MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Gaza

How to Get to Gaza

Gaza Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territory Travel Guide

Land Crossings

Erez Crossing with Israel

This crossing is located in the north of the Gaza Strip. It serves as the main passage for individuals, including humanitarian workers, journalists, diplomatic personnel, medical patients, and merchants, between Gaza and Israel. Israel controls this crossing.

Permit Requirements

  • Entry/exit demands extensive permits from Israeli authorities.
  • Permits prove difficult to obtain.
  • The crossing frequently closes or operates with severe limitations.

Rafah Crossing with Egypt

Positioned in the south of the Gaza Strip, this crossing borders Egypt. It functions as the main passage for individuals between Gaza and Egypt. Egyptian authorities control this crossing.

Permit Requirements

  • Passage demands permits from Egyptian authorities and usually from Hamas.
  • It operates intermittently and unpredictably.
  • The crossing frequently closes or experiences significant delays.

Erez Access

Main the north of crossing for individuals to/from Israel.

Rafah Access

Main southern crossing for individuals to/from Egypt.

Kerem Shalom

Mainly for commercial goods and humanitarian aid; not for individual travel.

Permit Complexities

Factors Influencing Permits

  • Applications prove intricate and lengthy.
  • Compelling justification for entry is necessary.
  • Expect potential delays or denials.
  • Start applications well in advance.

Internal Movement Challenges

  • Movement within Gaza may require additional local permits.
  • Private automobiles for permitted entry are typically arranged by sponsoring organizations.
  • Road conditions are frequently damaged; checkpoints are prevalent.
  • Any movement on roads must follow strict security protocols.

Internal Travel Options

Train Services

Train connections and services do not exist to or from Gaza City.

Bus Services

Long-distance bus options and companies for entry or exit also do not exist.

Self-Driving

Self-driving considerations and requirements are not applicable for foreign nationals.

Sea & River Travel

Sea Travel Limitations

No ferry services or cruise ports exist for Gaza City. The Gaza Strip operates under a naval blockade by Israel, preventing most civilian access to the sea.

Maritime Restrictions

  • No civilian sea access due to naval blockade.
  • No commercial shipping or passenger services.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable.

River Travel

River transportation options are not applicable, as there are no significant navigable rivers within the Gaza Strip.

Inland Waterways

  • No navigable rivers for transport.
  • Waterways are small wadis, not suitable for boats.
  • Connections to land transport from river arrivals are not applicable.

Departure Information

Exit Permits

Departure from Gaza, like entry, faces heavy controls and requires specific permits. No official tourist exit fees exist.

Permit Requirements

  • Exit requires permits from Israeli and/or Egyptian authorities.
  • The necessary permits are determined by your planned exit route.
  • Departure timing is often determined by permit validity and border operating hours.

Departure Procedures

Departure procedures are identical to entry procedures: rigorous security checks and document verification. Border operating hours can change without notice.

Steps

  • Rigorous security checks and document verification are performed.
  • Travelers undergo strict scrutiny.
  • Arrive well in advance of any scheduled departure.

Border Facilities & Logistics

Airport/Train Absence

No civilian airports or train stations exist for departure.

Border Crossings

Border crossings have basic facilities, mainly for security and processing.

Organizational Guidance

Your sponsoring organization will provide specific guidance and arrange logistics for your departure. Always follow their instructions.

Departure Reminder

Flexibility and patience are necessary during departure processes due to unpredictable closures and delays.