Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Israel is an advanced economy classified as high income. Located in the Middle East along the Mediterranean Sea (east of Egypt and south of Lebanon), the climate classifications range from dry (arid) in the south to dry summer in the north.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis, seafood poisoning may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, murine typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-bite fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards, snakebites.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to military conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest, US (DOS), UK (FCO), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) advise reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to this country. Canada (GAC) also advises avoiding travel to areas of the Golan Heights bordering Syria (except the towns of Buq'ata, Masada, and Majdal Shams); within 5 km (3 mi) of the border with Egypt (except the town of Eilat); within 500 m (1,640 ft) of the border with Lebanon; and to areas bordering the Gaza Strip.
Terrorism Risk
High risk of attack by domestic terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in areas bordering Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, and in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Negligible risk of violent crime exists throughout the country.
Moderate risk of petty crime exists in areas frequented by tourists, especially on public beaches. Theft of valuables from unattended rental vehicles is common.
Scams involving exorbitant fees for products have been reported.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Jerusalem, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment exists in areas bordering Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and Egypt.
Water Safety
Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.
Outdoor Safety
Desert excursions should only be undertaken with organized groups and experienced guides. Participants should inform someone not on the tour of their itinerary and anticipated return time. An adequate supply of food and water for extended unforeseen delays is essential.
Transportation Safety
Low risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is less than 7 per 100,000 population, the lowest risk category.
Airline Safety
The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.
Natural Disasters
Sandstorms and dust storms frequently occur.
Seasonal flooding occurs, especially in the Negev Desert and the Judean hills.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Israel
- United States: [+972] 02-630-4000; il.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+972] 3-636-3300; www.israel.gc.ca
- United Kingdom: [+972] 0-3-725-1222; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tel-aviv
- Australia: [+972] 3-693-5000; israel.embassy.gov.au
Israel's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: embassies.gov.il/washington
- In Canada: embassies.gov.il/ottawa
- In the U.K.: embassies.gov.il/london
- In Australia: embassies.gov.il/canberra
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV and hepatitis testing are required to obtain a work or residence visa. Travelers, including short-term travelers, may be detained or deported after arrival if found to be positive for HIV or hepatitis.
