Increasing Denials of Entry to Israel for U.S. and International Travelers

Recent Trends: U.S. and other international visitors face increased denials of entry to Israel. These actions stem from interrogations about their connections to Palestinians, intentions to visit the West Bank, and opinions of Israel, according to their lawyers.

In August, a surprising incident involved a group of U.S. and international comedians scheduled to perform at a Palestinian comedy festival. They were denied entry. Furthermore, a U.S. multifaith delegation planning to tour the West Bank and Jerusalem was also blocked. Such denials have substantially increased within the past year for reasons previously not grounds for refusal, including suspicions of anti-Israel views, Israeli lawyers have noted.

The Rise of Entry Denials

According to lawyer Adi Lustigman, Israel’s recent enforcement reflects a significant change. Complaints from those denied entrance occur almost daily or weekly. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry claims ignorance of such a pattern, maintaining that all travelers adhere to the same regulations.

Since 2025, Israel has refused over 21,000 requests for electronic travel authorization. This pre-travel requirement affects visitors from the U.S., Canada, the EU, and other visa-exempt countries. The U.S. State Department supports Israel’s actions, affirming they align with Israeli law’s uniform application in safeguarding against security threats.

Comedians Denied Entry

In an incident in early August, comedian Ahmed Al-kadri and peers from the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand arrived in Israel to participate in the annual Palestine Comedy Festival. Only one comedian from the group was allowed entry. Al-kadri described an interrogation where he stated they were visiting to perform comedy primarily focusing on light-hearted, non-political themes. Nonetheless, authorities held them at a detention facility and subsequently deported them.

This marked the first time since the festival’s inception in 2015 that international comics were barred. Despite possessing Israeli pretravel authorizations, they performed later via Zoom for audiences in Ramallah and Bethlehem. Palestinian American comedian Amer Zahr termed the incident as indicative of broader efforts by the government to deter foreign presence and relations with Palestinians.

Jewish American Activists Also Affected

Israel had pledged to adopt nondiscriminatory entry practices for U.S. citizens in exchange for visa-free entry into the U.S. However, bans targeting U.S. citizens and other internationals have surged post-October 7, 2023. These actions now extend beyond Arab Americans.

In 2024, Israel initiated efforts to deport non-violent international volunteers. This included Jewish Americans engaged in protective presence activities aimed at shielding Palestinians from settler violence. In 2025, legislation further banned those denying the October 7 attacks or advocating for international prosecution of Israeli actions.

New Grounds for Entry Denial

The criteria for denying entry now include organized West Bank tours and contacts with Palestinian activists. Lack of social media presence or suspicion of tampering can also result in denials. Inquiring about views on the October 7 attacks is a common interrogation tactic, creating further apprehension for travelers.

Among those denied were two European Parliament members for advocating international legal actions against Israel. These increasing entry barriers have persisted and, in some instances, lasted between five to ten years, although some bans have been overturned in court.

A Multifaith Delegation Turned Away

In August, a 13-member U.S. multifaith delegation, led by Methodist minister Rev. Ed Phillips, was denied entry while planning a tour with a Palestinian Christian group covering the West Bank and Jerusalem. Participants reported aggressive questioning by border agents.

Despite referring the issue to U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, no comments came from the U.S. Embassy or State Department. The U.S. government’s public stance emphasizes fair treatment and unhindered travel for its citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.