Entering Palestine via Jordan's Allenby Bridge

Back in 2012 and way before the current situation in the Holy Land, I was fortunate to have been able to visit not just numerous spots across Israel and Jordan, but also the West Bank in Palestine. 

Going on a pilgrimage in itself, is a very rewarding experience; but to go alone was in a word.. transformative. For the first time in my young adult life, I was ultimately responsible for my health, safety, and well-being; to say that I grew up during this trip is an understatement.

This journey also sparked a love for exploring places I had only read about but had not previously been; a love that has only grown this past decade. Indeed, traveling has become central to my psyche, and is a key reason for this travelogue's existence. Thirteen years later, I'm very happy to be revisiting this adventure.

Arriving at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, a wide-eyed young me was ecstatic to be in the Middle East.

A note from the writer: this is a pre-pandemic tale. One that I am happy to be re-living.

An airport with a bazaar feel! While far from the international airports of Dubai and Qatar in terms of luxury and shopping experiences, the airport in Amman somehow felt more exotic and exciting.

The hour-long drive from the airport to the Jordanian-Palestinian border crossing took us through fascinating scenery.

Vast swathes of olive trees stretch across the horizon. Contrary to the image of the Middle East as a hot, dry place, Amman was surprisingly lush and green. 

A glimpse of Amman, Jordan!

The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is one of the three international border crossings between Jordan and Palestine, and connects the two territories across the Jordan River. 

Named after a British military commander, General Edmund Allenby, the bridge operates under a complex system involving Jordanian, Israeli, and Palestinian authorities. 

The crossing is heavily controlled and includes multiple stages: Jordanian exit, Israeli security processing, and transport into the Palestinian West Bank. Predominantly, Jordanian and Israeli authorities coordinate security here, but Palestinian Authority officers are also stationed here though with limited control.

To learn about Palestine is to know that there are currently two separate geographic territories (and governments) within it: Gaza (led by Hamas) is the war-torn territory currently (as of 2025) under siege by Israel, and the West Bank (led by the Palestinian Authority) is the much bigger Palestinian territory which contains several key biblical cities like Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron.

The Allenby Bridge serves as an entrance to the West Bank.

Over 2 million people use the crossing annually, making it one of the most politically sensitive border points in the region. The crossing is also a major humanitarian gateway, used by NGOs, medical patients, and students traveling abroad.

Palestinians from the West Bank must use the Allenby Bridge to travel internationally, as they are not permitted to use Israel's main airport, Ben Gurion International, in Tel Aviv. 

There is also currently no Israeli embassy in Palestine, so many Palestinians needing visas or consular services must pass through this bridge to Amman.

The experience can range from quick and efficient to long and exhausting, depending on the day, traveler status, and political climate. Allot a full day to go through all the necessary checks.

Can't believe i'm in Palestinian territory! 

The way to Jericho, which is famous for two things: the Biblical city of Jericho whose walls were destroyed when the Israelites led by Joshua blew their (really loud) trumpets, and for being the inspiration for the name of former WWE champion, Chris Jericho. 

After going through several more checkpoints, we finally made it to the northern Israeli city of Tiberias, which surprisingly felt like your typical Mediterranean European city! 

Follow us over the next few weeks, as we go through the different spots in the Holy Land as we encounter them in the Bible.