Travel to Palestine from Jordan? The question of whether you can travel to Palestine from Jordan without interacting with Israeli authorities is a common one for tourists, pilgrims, and activists alike. Palestine, particularly the West Bank, is a significant destination for religious tourism and humanitarian work. However, given the complex political landscape, the logistics of traveling to Palestine—especially from neighboring Jordan—are not straightforward. This article seeks to clarify the issue by examining the current border control, historical background, and alternative routes.
Understanding the Geography and Political Landscape
Palestine is composed of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The West Bank is where most travelers are headed when they refer to “Palestine” in a tourism context. Jordan shares a border with the West Bank, and many people traveling from Jordan to Palestine are curious if they can bypass Israeli authorities when entering.
However, the geopolitical situation makes this almost impossible. While Palestine has a de jure government, known as the Palestinian Authority (PA), much of the West Bank is controlled by Israel due to ongoing military occupation. This occupation extends to border control, meaning that Israel controls all external entry points into the West Bank.
The Border Crossings Between Jordan and Palestine
There are two main border crossings between Jordan and the West Bank:
- The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge: This is the most commonly used crossing for travelers moving between Jordan and the West Bank. It is located near the Jordanian city of Al-Karameh and connects to the West Bank close to Jericho. Despite its geographic proximity to Palestinian territories, this crossing is controlled by Israeli authorities on the West Bank side. Therefore, anyone using this crossing will have to interact with Israeli border control and security forces.
- Sheikh Hussein Bridge: Located further north, this crossing leads from Jordan into Israel, north of the West Bank, and is used less frequently by travelers heading to Palestinian territories. Like the Allenby Bridge, it is also controlled by Israel.
In short, even though you are traveling from Jordan to the West Bank, you must go through Israeli authorities because Israel controls all borders of the West Bank and Gaza, making it impossible to avoid Israeli involvement in the travel process.
Crossing Via Allenby Bridge: What to Expect
For those traveling from Jordan to Palestine, the Allenby Bridge is the most straightforward route. Here’s what you can expect when crossing:
- Visa and Entry Requirements: Israeli authorities control the visa and entry process for the Allenby Bridge crossing. Most travelers will receive an entry visa for Israel, but this visa is also valid for entry into the West Bank. However, there are restrictions based on nationality and purpose of visit. Some visitors may face additional questioning or delays, particularly if they are traveling for political or humanitarian reasons.
- Palestinian Passport Holders: Palestinian passport holders residing in Jordan or other countries often face longer wait times, scrutiny, and even restrictions when crossing through Allenby. Israeli authorities maintain strict control over the movement of Palestinians in and out of the West Bank.
- Security Checks: The security procedures at the Allenby Bridge can be stringent. Passengers are often subjected to luggage searches, questioning, and long waiting times, particularly during peak travel periods. Security at the border is controlled by Israeli authorities, making it clear that bypassing Israeli control is not feasible at this crossing.
Alternative Routes: Is Gaza an Option?
Some may wonder whether they can bypass Israeli authorities by traveling through Gaza instead of the West Bank. However, this is even more complicated.
- Egypt-Gaza Border (Rafah Crossing): The Rafah crossing is the only land border between Egypt and Gaza, and it is frequently closed or highly restricted. Even when open, the crossing is tightly controlled by Egyptian and Israeli authorities, making it an impractical option for travelers wishing to avoid Israeli control.
- Gaza Access: Gaza is under an Israeli blockade, and travel in and out of the area is extremely limited. Even humanitarian organizations face significant restrictions, and tourists are generally not allowed to enter Gaza without special permits. In short, Gaza is not a feasible entry point for most travelers.
Historical Context: Israeli Control Over Palestinian Borders
To fully understand why Israel controls all access points to Palestine, it’s important to consider the historical context.
- 1967 War and Israeli Occupation: During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. These areas have been under Israeli military occupation ever since. Although the Palestinian Authority has administrative control over certain parts of the West Bank, Israel retains overall control of security and borders, including who can enter or leave.
- Oslo Accords: The Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s, were intended to lead to a two-state solution. However, the agreements did not resolve the issue of border control, leaving Israel in control of key entry points into Palestinian territories. To this day, Israel controls all international access to the West Bank and Gaza.
- The Separation Barrier: Since the early 2000s, Israel has built a separation barrier (sometimes referred to as the “wall”) along much of the boundary between Israel and the West Bank. The barrier further complicates movement between Palestinian and Israeli territories and reinforces Israeli control over access points.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you are planning to visit Palestine from Jordan, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Plan for Delays: Border crossings can be time-consuming, with long waits and unpredictable delays. It is advisable to plan for extra time, particularly if you are crossing through Allenby Bridge.
- Documents: Ensure you have the necessary documents for Israeli entry, including your passport, visa, and any supporting documentation that may explain the purpose of your visit.
- Respect Local Laws: Even though you may be traveling to Palestine, you must respect the Israeli laws and regulations enforced at border crossings. This includes security checks and adherence to any visa requirements.
- Be Prepared for Questioning: It is common to be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, and the purpose of your visit. Some travelers, particularly those involved in activism or humanitarian work, may face more intensive questioning.
- Currency and Transportation: The Allenby Bridge crossing does not allow for private vehicles to pass. You’ll need to rely on buses or taxis to continue your journey once you cross into the West Bank. The West Bank primarily uses the Israeli shekel, but some places also accept Jordanian dinars and U.S. dollars.
Can You Avoid Israeli Authorities?
The short answer is no. While traveling from Jordan to Palestine, particularly the West Bank, is a common and important route for many travelers, it is impossible to avoid Israeli authorities. Israel controls all external borders of the West Bank and Gaza, making it necessary for travelers to pass through Israeli security checkpoints, whether they enter through the Allenby Bridge or other crossings. This geopolitical reality is a direct result of Israel’s ongoing occupation and control over Palestinian territories since 1967.
While navigating this complex situation, travelers should be prepared for security checks, possible delays, and interaction with Israeli authorities. Although it may not be the desired situation for many, understanding the logistics and preparing accordingly can help ensure a smoother journey to Palestine.
