Ramallah: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Ramallah is a city in the West Bank about 15 km north of Jerusalem. It has several tens of thousands of residents, and noticeably more with neighbouring Al-Bireh and the suburbs. It hosts Palestinian Authority institutions, foreign representative offices, international and humanitarian organisations, banks and a small technology and services sector.

Who it suits: staff of international organisations, diplomats, journalists, researchers and people joining family. It does not suit a move for remote work or business: status, entry and movement depend on Israeli decisions, and the situation can change quickly.

The situation in 2025-2026

• Movement. The West Bank has checkpoints, roads can be closed without warning, and travel time to Jerusalem is unpredictable.
• Israeli military operations in 2025 focused mainly on the northern West Bank, in the Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camps, but raids also reach Ramallah.
• Settler attacks on Palestinian villages around the city have increased.
• Advice. Many countries advise against travel to the West Bank or to travel only when necessary.

Cost of living

• Currency - the Israeli shekel, about 3.1 shekels to the dollar. The Jordanian dinar and US dollars are also used, especially for rent and large purchases.
• Rent - lower than in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Foreigners mostly live in Al-Tireh and Al-Masyoun.
• Shop prices are close to Israeli ones, as many goods come through Israel.
• Local salaries are much lower than in Israel, and the economy depends on aid and work in Israel.

Practicalities: climate, language, connections

• Climate. Mediterranean, in hills about 800 m above sea level: +28-30 in summer, cool winters with occasional snow.
• Language. Arabic; English is common in organisations, universities and services.
• Centre. Al-Manara Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by markets, cafés and banks.
• Phones and money. Palestinian and Israeli operators work, cards are accepted in the centre, but cash is often needed.

Entry and legal status

The Palestinian Authority has no control of its own borders: Ramallah is reached through Israel - Ben Gurion Airport or the Allenby Bridge from Jordan. Russian citizens enter Israel visa-free for up to 90 days, but since 1 January 2025 visa-exempt travellers need an electronic travel authorisation. Long-term residence for foreigners is mostly possible through organisations or on family grounds, with permits issued by Israel. More on the country's rules in Israel: citizenship and moving.

Work and economy

• Main employers - Palestinian Authority bodies, international and humanitarian organisations, banks, telecoms and universities.
• Technology - a small development and outsourcing sector serves foreign clients.
• Dependence on Israel - customs, electricity, telecoms and movement of goods go through Israeli control, so business is exposed to sudden restrictions.
• Money - the banking system works in shekels, and transfers of taxes collected by Israel are periodically withheld, hitting public sector salaries.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - there are private schools with English and international curricula, chosen by families of organisation staff.
• Healthcare - Ramallah has hospitals and private clinics; foreigners get complex treatment in Jerusalem or Amman.
• Insurance - international cover with evacuation is needed.
• Daily life - cafés, restaurants and cultural centres in the centre are open, but plans often depend on road conditions.

How to prepare for a trip

1. Electronic travel authorisation for Israel - for visa-exempt nationals, including Russians, since 1 January 2025.
2. Route - from Ben Gurion Airport or via the Allenby Bridge from Jordan; state the purpose of your trip honestly at border control.
3. Documents - keep your passport with you; it is checked at checkpoints.
4. Phone and money - a local SIM card and cash in shekels.
5. Safety - check your government's advice and the road situation before travelling.

Culture and daily life

• Atmosphere - Ramallah is considered the most secular and cosmopolitan city of the West Bank: cafés, bars, galleries, concerts.
• Religion and customs - most residents are Muslim, and there is a Christian community. During Ramadan people do not eat in the street in the daytime.
• Nearby - Birzeit University, historic Jericho and Bethlehem, but trips depend on checkpoints.
• Working week - the weekend is usually Friday, and Friday plus Sunday for some organisations.

Is it worth living here

Ramallah is the liveliest and most open city in the West Bank, with cafés, cultural centres and a university nearby. But living here makes sense for a foreigner only for work or family: entry and movement depend on Israeli decisions, the situation is unstable, and there are almost no legal routes to permanent status. For moving to the region, consider repatriation to Israel if you are eligible, or other countries.