Travel Vaccines and Advice for Israel
The Holy Land. For centuries, Israel has been one of the most desired travel destinations for Christians, Muslims, Jews and others who wish to surround themselves with some of history’s most significant sites.
Israel offers plenty of peculiar attractions. One could float weightless in the Dead Sea one morning and walk the streets of Bethlehem in the evening.
Israeli cuisine is unparalleled and Tel Aviv boasts one of the best nightlife scenes in the world.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Israel?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Israel?
What is the Climate Like in Israel?
How Safe is Israel?
Is the Food Safe in Israel?
Dive to the submerged Neolithic settlement of Atlit-Yam
What Should I Take to Israel?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Israel
Do I Need Vaccines for Israel?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Israel. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Israel: COVID-19, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Israel |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Israel?
No visa is required for stays under three months in Israel. Passport validity must be for at least six months to be allowed entry.
An entry card is given at some ports of entry instead of a passport stamp to facilitate travel to regions less friendly to Israel.
Israel Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Israel? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Israel and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Israel?
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.
How Safe is Israel?
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 organisations 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.
Is the Food Safe in Israel?
The food in Israel is praised for being safe for consumption in nearly 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.
Dive to the submerged Neolithic settlement of Atlit-Yam
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.
What Should I Take To Israel?
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 trousers that go below the knees
- Copies of your passport
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Israel
If you are in Israel and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Tel Aviv
192 Hayarkon Street
6340502 Tel Aviv
Israel
Telephone: +972 (0)3 725 1222
Emergency Phone: +972 (0)3 725 1222
Fax: +972 (0)3 524 9176
Email: webmaster.telaviv@fco.gov.uk
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring or book online now and start travelling safely today!
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
