Palestine · Relocation guide
Moving to Palestine: permits, access and conflict feasibility
Gaza is not a viable ordinary relocation destination: FCDO advises against all travel and civilian crossings are closed or severely restricted. West Bank entry and foreign-national stay are controlled by Israeli authorities under purpose-specific procedures that can change with little notice.
Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.
Separate Gaza from the West Bank
FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza and specified West Bank governorates and against all but essential travel to much of the rest. Gaza civilian crossings have been closed or severely constrained and there is no dependable ordinary relocation path.
An essential West Bank posting still requires a location-specific security, shelter, movement and evacuation plan.
Obtain the Israeli-administered permit before commitment
Israeli authorities control entry to Palestine. The published procedure distinguishes visitors, students and academics, experts or consultants, family or spouse cases and volunteers.
A visitor authorisation is not work or residence permission, and a West Bank permit does not authorise Gaza access.
| Purpose | Route to examine |
|---|---|
| West Bank visit or stay | West Bank Visit and Stay Permit |
| Study or academic appointment | West Bank Student and Academic Permit |
| Expert or consultant work | West Bank Work, Expert or Consultant Permit |
Preserve border and permit evidence
Carry the approval and Israeli immigration slip and allow for questioning or refusal. Do not enter via an unapproved checkpoint or violate a territorial restriction.
Register or report to the Palestinian host institution and Israeli coordinating authority exactly as the permit requires; keep copies outside the home.
Keep the posting and home reversible
Do not work beyond the approved expert, consultant, academic or volunteer purpose. Employer or institution changes require a new authority check.
Choose housing around checkpoints, shelter, water, power and medical access; movement can be blocked without notice. Avoid long irreversible deposits.
Plan healthcare, family and departure first
Healthcare capacity and evacuation differ greatly between Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Insurance may exclude conflict, and ambulances can face checkpoint delays.
Do not move dependants until their permits, school, shelter and exit options are confirmed. Monitor crossings daily; FCDO cannot obtain Gaza entry or exit permits.
Your moving checklist
Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.
0 of 12 tasks completed
Sources and checks
The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.
- UK FCDO: Palestine travel adviceSource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Palestine regional risksSource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Palestine safety and securitySource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Palestine healthSource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Israel entry requirements and entry to PalestineSource checked 12 September 2026
- Israeli government: procedure for foreign nationals entering the West BankSource checked 12 September 2026