Travel Vaccines and Advice for Israel

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Israel. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Israel: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

There is a risk of typhoid infection in the West Bank and Gaza. Vaccination is recommended for travellers to that area.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

With a valid Canadian passport, Canadian citizens do not require a visa for business or tourism stays under 90 days. Travellers should understand that an Israeli stamp in their passport may deny them entrance into Arab or Muslim countries. Those of Palestinian descent, even Canadian citizens, or those with a Palestinian last name, may be denied entrance by Israeli authorities. Their passport may be marked “Palestinian Authority Only,” in these cases, the Canadian government is unavailable for assistance.

Israel Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Israel?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Israel and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

Israel is located in the subtropical region. Although the country is small, the climate can be different from north to south and on the coast.

The Israeli coast is a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and rainy, cool winters. In the northernmost mountainous areas, there is often heavy snowfall in winter months.

• Eilat – In summer months from June to July, temperatures often soar to 38 degrees. In the winter, temperatures rarely cool below 18.
• Karmiel – This city is a great escape for those looking to experience weather 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the rest of Israel. In winter, the temperatures sit at 10 degrees and summer months usually are around 27 degrees.
• Jerusalem – Centrally located, the famous city embodies the subtropical climate with its hot summers and rainy, chilled winters.

Israel is known for its security measures. Officials run background checks on every visitor who is planning on entering country. Something to note is that profiling is common upon entering Israel, so individuals or Arab or Muslim descent, or if one appears to be suspicious in any way, may have to endure longer screenings.

Although Israel takes extreme precaution towards visitors both flying in and at its borders, it is near countries that are notorious for terrorist attacks.

The many governments and organizations have issued warnings on terrorist attacks to travellers to Israel. While cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Tel Aviv are regarded as safe, Gaza and the West Bank are less so.

The food in Israel is praised for being safe for consumption in almost all areas of the country. In rural or off-the-beaten path cities, travellers should stick to restaurants that are known for preparing quality food. Avoid street food or water that isn’t from the bottle.

Most major places boast safe and drinkable tap water, except at the Dead Sea where salt levels are high. Israelis thrive primarily on kosher and vegetarian diets.

Some dishes, such as hummus and falafel may be common to the American palate. Others such as Shakshuka (a popular breakfast dish) or Kanafeh (a heated pastry with goat cheese) offer new experiences.

Located on the northern coast of Israel is Atlit. Under the quaint village’s coast, submerged only 10 meters, are the ancient ruins of Atlit-Yam.

The settlement was discovered in 1984 and it is believed to be what remains of a village abandoned shortly after a tsunami. Since the discovery of Atlit-Yam, archaeologists have unearthed houses, skeletons, graves and wells.

It is difficult to pack light for Israel considering the fluctuation in weather from city to city. Here are a few items that should definitely make it into the suitcase:

• Modest clothing not just to enter religious sites, but for everyday wear
• Long sleeve lightweight shirts
• A lightweight raincoat
• Long dresses
• Lightweight pants that go below the knees
• Copies of your passport

The Embassy of Canada to Israel is available for emergency assistance during their office hours. After hours it is best to use the emergency telephone line.

Embassy of Canada to Israel
Canada House
3/5 Nirim Street
Tel Aviv, 6706038
Israel
Telephone: (011 972 3) 636-3300

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!