The Palestinian Travel Document: Exploring Palestinian Travel Rights
Palestinians and their Travel Documents: Understanding the Options
Palestinians fall into five distinct categories when it comes to travel documents:
- Palestinians residing in the West Bank and Gaza Strip possess Palestinian passports.
- Palestinians with permanent resident permits in Jerusalem can apply for temporary Jordanian passports.
- Palestinians living in Israel as Israeli citizens hold Israeli passports.
- Palestinians residing in Jordan and holding Jordanian citizenship possess Jordanian passports.
- Palestinians living outside of Palestine in countries like Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq hold travel documents issued by the respective authorities.
Unpacking the Palestinian Passport
The Palestinian passport‘s legitimacy stems from the agreements made during the Oslo accord in 1993. Initially issued in April 1995 by the Palestinian Authority, these passports aim to facilitate Palestinian travel. Valid for five years, Palestinian ID holders, primarily those in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, are eligible for this document.
For Palestinians in the diaspora, such as refugee camps in various countries, obtaining a Palestinian passport is challenging due to the lack of a Palestinian ID. Instead, they hold refugee travel documents, with exceptions made in special circumstances.
Exploring Palestinian Travel Opportunities
The Palestinian passport grants entry to 38 countries, predominantly in Africa, with varying visa requirements:
Countries Requiring E-Visas: Nations like India, Rwanda, and Qatar offer E-Visas as an online alternative to traditional visas, simplifying the application process for Palestinian travelers.
Visa-Free Entry Countries: Palestinians can enter countries like Malaysia, Venezuela, and Jordan without the need for a visa.
Visa on Arrival Countries: Nations like Iran, Maldives, and Zimbabwe allow Palestinians to obtain visas upon arrival, easing travel restrictions.
Comparing Palestinian Passport Rankings
According to Passport Index, Palestinian passports rank 89th globally, on par with countries like Iran and Myanmar. This ranking reflects the number of countries Palestinians can enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival, showcasing the document’s travel privileges.
Understanding Jordanian Passports for Palestinians
In 1960, Jordan administered the West Bank, granting many Palestinians Jordanian nationality. Those without this status obtained temporary Jordanian passports, facilitating travel to countries that do not recognize Palestinian passports or the Oslo accord agreements.
Recognition of the Palestinian Passport
The Palestinian passport holds different statuses across countries, serving as a passport in some and a travel document in others. This dual nature is reflected in the passport cover, which bears both “passport” and “travel document” in English, while Arabic only denotes “passport” as “جواز سفر.”
