.
Heavy snow falls only in the northernmost part of Golan Heights where the Mount Hermon summit (2,224 m above sea level) remains generally snow covered from December to March. In other parts of the country snow is observed rarely.