The West Bank

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 100 for police.  
• Dial 101 for ambulance.  
• Dial 102 for fire. 
• Dial 118 from local cell phone and via text or + 972-50-227-0018 for Ministry of Labor and Social Services to report domestic violence. 

U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization for official travel to the West Bank due to safety risks. 

U.S. government employees working in Israel and their family members are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except: 

• Travel on Routes 1, 90 (to the Allenby Bridge crossing), and 443 at any time.  
• Travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour from dawn to midnight. 
• Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb is the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members.  This is due to continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank. 

Due to increased security threats, additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel with little to no notice. 

Terrorism 

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

Large pTerrorism 

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools  
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights) 

Mortar and rocket fire or hostile aircraft intrusion 

In the event of mortar, rocket fire or hostile aircraft intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all these alerts as real.  

U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, or the opening of bomb shelters.  

Safety tips 

• Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space.  
• Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. 
• For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, review the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or review the Preparedness Information. 

Demonstrations  

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Crime 

The crime rate is moderate in the West Bank. Parked vehicle break-ins have occurred at tourist sites. Vehicle theft also remains a problem.  

• U.S. citizens should not leave their valuables (including passports) unattended in parked vehicles or unsecured in hotels.  
• Visitors should be aware of their surroundings in tourist areas and watch for crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets. 

Scams 

Scams are not common but can occur in the West Bank. Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Some examples of scams include:  

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 100. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 
• Provide information on possible Government of Israel assistance to victims of crime 
  • Israel National Police 
  • Ministry of Justice  
  • Ministry of National Security 

Provide information on Government of Israel assistance to victims of terrorist acts (contact the National Insurance Institute for more information) 

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy Jerusalem or Branch Office Tel Aviv for assistance. 

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• The use of recreational drones requires a license issued by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority. Please find information on obtaining a license at the Civil Aviation Authority. 

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry is generally regulated: 

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.  
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.  
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.  
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.  
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in PA-administered areas are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  
• You may face criminal penalties if you express views, including on social media, which the Government of Israel considers incitement to violence or hate speech, even if the content and way those views are expressed would be lawful in the United States.  
• Palestinian Authority (PA) security officials have also arrested Palestinians who posted criticism of the PA or their leadership online. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in the West Bank seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification  

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

Arrests in the West Bank and arrest notification by the Palestinian Authority (PA): 

If you are arrested or detained, tell the authorities right away that you are a U.S. citizen and ask them to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.  

• Individuals arrested by PA security forces in the West Bank for security offenses may be prohibited from communicating with lawyers, family members, or the U.S. embassy for lengthy periods.  
• In addition, they may be held in custody for long periods without formal charges, or before being brought before a judge for an arrest extension.  
• The PA often does not notify the U.S. embassy of such arrests, and consular access to arrestees is often delayed.  
• There are credible reports that PA security forces have mistreated U.S. citizens during their arrest and interrogation. 

Arrests in the West Bank and arrest notification by Israel 

A treaty between the U.S. and Israel, along with international law, requires Israel to quickly tell the U.S. embassy when a U.S. citizen is arrested. This is only if the arrested person identifies themselves as a U.S. citizen and asks for the embassy to be notified.  

If you are arrested or detained by Israeli authorities, tell the authorities right away that you’re a U.S. citizen and ask them to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.  

• Some minors over the age of 12 have been tried as adults. Minors over the age of 14 can be imprisoned.  
• There are credible reports that Israeli security forces have mistreated U.S. citizens during their arrest and interrogation. 
• Arrestees have also reported pressure to sign documents in Hebrew that they do not understand. 
• U.S. citizens arrested in Israel for criminal or security offenses committed in the West Bank are entitled to legal representation provided by the Government of Israel.  
• U.S. citizens arrested by Israeli authorities for security offenses committed in the West Bank may be prevented from communicating with lawyers, family members, or consular officers for long periods of time. Even after the U.S. embassy is notified, it may take days or weeks before officials can visit you.  

Under Israeli law, people detained for security offenses can be held for up to 6 months without being formally charged. consular access to the arrested individual may be delayed for days to several weeks.  

Dual nationals 

These rules apply even if you enter Israel or PA-administered areas using your U.S passport:  

• If you hold both U.S. and Palestinian Authority (PA) citizenship, the PA will treat you as a PA citizen.  

