Rising Entry Denials for U.S. and International Travelers to Israel

RAMALLAH, West Bank — U.S. and other international travelers face increasing challenges entering Israel, often undergoing interrogations about their ties to Palestinians and plans to visit the occupied West Bank. Lawyers report a significant rise in entry denials over the past year, citing reasons that previously were not grounds for exclusion, such as suspected anti-Israel views.

In August, a group of U.S. and international comedians invited to perform at a Palestinian comedy festival was denied entry, along with a U.S. multifaith delegation planning to tour the West Bank and Jerusalem with a Palestinian Christian organization. Israeli lawyers describe these denials as part of a new pattern. “It’s a tremendous change,” said lawyer Adi Lustigman, noting frequent complaints from those denied entry.

A Palestinian audience in Bethlehem gathered to watch U.S. and other international comedians perform live on Zoom, after Israel refused to allow them entry for the Palestine Comedy Festival in the West Bank. The Israeli Interior Ministry expressed unawareness of the entry-ban phenomenon and stated all travelers face the same regulations.

Since 2025, Israel has denied over 21,000 electronic travel authorization requests, required from travelers from the U.S., Canada, the EU, and other visa-exempt countries. The U.S. State Department supports Israel’s entry denials, citing them as consistent with Israeli law to protect against security threats.

The Trump administration also deported non-U.S. citizens for pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses, deemed unconstitutional by federal judges. In August, Los Angeles comedian Ahmed Al-kadri and others arrived in Israel to perform at the Palestine Comedy Festival but were detained and deported after interrogation about anti-Israel views.

Palestinian American comedian Amer Zahr, who runs the festival, noted this is the first time U.S. comics have been banned from performing since its foundation in 2015. “We’re part of a pattern,” Zahr said, suggesting the government aims to discourage international engagement.

Israel’s pledge in July 2023 to treat all U.S. visitors equally has not prevented rising bans on U.S. and other international visitors since Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. Entry bans have expanded to non-Arab-Americans, with reports of deporting Jewish American volunteers involved in nonviolent protective activities for Palestinians.

In 2025, Israel passed legislation banning entry to anyone denying the Oct. 7 attacks or advocating that Israeli soldiers be prosecuted internationally. Visitors calling for a boycott of Israel also face bans. Two European Parliament members were denied entry for supporting international prosecution of Israel.

Entry denials for unexpected reasons have surged, including participation in West Bank tours or having Palestinian activists’ contacts. Lawyer Yotam Ben-Hillel reports interrogation often includes inquiries about opinions on the Oct. 7 attacks and support for Hamas, leading to potential grounds for entry denial.

A U.S. multifaith delegation to the West Bank, led by a Methodist minister, was refused entry at the Jordan-Israel border after aggressive questioning. Tour participants expressed concern over Israeli treatment of Palestinians. The delegation’s sponsor, Sabeel, faced its first entry denial of an international group.

Efforts to challenge bans in court see varied success, with some bans lasting five to ten years. Despite appeals, the multifaith group remains barred from entry. The U.S. government advocates for equal treatment and travel freedom for all U.S. citizens.