Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Palestinian Territories
The Palestinian Territories of the West Bank and Gaza give travellers 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.
Do I Need Vaccines for the Palestinian Territories?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Palestinian Territories. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - 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. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| 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. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Palestinian Territories
“I was surprised at the level of information as well as services Passport Health provides. I was impressed with the nurse we met with. She was so knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Palestine from her. She gave me the best shot ever! No pain! I will come back.”
“My wife and I had a follow-up visit for a booster shot before traveling to Palestine. Once again, the service was wonderful. We highly recommend Passport Health”
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the Palestinian Territories?
You do not need a visa to travel to the Palestinian Territories for stays of 90 days or less. If you are travelling 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 Canadian Travel and Tourism
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.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in the Palestinian Territories?
The Palestinian Territories have a Mediterranean climate, expect warm weather. Nights experience a chilly drop every day no matter the season. Summers are usually long and very hot. Winters are short, cold, and wet, with the rainy season between November and April.
Humidity is strong all year round. Khamaseen winds come through Palestine from about April to June and bring dust and sand. In the latter half of the Summer they give a more gentle breeze against the harsh sun.
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 pickpocketing does occur. Assaults on foreigners happen in some regions as well. Take extra precautions including travelling as part of a group. Avoid travelling 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
A large amount of the Dead Sea borders the West Bank. This salt lake is famous for its saline waters which allow travellers 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?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Appropriate Clothing – The Palestinian Territories can be hot during the summer. Many religious sites require more covering clothing. Be sure to pack for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sunscreen, scarves, and bathing suits.
- Medical Kit – Be sure to bring a travel first-aid kit for any small injuries that may occur. A traveller’s diarrhea kit is also recommended.
- Copies of Travel Documents – In case of lost luggage or theft, bringing copies of your passport and visa is a must.
Canadian Embassy in Israel
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in the Palestinian Territories. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian Embassy of Israel:
Embassy of Canada to Israel
Canada House
3/5 Nirim Street
Tel Aviv, 6706038
Israel
Phone: (011 972 3) 636-3300
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for 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?
Canadian Embassy in Israel
