Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Palestinian Territories
The Palestinian Territories of the West Bank and Gaza give travelers access to the famous Dead Sea and a warm Mediterranean climate.
Much of the West Bank is devoted to growing olives, which are important to the Palestinian economy and culture. About 45% of land in the territories is used for olives.
The Palestinian Territories also have one of the world’s oldest churches, the Church of Nativity.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Palestinian Territories?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Palestinian Territories
Health Notices and Outbreaks in the Palestinian Territories
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the Palestinian Territories?
What Is the Climate Like in the Palestinian Territories?
How Safe are the Palestinian Territories?
Float on the Dead Sea
What Should I Pack for the Palestinian Territories?
U.S. Embassy in Israel
Do I Need Vaccines for the Palestinian Territories?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Palestinian Territories. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Cholera – Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, spreads through contaminated food and water, causing severe diarrhea and dehydration. Preventive measures include improving sanitation, hygiene, and food safety. Vaccination plays a crucial role, with oral and injectable cholera vaccines available for travelers to high-risk areas and during outbreaks.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
- Polio – Polio, a viral infection that attacks the nervous system, spreads through contact with infected feces. The most effective prevention strategy is vaccination. The vaccine bolsters the immune system’s defenses, reducing the risk of polio.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travelers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Because of the large amount of immigration in the area, be sure you are up-to-date on any routine immunizations.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Palestinian Territories
Prevent Bug Bites in the Palestinian Territories
When bitten by bugs, clean the area with soap and water, refrain from scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies. For severe reactions or tick bites, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Following CDC guidelines can help prevent and manage bug bites effectively.
Food and Water Safety in the Palestinian Territories
While dining abroad, prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practicing hand hygiene, and selecting fully cooked dishes. Opt for sealed bottled or canned drinks. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by adhering to hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Infections To Be Aware of in the Palestinian Territories
- Avian/Bird Flu – Avian flu, a contagious virus affecting birds and humans, can be prevented through poultry vaccination, enhanced biosecurity on farms, proper poultry handling and cooking, vigilant outbreak surveillance, and public education on the virus and its transmission.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand fly bites, can be prevented by adopting protective measures such as using insect repellents, covering exposed skin, and staying indoors when sand flies are active.
- MERS – MERS is a severe respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV virus. Preventing MERS entails regular hand-washing, avoiding contact with infected individuals and camels, and adhering to CDC travel recommendations. Currently, there is no vaccination or specific antiviral treatment for MERS.
Health Notices and Outbreaks in the Palestinian Territories
- Polio – At least one case of polio was reported in Palestine over the last 12 months. The CDC and WHO advise all travelers to ensure their polio vaccination history is up-to-date. Adults who previously received a full set of polio vaccinations may need a single, lifetime booster dose.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the Palestinian Territories?
The only way to enter the Palestinian Territories is through Israel. You do not need a visa to travel to the Palestinian Territories for stays of 90 days or less. If you are traveling to volunteer in the West Bank you will need a B4 volunteer visa.
Palestinian Territories Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the Palestinian Territories? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Israel and U.S. State Department
You will need a passport valid six months past your entry date with a blank page in it for a stamp. Passports are not normally stamped for entry.
What Is the Climate Like in the Palestinian Territories?
Palestinian Territories have a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho are popular tourist destinations in this region. Jerusalem and Bethlehem have similar climates with hot, dry summers, and mild winters. In the summer months (June-August), the temperature averages around 85 degrees, while in winter (December-February), it averages around 50.
Jericho has a desert climate and is one of the hottest places in Palestinian Territories. Summers can be scorching, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 105, while winters are mild and sometimes rainy. The best time to visit Jericho is in the winter months (December-February) when temperatures are more bearable.
If you plan to visit Palestinian Territories, it’s essential to check the weather forecast before traveling, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities.
How Safe are the Palestinian Territories?
General travel safety advice for the Palestinian Territories:
- Be wary of conflicts between Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces. Conflict can break out at anytime and lead to serious problems.
- Petty crime like pick-pocketing does occur. Assaults on foreigners happen in some regions as well. Take extra precautions including traveling as part of a group. Avoid traveling at night.
- Careful research how to be safe in the Palestinian Territories and relations with Israel. It is better to cancel a trip then end up in a dangerous environment.
Float on the Dead Sea
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
A large amount of the Dead Sea borders the West Bank. This salt lake is famous for its saline waters which allow travelers to float without the aid of vests. The Dead Sea is also the lowest body of water in the world. Many of the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun are filtered out leaving calming, gentle light shining through.
Most of the Dead Sea’s water comes from the Jordan River. Over time, the Dead Sea’s water level has been lowering. But, it is still a fascinating and beloved spot for tourists and locals alike.
Tourists not only enjoy floating, but also the mineral-rich mud for restorative masks and treatments. The salt crystals and waters themselves are known for their healing properties.
What Should I Pack for the Palestinian Territories?
When traveling to the Palestinian Territories, it is important to pack appropriate clothes for the weather and local culture. The area has a hot, dry climate in the summer and cool, wet weather in the winter. It’s important to wear modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders, especially when visiting religious sites.
Comfortable shoes are a must as you will likely be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to bring important travel documents like your passport and visa, and some cash and credit cards.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and charger, and any prescription medications you need. You should also purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect yourself in case of unexpected events.
It’s important to be respectful of the local culture and political situation by avoiding wearing clothing with political or religious slogans, covering your head and shoulders when visiting religious sites, and avoiding discussing politics in public.
U.S. Embassy in Israel
The United States does not have an embassy in the Palestinian Territories, but it does have a consulate in Jerusalem that helps American citizens who are traveling or living in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem. The consulate provides services like help with passports and visas and assistance for citizens in distress.
As many countries do not officially recognize the Palestinian territories, there is no U.S. embassy in the area. The nearest embassy services Israel and the surrounding area:
U.S. Embassy Israel
71 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv 6343229, Israel
Phone: 03-519-7575
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to the region, you can contact the consulate for more information about their services.
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