Bethlehem

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Palestine page at Yoogo.

The Israeli new shekel (ILS) is the currency used throughout the West Bank for most everyday transactions, and the Jordanian dinar and US dollar are also accepted for larger purchases. Card payments are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants in cities such as Bethlehem and Ramallah, though smaller shops, markets, and shared taxis operate on cash only, so carrying sufficient shekels is advisable.

The West Bank has an active tourism trail and many thousands of travellers visit Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, and Hebron each year without incident. The security situation can change, however, and conditions vary significantly between areas, so consulting your government's current travel advisory before and during your trip is strongly recommended.

Shared taxis, known locally as service taxis, are the main form of intercity transport and run fixed routes between Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho, Nablus, Hebron, and other towns, departing when full rather than to a timetable. Local minibuses and private taxis cover shorter journeys within cities, and fares are generally very affordable. Note that movement between some areas involves checkpoints, which can affect journey times.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures typically around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius that are well suited to exploring outdoor sites and walking city centres. Summer brings intense heat, particularly in low-lying Jericho, while winter can be cold and wet in the Judaean Hills, though religious holidays such as Christmas in Bethlehem draw visitors year-round.

Arabic is the official and primary language, and Palestinian Arabic is spoken across the West Bank. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger generations in cities such as Ramallah and Bethlehem, and many restaurant menus and signage at major sites are available in English.

Travel health authorities commonly recommend ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date and considering hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines given the potential for foodborne or waterborne illness. It is advisable to drink bottled or purified water throughout the West Bank. Consulting a travel medicine clinic or your GP at least four to six weeks before departure allows time for any required courses to take effect.