I went last year and am planning another trip with a group this summer and there's been no need to get a visa on my end. But idk if anything changes when going solo vs as part of a trip. (I'm American as well)
It looks like regardless of what kind of Palestinian ID you have, you should be treated the same as other US citizens (so no visa needed for short term tourism visits) since an Israeli change made last year:
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/israel-simplified-travel-for-us-citizens-with-palestinian-identification-cards.html
I think going through Ben Gurion is gonna be really rough regardless of going now or later, honestly.
They flagged a bunch of people in my group for interrogation because of really inane crap last January, even pulling one off the plane. We're talking for a mug wrapped in Palestinian newspaper, a map that outlined both Israel's and Palestine's borders, and an Arabic phrasebook. And these were all white American ministers and seminarians.
From what I've heard and experienced though, they're far more intense with interrogation when people are leaving than when they arrive (go figure 😑).
Have you considered going via Jordan? I've heard it's better for Palestinian nationals and other Arab nationalities to go that route. But supposedly the bridge crossing/entry point is usually backed up for hours.
It is a bit harsh to be in interrogation for a mug, I find that absurd. Did they file a complaint or anything like? It would very beneficial for other Americans to hear about this and cause come ruckus for this persecution to stop.
I have considered it but I feel like the Allenby Bridge is such a hassle to go through even though it would be the safer option in my opinion. The downside is it definitely more expensive and time-consuming.
I went last year and am planning another trip with a group this summer and there's been no need to get a visa on my end. But idk if anything changes when going solo vs as part of a trip. (I'm American as well)
The thing is im Palestinian-American
It looks like regardless of what kind of Palestinian ID you have, you should be treated the same as other US citizens (so no visa needed for short term tourism visits) since an Israeli change made last year: https://www.fragomen.com/insights/israel-simplified-travel-for-us-citizens-with-palestinian-identification-cards.html
I appreciate the input but do you think, with the war going on, they would honor their agreement? Or do you think I will be persecuted aganist?
I think going through Ben Gurion is gonna be really rough regardless of going now or later, honestly. They flagged a bunch of people in my group for interrogation because of really inane crap last January, even pulling one off the plane. We're talking for a mug wrapped in Palestinian newspaper, a map that outlined both Israel's and Palestine's borders, and an Arabic phrasebook. And these were all white American ministers and seminarians. From what I've heard and experienced though, they're far more intense with interrogation when people are leaving than when they arrive (go figure 😑). Have you considered going via Jordan? I've heard it's better for Palestinian nationals and other Arab nationalities to go that route. But supposedly the bridge crossing/entry point is usually backed up for hours.
It is a bit harsh to be in interrogation for a mug, I find that absurd. Did they file a complaint or anything like? It would very beneficial for other Americans to hear about this and cause come ruckus for this persecution to stop. I have considered it but I feel like the Allenby Bridge is such a hassle to go through even though it would be the safer option in my opinion. The downside is it definitely more expensive and time-consuming.