Increased Entry Denials for International Travelers to Israel

RAMALLAH, West Bank — A rising number of U.S. and international visitors are being denied entry into Israel. This is occurring after they undergo interrogations about their connections to Palestinians, plans to visit the West Bank, and their opinions on Israel, according to multiple lawyers. In August, Israel blocked a group of international comedians invited to a Palestinian comedy festival and a U.S. multifaith group planning to tour Palestinian areas.

Entry Denials on the Rise

Israeli lawyers report a sharp increase in entry refusals over the past year, based on reasons previously not used. These include suspicions of anti-Israel views. Lawyer Adi Lustigman notes a significant shift, mentioning frequent complaints from those denied entrance. The Israeli Interior Ministry claims it is unaware of a widespread entry-ban issue and states all travelers are subject to the same regulations.

As of 2025, Israel has rejected over 21,000 electronic travel authorization requests. This pre-travel screening affects visitors from the U.S., Canada, the EU, and visa-exempt nations. The U.S. State Department has defended Israel’s actions, stating they align with Israeli laws intended to prevent security threats.

Comedians Denied Entry

In early August, Los Angeles comedian Ahmed Al-kadri and five other comedians from the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand were refused entry. They were due to perform at the Palestine Comedy Festival in the West Bank. Despite having Israeli authorizations, all but one was denied access. Upon return, they used Zoom to entertain audiences in Ramallah and Bethlehem. Amer Zahr, a Palestinian American comedian organizing the festival, noted this was the first ban since the festival’s start in 2015, despite U.S. Consulate support.

“We’re just comics going to Palestine to spread joy,” Al-kadri explained after his interrogation at the airport. Zahr added, “This government wants to cut Palestinians off from the world.”

Jewish American Activists Face Deportation

After previous complaints of discrimination against Arab Americans, Israel pledged equal treatment for U.S. visitors in July 2023. This was part of an agreement for reciprocal visa-free travel for Israeli citizens. Yet, entry bans have increased since attacks by Hamas on Israel in October 2023, affecting not only Arab descent individuals.

In 2024, Israel intensified efforts to deport international volunteers and ban their return. This included those participating in “protective presence” activities to shield Palestinians from settler violence. A new law in 2025 prohibited entry for individuals denying the October 7 attacks or seeking international legal action against Israeli soldiers.

European Politicians Also Affected

Two European Parliament members from Sweden were blocked from visiting the West Bank. They were accused of advocating for legal action against Israel and genocide allegations in Gaza. Israeli entry refusals increased in the past year, as Lustigman emphasized, based on presences on organized West Bank tours or having contacts with Palestinian activists.

Lawyer Yotam Ben-Hillel describes investigators often asking travelers about their views on the October 7 attacks. Inconsistencies in responses can lead to entry refusals.

Religious Delegation Blocked

In August, a 13-member U.S. multifaith delegation led by a Methodist minister was refused entry. Their intention was to tour the West Bank and Jerusalem with a Palestinian Christian organization. Participants described aggressive questioning by Israeli border agents.

“You’re here to see what we’re doing to the Palestinian people,” one participant quoted an agent. The U.S. Embassy and State Department declined to comment, only emphasizing equal treatment for all U.S. citizens. The multifaith group remains banned from Israel.