Israel
Travel Destination – Israel
Israel is a land of remarkable historical depth, from the cobblestoned streets of Jerusalem to the cosmopolitan urban life of Tel Aviv and the serene mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Visitors can explore significant cultural sites, archaeological treasures, and contemporary arts and cuisine.
The healthcare system in Israel is robust, with generally high standards of medical care, particularly in major cities. However, careful health and safety planning is important before departing on a trip to Israel.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before any journey to Israel, Australians should seek a pre-travel consultation with a healthcare professional, ideally six to eight weeks before departure. This appointment allows for a thorough review of vaccination history, identification of destination-specific immunisation needs, and planning for any medications or preventive strategies appropriate to the traveller’s itinerary. Healthcare providers can also advise on management of chronic medical conditions during travel and verify that travel insurance covers medical evacuation and treatment, which is essential given the absence of reciprocal healthcare arrangements between Australia and Israel.
Even with imminent travel dates, a consultation remains invaluable for risk assessment and timely intervention. Personalised medical advice should reflect individual health conditions and planned activities, whether urban exploration, outdoor excursions, or extended stays.
Food and water hygiene
Although water quality and food safety standards are generally high in Israel’s urban centres and tourist areas, travellers may still be susceptible to gastrointestinal illness, particularly when consuming street food, salad bars, or unverified high‑risk items. Gastrointestinal infections, commonly referred to as traveller’s diarrhoea, can result from ingestion of contaminated food or water, with symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and occasional vomiting that typically emerge within 24–72 hours of exposure.
Maintaining adequate hydration is the central aspect of management, and oral rehydration solutions are preferable when available. Important preventative measures include hand hygiene before meals and consumption of freshly prepared and well‑cooked foods. Only drink tap water if it is labelled as safe, or consider bottled or treated water. Avoid ice if unsure of the source because treated water may not have been used.
Rabies prevention
Rabies is present in Israel and any exposure to potentially infected animals such as dogs or bats constitutes a medical emergency, even though the incidence is low. Travellers should avoid contact with unfamiliar animals.
Pre‑exposure rabies vaccination is typically reserved for individuals with prolonged stays in remote areas, significant animal exposure, or limited access to healthcare services.
Should any bite, scratch, or mucosal contact with animal saliva occur, immediate medical evaluation and prompt initiation of post‑exposure prophylaxis is essential, as clinical rabies is almost always fatal without timely intervention.
Insect avoidance
For Australian travellers planning time outdoors in Israel, it is important to understand that insects can transmit a range of diseases, including sand fly–associated leishmaniasis and mosquito‑borne viruses. Mosquito‑borne viruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), have also been reported across Israel. Although the overall risk is lower than in many tropical destinations, several insect‑borne infections have been reported and warrant preventive measures.
Effective personal protective measures include applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin, wearing long, loose‑fitting, light‑coloured clothing, and ensuring accommodation is well screened or air‑conditioned. Because sand flies are smaller than mosquitoes and can penetrate standard netting, minimising exposed skin and using fine‑mesh barriers or insecticide‑treated clothing can provide additional protection when outdoor exposure is expected.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Israel?
Measles
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Measles is a highly contagious viral illness transmitted through respiratory droplets. In Israel, sporadic outbreaks continue to occur, particularly in communities with lower vaccination coverage or where international visitors are present. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. Anyone born during or since 1966 who has not received two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine should be vaccinated before travel. The virus can spread rapidly in crowded settings, making immunisation the most effective prevention strategy.
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that is typically spread through contaminated food or water. While it often causes a mild illness, it can sometimes be severe and, in rare cases, life-threatening. Although hepatitis A is uncommon in Australia, it remains more prevalent in some countries, including Israel.
Travellers who have not completed the two-dose hepatitis A vaccination are generally advised to consider being immunised before travelling, particularly if their itinerary includes Gaza or the West Bank.
Typhoid
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Although Israel maintains relatively high standards of sanitation and food safety, Australian travellers should still consider the potential risk of typhoid fever, particularly when consuming food in informal settings or travelling outside major urban centres. Typhoid is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi and is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Clinical features may include prolonged fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbance. Vaccination may be recommended for travellers with increased exposure risk based on itinerary and eating habits. A pre-travel consultation allows for individualised assessment and discussion of both vaccination and preventive strategies, including careful food and water hygiene.
