Updated December 2023
Factsheet includes step by step guide to a visitor visa application.
RACS FACTSHEET
Current options for those trying to leave Gaza/the Occupied Palestinian Territories/Israel
This factsheet provides RACS’ understanding of responses to some Frequently Asked Questions we are currently receiving from people in Australia wishing to assist relatives and friends in Gaza, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel wanting help leaving to come to Australia. Please note that all the information in this factsheet we believe to be correct as at 14 December 2023, but the situation is changing rapidly.
I have friends or relatives in danger and I want to help them to come to Australia
If they get a visa, how do they leave?
Travel from Gaza
Travel from the West Bank
Travel to/from Israel
Once someone arrives with a visitor visa to Australia, how long can they stay? Are there more permanent options to stay?
I want to check on my family – what can I do?
I am an Australian Citizen or Visa holder in Gaza / the Occupied Palestinian Territories / Israel, how can I get help?
I have friends or relatives in danger and I want to help them to come to Australia
Currently the quickest way to leave and to come to Australia is to apply for a 600 visitor visa in the tourist stream. To do this, you will generally need a passport.
Palestinian nationals who wish to make a visa application to travel to Australia must hold a valid travel document. For those who have difficulty obtaining a travel document, you can contact the Palestinian Embassy where you are located which may be able to assist.
The process to apply for a visitor visa is to create an ImmiAccount, and lodge the application through there. A step by step guide to this process is at the end of this factsheet.
It’s been reported that between 7 October and 20 November, 1,793 visas were granted to Israeli citizens and 860 to Palestinians.
For further information, and to ensure that you have the most up to date information, we suggest that you check the Department of Home Affairs website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/hamas-israel-conflict
If they get a visa, how do they leave?
Travel from Gaza
Gaza is surrounded by blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt, which restrict movement. Israel prevents access to and from Gaza by sea and air. Land movement is restricted to three crossings: the Egypt-controlled Rafah crossing and Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings, which Israel controls.
As at 14 December 2023 crossing Rafah to Egypt seems to be the only way to leave Gaza. The Guardian notes that:
It is also important to note that being granted a visa does not mean someone can automatically leave Gaza. Citizens still have to be able to cross from Gaza into Egypt and this has proven very difficult in many cases. So far, only 127 Australian citizens, permanent residents and family members have been able to cross the border. Another 69 Australians have sought to leave, but have so far been unable to.
The Rafah border into Egypt has opened in a limited capacity. Any right of stay in Egypt currently appears to be very limited, with individuals required to show a visa or ticket to an onward destination. The situation is volatile and is subject to change.
Travel from the West Bank
In general, Palestinian Authority passport holders seeking to exit the West Bank must cross through one of the land borders with Israel and Jordan (and depending on which area in the West Bank, may need authorization to travel either from the Palestinian Authority or the Israel Coordinator of Government Affairs).
Palestinian Authority passport holders who are U.S. citizens are able to exit the West Bank via Israel (including flying out from Ben Gurion airport).
Leaving the West Bank is only possible via either Israel or Jordan. The most common routes are the Qalandia checkpoint – between Jerusalem and Ramallah – or the Allenby Bridge checkpoint in the Jordan Valley. In exceptional cases, a permit to travel through Ben-Gurion Airport might be obtained
Travel to/from Israel
Travel to Israel is severely disrupted due to conflict. Many flights to and from Israel have been cancelled, though some flights do continue to operate. Individuals wishing to travel to or from Israel should expect severe delays and cancellations.
For Israeli nationals wishing to depart Israel whose passports have expired, the Ministry of Interior desk on the 2nd floor of Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 3 may be able to issue an emergency passport if the individual is booked on a flight within 48 hours.
East Jerusalem Palestinians who are residents of Israel (even if they do not have Israeli citizenship) can travel freely within Israel but would need an exit permit for international travel through Ben Gurion Airport.
The U.S. Embassy in Israel has published that U.S. citizens with Palestinian passports/identification cards cannot at this time request to enter Israel visa-free for visits up to 90 days for business, tourism or transit. The Embassy further noted that any unexpired B-2 permits issued prior to October 7, 2023 are no longer valid for such U.S. citizens.
