Israel: Simplified Travel for U.S. Citizens with Palestinian Identification Cards

Update July 26, 2023: According to a statement made by Israel's national security advisor, this arrangement applies to any U.S. citizen, including those with dual citizenship, American residents of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and American residents of the Gaza Strip. 

Beginning in mid-July, U.S. citizens holding Palestinian identification cards can enter Israel for tourism and business under the same regulations as other U.S. citizens and travel freely throughout the country. Currently, U.S. citizens holding Palestinian identification cards are required to enter and depart from the West Bank and reenter it solely via the Allenby Bridge crossing (border with neighboring Jordan). Further, U.S. citizens residing in the Palestinian territories will also be able to fly through Israel’s Ramon Airport or Ben Gurion Airport without delays. These changes are part of an understanding between the Israeli and United States governments in order for Israel to be admitted to the United States visa-exemption program in October or November 2023.