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.
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: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, 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 travelers - 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 travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Anthrax –
Animals & Biological Agents –
Vaccination may be recommended or required for U.S. government employees or contractors. - 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 travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Palestinian Territories |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| 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 travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Anthrax | Animals & Biological Agents | Vaccination may be recommended or required for U.S. government employees or contractors. |
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 travelers 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
“Travel Nurse was very professional and extremely knowledgeable about Palestine.”
“Both the environment and the people who work here are very welcoming. The people here are very kind and will thoroughly walk you through everything you need to know and any questions you have.”
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.
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
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 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
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?
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 traveler’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.
U.S. Embassy in Israel
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
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?
U.S. Embassy in Israel
