Permission for travel to the Holy Land

The National Spiritual Assembly has shared important information in a message sent to the Bahá’ís of Aotearoa earlier this week.

5 February 2024

18 Sulṭán 180

To the Bahá’ís of Aotearoa

Dear friends,

Following "a review of the different purposes for which Bahá’ís have sought to travel to the Holy Land", the Universal House of Justice has asked us to convey the following guidance:

"It has been a long-standing requirement that no Bahá’í may come to the Holy Land for any purpose without the permission of the Head of the Faith. This provision dates back to the time of Bahá’u’lláh Himself. The principal task of the Faith in the Holy Land is building its World Centre and administering the work of the Cause at the international level. To have believers visiting the country without the proper guidance pertaining to their specific circumstances may give rise to problems that could hamper the work carried out here, and this would have an adverse effect on the progress of the Faith throughout the world.

"While the House of Justice is generally inclined to grant permission unless circumstances require otherwise, Bahá’ís must seek its permission before visiting the Holy Land—which also includes the West Bank and Gaza—for any purpose, whether it be for a brief visit to the Bahá’í World Centre, pilgrimage, studying in the country, visiting family or relatives, business purposes, employment, or any other reason."

The friends will no doubt adhere firmly to this important request of the Supreme Body at all times.

Warmest love

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Aotearoa New Zealand