Are tourists allowed in Bethlehem?
Tourists are free to enter and exit the checkpoint to Bethlehem and back to Jerusalem as many times as they would like without any restrictions. Make sure you bring your passport with your Israeli-issued tourist visa to enter and exit the Palestinian areas.
What do people do when they go to Bethlehem?
Christian pilgrims travel to Bethlehem, particularly at Christmas time to attend services in the Church of the Nativity. Some pilgrims kiss the star representing the birthplace of Christ to show their devotion .
Who can go to Bethlehem?
US passport holders are legally allowed to visit Bethlehem, but the US State Department has assigned Israel, Gaza and the West Bank a Level 2 travel advisory, so plan to exercise increased caution during your trip.
Is Bethlehem worth visiting?
The town is definitely worth a visit for its variety of things to see and do, its historical and cultural significance, and unique atmosphere. Bethlehem is a super easy day trip from Jerusalem, and an easy one from Tel Aviv – don’t miss it!
What do you wear in Bethlehem?
Be sure to dress modestly for holy sites, i.e. pants for men, skirts/dresses for women (can be wrap-around), and arms covered.
Why is Bethlehem important?
Bethlehem is the cradle of Christianity, the site of the Church of the Nativity, which contains an underground cave where Christians believe Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. A 14-pointed silver star beneath an altar marks the spot and the stone church is a key pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike.
Who controls Bethlehem today?
Bethlehem came under Jordanian rule during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and was later captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. Since the 1995 Oslo Accords, Bethlehem has been administered by the Palestinian Authority.
Can you stay in Bethlehem?
One place many people overlook spending a good amount of time in is Bethlehem. Because the city is in Palestine, or the West Bank, many are concerned about staying overnight and instead book a day tour to visit the main site: the Church of the Nativity. Bethlehem has so much more to offer!
What was special about Bethlehem?
Is it safe to travel to the Holy Land in 2021?
As for other forms of crime, Israel is very safe to travel to, it even has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and is much safer, in terms of street crime, than other top destinations in Europe. Crimes such as mugging and violence happen rarely and even more so towards tourists, so you are safe to walk at night.
