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Do Finland passport holders need a visa to visit PS?

A Finnish (EU) passport holder does not need a Palestinian visa, but access to the Palestinian Territories (West Bank) is controlled entirely by Israeli entry points. Since 1 January 2025 Israel requires visa-exempt travelers, including all EU citizens, to obtain an ETA-IL electronic travel authorization (NIS 25) before arrival. With an approved ETA-IL, Finns enter under Israel's visa-exempt regime for stays of up to 90 days and may then travel into the West Bank. Palestine (the State of Palestine / Palestinian Territories) does not operate its own visa system for foreign tourists arriving from abroad. All international entry to the West Bank is via Israeli-controlled gateways: Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan. Foreign visitors are therefore admitted under Israel's visa policy. Finland is on Israel's visa-exempt list, so a Finnish ordinary passport holder receives a free entry permit (the printed "blue slip", as Israel no longer stamps passports) good for up to 90 days. However, effective 1 January 2025, Israel made the ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals before they board a flight or cross a land border. The ETA-IL costs NIS 25, is typically approved within hours to 72 hours, is valid for two years (or until passport expiry) and allows multiple entries with stays up to 90 days each. Gaza is effectively inaccessible to tourists. Note that Israeli security screening is thorough, and travelers with stated plans to visit the Palestinian Territories may be questioned closely. Because entry hinges on an electronic pre-travel authorization rather than a traditional visa or pure visa-free walk-up, the best-fit classification is "eta". Travelers should carry passport valid 6+ months with a blank page, proof of onward travel and accommodation, and apply for the ETA-IL at the official PIBA portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) at least 72 hours before departure.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
ETA-IL electronic travel authorization (Israel-controlled entry; no separate Palestinian tourist visa)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
NIS 25 (approx. EUR 6-7 / USD 8)
consular fee only
Processing time
Often a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before travel
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport is valid
Ensure your Finnish ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date and has at least one blank page.
· 6+ months validity· 1 blank page
/02
Apply for the ETA-IL online
Complete the Israel ETA-IL application at the official PIBA portal before travel. Finland is visa-exempt, so an ETA-IL (not a consular visa) is what you need.
· israel-entry.piba.gov.il· Apply 72h+ ahead
/03
Pay the fee and receive approval
Pay NIS 25 by card. Most approvals arrive within hours; allow up to 72 hours. Save the approval confirmation.
· NIS 25· Card payment
/04
Enter via an Israeli gateway
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or cross the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan. You receive a printed entry permit (blue slip) rather than a passport stamp.
· Ben Gurion / Allenby· Keep the entry slip
/05
Pass border screening
Answer questions about your itinerary. Expect closer questioning if you state plans to visit the West Bank; carry accommodation and onward-travel details.
· Itinerary proof
/06
Travel into the West Bank
With the entry permit you may proceed to West Bank cities (e.g. Bethlehem, Ramallah). Stay within your permitted 90 days; Gaza is not accessible to tourists.
· 90-day limit· Gaza closed
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Finnish passport valid 6+ months with a blank page
required
Approved ETA-IL printed or saved on phone
required
ETA-IL fee paid (NIS 25)
required
Return or onward ticket
recommended
Proof of accommodation / hotel booking
recommended
Itinerary and contact details for West Bank stay
recommended
Travel insurance covering the region
recommended
Keep the printed entry permit (blue slip) for your whole trip
required
Sufficient funds for the stay
recommended
Awareness of current Finnish MFA travel advisory
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
ETA-IL authorization feeNIS 25Per traveler; paid online to Israeli PIBA
Palestinian tourist visaNIS 0No separate Palestinian visa exists for arrivals from abroad
Israel entry permit (blue slip)NIS 0Issued free on arrival to visa-exempt travelers
Total estimateNIS 25NIS 25incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
No independent Palestinian visa system
Foreign tourists cannot obtain a Palestinian visa from abroad; entry to the West Bank is governed by Israel's visa policy at its gateways.
High
/02
Finland is visa-exempt for Israel
As an EU member, Finland is on Israel's visa-exemption list, so no consular visa is required for a short tourist stay.
High
/03
ETA-IL mandatory since 1 January 2025
Visa-exempt travelers, including all EU citizens, must obtain an approved ETA-IL before boarding or crossing.
High
/04
Entry only via Israeli-controlled points
The West Bank is reached through Ben Gurion Airport or the Allenby Bridge, both under Israeli immigration control.
Medium
/05
Security screening can be intensive
Travelers stating West Bank plans may face additional questioning at the border.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Finland to Palestine route verified
Verified that entry to the Palestinian Territories for Finnish passport holders is governed by Israel's visa-exempt regime, with the mandatory ETA-IL (NIS 25, multiple entry, up to 90 days, valid 2 years) required since 1 January 2025. Confirmed against Israeli MFA/PIBA and travel sources.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Does a Finnish citizen need a visa for Palestine?
No separate Palestinian visa exists for arrivals from abroad. Entry is controlled by Israel, where Finland is visa-exempt. You only need an approved ETA-IL before travel, then you receive a free entry permit on arrival.
What is the ETA-IL and how much does it cost?+
How do I actually get into the West Bank?+
Will my passport be stamped?+
How long can I stay?+
Can tourists visit Gaza?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Finland passport

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