Detention conditions 

Detainees in Israeli or Palestinian Authority security prisons, including Ofer Prison, may not receive sufficient nutrition or timely medical care. 

• Detainees in Israeli security prisons are often not allowed to communicate with anyone other than attorneys and U.S. embassy consular staff.  
• Israeli security prisons have experienced large scale and prolonged periods of scabies outbreaks that have affected U.S. citizens. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.  

Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• Consensual same-sex sexual activity is prohibited in the West Bank. Societal discrimination is common. This includes discrimination from families based on cultural and religious traditions.  
• Palestinian Authority (PA) security officers have harassed, abused, and sometimes arrested lesbian or gay people because of their perceived sexual orientation.  

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

Palestinian Authority (PA) law in the West Bank prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law has faced implementation delays and does not mandate access to buildings, information, or communication  

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. 
• Palestinians with disabilities continue to receive uneven and poor-quality services and care.  
• Discrimination against people with disabilities exists in the West Bank. 

Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

Review our information on Studying Abroad.   

Women travelers   

Review our information for Women Travelers, Marriage, and Victims of Crime. 

Human rights 

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Review our information for Journalists. 

Purchase of property 

U.S. citizens should always seek legal advice before buying or leasing property in the West Bank. 

Please review the Investment Climate Statement for the West Bank and Gaza for additional information on property rights. 

Health

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.  
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 

Emergency phone numbers

Dial 101 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services 

Ambulance services are available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may poor.  

• The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) operates ambulances in the West Bank. 
• During periods of heightened tension in the West Bank, emergency services may be delayed by the need for Palestinian authorities to coordinate with Israeli officials.  
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in The West Bank. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing non-emergency treatment or admitting a patient. Payment in full is often required before being discharged. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.  

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities  

Health facilities are available in the West Bank but may be below U.S. standards. It may be harder to find adequate health care in remote areas. 

• Hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront prior to service or admission.  
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.  
• Patients may be required to cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services may be limited in rural areas. 

Prescription medications  

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Check with the Israel Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in the West Bank.  
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.  
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy 

If you are considering traveling to the West Bank to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  

• Foreigners cannot easily use ART like surrogacy or complex third-party IVF arrangements in the West Bank. The local infrastructure is tailored to residents and lacks a formal, regulated legal framework for international commercial surrogacy or foreign patient ART tourism. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in the West Bank via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.  
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences

Water quality and food safety  

• In many areas in the West Bank, tap water is not safe to drink.  
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.  

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in the West Bank. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation

Road conditions and safety 

During periods of high tension in the West Bank, protestors have targeted cars and buses with stone throwing, improvised incendiary devices, small arms fire, barricades, and burning tires. Emergency services may be delayed by the need for Palestinian authorities to coordinate with Israeli officials.  

• Crowded roads are common in the West Bank.  
• Aggressive driving is common. Many drivers fail to maintain safe following distances. Drivers often do not signal before changing lanes or making turns. 
• Overtaking at high-speed on undivided 2-lane roads is common and may result in accidents.  
• Drivers commonly stop suddenly on roads without warning, especially in the right lane.  

Traffic laws   

• Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers.  
• Alcohol is prohibited while driving.   
• If you are involved in an accident resulting in death or injury, police may detain you, pending an investigation.  

Taxis and ride-shares 

Book taxis via your hotel. On-call taxi services, such as Careem and Uber, operate in some cities in the West Bank.

Public and commercial transportation  

Remain vigilant when using public transportation as travel between Palestinian cities often requires passing through Israeli military checkpoints. Delays, sudden road closures, and changing security restrictions are common. 

• Shared taxis (serves): These multi-passenger vans or cars are the backbone of local and regional travel between cities like Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem. 
• Buses: Larger buses operate on major routes, though they make up a smaller percentage of daily travel compared to shared taxis. 
• Local taxis:  Available for short trips inside city limits. 

Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the West Bank for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

The most likely weather events and natural disasters in the West Bank are: 

• Floods including flash floods from November to March 
• Droughts from May to October 
• Earthquakes 
• Landslides 
• Extreme temperatures and heatwaves in June to August and cold spells December to February 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits

Embassies and consulates