Influenza
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For Australian travellers, influenza remains a relevant consideration when visiting Israel, where seasonal patterns differ from those in the Southern Hemisphere. Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection transmitted through droplets and close contact, with symptoms including fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue, and headache. Circulation occurs year-round, with peaks that may not align with Australian flu seasons, increasing the likelihood of exposure during travel.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and older, particularly those at higher risk of complications such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions. Immunisation prior to departure reduces both the risk of infection and the potential for severe disease while abroad.
COVID-19
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Australian travellers to Israel should remain aware that COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, with transmission occurring in both community and travel-related settings. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and spreads via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and close interpersonal contact. Clinical presentations vary widely, ranging from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe systemic illness.
Given the increased exposure risk associated with international travel, particularly in airports, aircraft, and crowded indoor environments, travellers should ensure they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with Australian recommendations. This includes annual boosters for adults aged 65–74 and more frequent boosters for those aged 75 and over or with underlying health conditions. Preventive measures such as respiratory hygiene and avoidance of crowded, poorly ventilated spaces remain prudent.
Routine vaccinations
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Australian travellers benefit from a comprehensive national immunisation program, however, immunity should not be assumed to be complete or lifelong. Prior to travel to Israel, it is important to confirm that all routine vaccinations are current, including measles, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Additional vaccines such as hepatitis B may be indicated depending on age or clinical risk factors.
A structured pre-travel consultation provides an opportunity to review vaccination records, identify gaps in immunity, and administer any necessary booster doses. This process ensures protection against infections that may be encountered overseas, even in countries with well-developed healthcare systems, and reinforces the importance of maintaining vaccination coverage across the lifespan.
Israel
Other health risks in Israel
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis illness remains one of the most common health issues affecting travellers to Israel, despite generally high food safety standards. Infection typically occurs through ingestion food or water contaminated with bacteria, and may present with diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramping, and occasionally vomiting or low-grade fever. Onset is usually within one to three days of exposure.
Management is primarily supportive, with maintenance of hydration as the key intervention. Oral rehydration solutions are preferred where available as they replace fluids and electrolytes. Medical review is indicated for severe, persistent, or atypical symptoms. Preventive strategies include strict hand hygiene, consumption of freshly prepared and thoroughly cooked foods, and avoidance of raw or unwashed produce and untreated water sources.
Rabies
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Rabies is present in Israel and any exposure to potentially infected animals such as dogs or bats constitutes a medical emergency, even though the incidence is low. Travellers should avoid contact with unfamiliar animals.
Pre‑exposure rabies vaccination is typically reserved for individuals with prolonged stays in remote areas, significant animal exposure, or limited access to healthcare services.
Should any bite, scratch, or mucosal contact with animal saliva occur, immediate medical evaluation and prompt initiation of post‑exposure prophylaxis is essential, as clinical rabies is almost always fatal without timely intervention.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
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Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a coronavirus infection associated with exposure to dromedary camels in the Arabian Peninsula. While Israel is not considered a primary area of MERS transmission, the regional context warrants awareness among travellers. Infection can occur through direct or indirect contact with infected animals, and limited human-to-human transmission has been documented, primarily in healthcare settings.
Clinical features range from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and multi-organ involvement, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions. Travellers should avoid contact with camels and practise good hand and respiratory hygiene. Medical assessment is recommended for any febrile or respiratory illness developing during or after travel in the region.
Tuberculosis (TB)
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Tuberculosis remains a globally distributed infectious disease, although Israel has a relatively low incidence compared to high-burden countries. Transmission occurs via inhalation of airborne droplets from individuals with active pulmonary disease, typically during prolonged close contact.
For short-term travellers, the risk is low. However, individuals undertaking extended stays, working in healthcare settings, or engaging in activities involving close contact with local populations may have increased exposure. Pre-travel consultation allows for assessment of individual risk and discussion of baseline or post-travel screening where appropriate.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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The security environment in Israel is complex and dynamic. Check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website before planning travel as there are significant risks related to armed conflict, civil unrest, and terrorism, and travel advice may change rapidly. Travellers should monitor official updates closely and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.
Outside of conflict-related risks, general crime levels are relatively low, although petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in busy urban areas. Maintaining situational awareness, avoiding large gatherings or demonstrations, and securing personal belongings are essential safety practices.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Prolonged immobility from long-haul flights between Australia and Israel are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition characterised by clot formation in the deep veins, most commonly in the lower limbs.
Preventive strategies include regular movement during flights, leg exercises while seated, and adequate hydration to help maintain blood flow. Travellers with additional risk factors, such as prior thromboembolism or underlying medical conditions, should seek individual medical advice prior to departure and may benefit from graduated compression stockings.