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
The Palestinian Territories, which includes the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in the Middle East (east of the Mediterranean Sea and west of Jordan), the climate is classified as predominantly dry (semi arid).
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
High risk exists throughout the Palestinian Territories, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally 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 may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include 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, US (DOS), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) advise avoiding travel to the Gaza Strip and advise reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to the West Bank. UK (FCO) has a more limited warning.
Terrorism Risk
High risk of attack by domestic and transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the Palestinian Territories. Targets may include public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Negligible risk of violent crime exists throughout the Palestinian Territories.
Moderate risk of petty crime exists throughout the Palestinian Territories, especially on beaches, in national parks, and in other areas frequented by tourists. Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles is common.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, 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
Armed conflict occurs throughout the Palestinian Territories, including in and around Jerusalem and in Jericho and Hebron. A dangerous security environment exists throughout the Palestinian Territories, especially in areas bordering Israel, in areas near refugee camps in the West Bank, and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Restricted areas exist in border areas.
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
National incidence data on traffic-related injury or death are not available.
Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
Sandstorms and dust storms frequently occur.
Seasonal flooding occurs, especially in the Judean hills.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Palestinian Territories
- United States: [+972] 2-622-7230; il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit
- Canada: [+972] 2-297-8430; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/west_bank_gaza-cisjordanie_bande_de_gaza
- United Kingdom: [+972] 02-541-4100; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-jerusalem
- Australia: [+972] 2-242-5301; ramallah.mission.gov.au
Palestinian Territories Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: plodelegation.us
- In Canada: www.palgd.ca
- In the U.K.: palmissionuk.org
- In Australia: www.palestine-australia.com
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.
