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Middle East

Israel Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Israel has a high standard of public health infrastructure and relatively low travel health risk for most infectious diseases. Tap water is safe throughout the country and food safety standards are high. West Nile virus circulates in Israel and has caused human neuroinvasive disease cases. Travelers should be aware of security conditions that may affect access to certain areas, which can limit timely access to emergency medical care.

Food Safety: Low Risk Tap Water: Safe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Israel

CDC Recommended

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Israel

Malaria Risk

No malaria risk.

Food and Water Safety

Low Risk Tap water: safe

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Israel including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Food safety standards are comparable to Western Europe. Standard hygiene precautions apply when eating in markets or from street vendors.

Key Health Tips for Israel

  • Apply DEET or picaridin repellent during outdoor activities from dusk to dawn to reduce risk of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes and is active in summer months.
  • Cutaneous leishmaniasis is transmitted by sandfly bites in rural areas; use insect repellent and wear long sleeves when hiking or camping in the Negev, Judean Hills, or Jordan Valley.
  • Heat illness is a genuine risk in the Negev Desert and Dead Sea region, where summer temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius; carry adequate water for hiking.
  • If traveling to the West Bank or areas near active conflict zones, register with your country's embassy and identify the nearest hospital with trauma capability before travel.

Disease Risks in Israel

Official Resources

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