To leave Israel, DFAT’s Smart Traveller reports that:
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and commercial flights are available. Airports may pause operations due to heightened security concerns. This may cause flight delays or cancellations.
Land border crossings to Jordan are open but may close at short notice.
Once someone arrives with a visitor visa to Australia, how long can they stay? Are there more permanent options to stay?
A 600 visitor visa in the tourist stream can be granted for different periods, with different “stay” periods of 3, 6 or 12 months. Once onshore, a person should then get advice from RACS about the prospects of success of a protection visa, taking into account their individual circumstances.
Once here in Australia, a person may also be eligible to apply for other kinds of visas in Australia such as a further visitor visa, a student visa, a temporary skills shortage visa, or a partner if they have an Australian partner. RACS can provide a list of commercial lawyers who can provide advice on all the kinds of visas a person may be eligible for, not just a protection visa.
I want to check on my family – what can I do?
For family members who have lost contact with relatives due to the current situation, the Restoring Family Links team at Australian Red Cross can assess your case and work through their Family Links Network:
The RFL Hotline is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (AEST) on 1800 875 199 or via tracing@redcross.org.au
Refugees United is a non-profit helping refugee families that have lost contact with each other connect. They can be reached through their web portal at: https://refunite.org/
I am an Australian Citizen or Visa holder in Gaza / the Occupied Palestinian Territories / Israel, how can I get help?
As at 14 December 2023, DFAT says:
The Australian Government is providing consular assistance to Australians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and supporting registered Australians.
Australian government officials from DFAT and other agencies have been deployed to the region to support assisted departures.
More than 1500 Australians have left Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (assisted and independently).
Australia is monitoring developments closely as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. This information will be updated as required in line with the situation. Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories are encouraged to register with the DFAT crisis registration portal.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance or that require assistance with departure should contact the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).
For further information, and to ensure that you have the most up to date information, we suggest that you check the DFAT website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territories
Smart Traveller currently advises:
The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. Australians who want to leave are strongly encouraged to take the first available option.
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and commercial flights are available. Airports may pause operations due to heightened security concerns. This may cause flight delays or cancellations.
Land border crossings to Jordan are open but may close at short notice. · Monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only).
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories you can register on DFAT's registration portal. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important updates.
Due to the security environment, the Government has offered voluntary departures to Australia of dependants of Australian officials posted in Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
If you're planning to stay in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, follow alerts to seek shelter.
Since 27 October, Israeli Defence Forces have significantly expanded operations, including in Gaza and areas near the border with Gaza.
The Israeli military announced on 13 October that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to Southern Gaza within 24 hours. We recommend following this advice.
There have been large political demonstrations across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Protests can escalate and become violent. Be alert, avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations, and avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence.
Israel is a target for terrorism, rocket fire and military confrontation. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Always be alert. Have an exit plan. Tension and security risks exist close to Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. There are ongoing threats of rocket attacks and military activity. Authorities are monitoring security on Israel’s northern border.
Security in the West Bank is unpredictable. This includes Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah. Tensions are high. Violence occurs. Take care around West Bank checkpoints. If you're in the West Bank during military action or civil unrest, stay in a safe place indoors and away from windows. Take care when visiting the Old City in Jerusalem. Transportation and other services could be affected. Be alert to your surroundings and have an exit plan. Monitor media for the latest updates.
If you're in Gaza, be aware of your surroundings and review your personal security plans. Monitor local media (including social media), UN alerts, and your own organisation's security contacts for information about changing security contacts and alerts to seek shelter. If it's possible to leave, carefully consider the safest means. We may not be able to provide consular help in Gaza.
Further contact information on how to contact DFAT can be found at: https://www.dfat.gov.au/contact-us
Getting Help from RACS
RACS is entirely independent of the Department of Home Affairs. All assistance is free.
If you would like advice or assistance, RACS offers the following service options:
Telephone Advice - Monday to Friday, 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm (02) 8355 7227 or admin@racs.org.au
Please note: This factsheet contains general information only. It does not constitute legal or migration advice. RACS is independent of the Department of Home Affairs. All assistance is free. This factsheet was prepared on 14 December 2023.