Guides & Advice : Traveler Advice : Tips & Advice Home : International Travel

Middle East

While you may want to ponder safety issues in the Middle East, you wont really have to worry too much about your health in the lands of Biblical legacy and spiritual crossroads.

Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in the Middle East. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations for the area youre visiting.

Food and Water:
While water is considered safe to drink, sticking to bottled or purified water throughout your stay will eliminate the chances of mild stomach upsets. Food is safe to eat in Israel, while you should only consume dairy products that have clearly been pasteurized in Jordan. Also, food in rural areas of Jordan may be risky to eat--only eat well-cooked meat and seafood, cooked vegetables, and peeled fruit.

The Elements:
Israel and Jordan have one foot in the Mediterranean, and the other in the desert. While this promises a stunning climate, it also puts you in danger of the suns strong UV rays. Limit your exposure to the sun when you can, apply lots of sunscreen (at least 15 SPF), and wear pants, long sleeves, and wide-brimmed hats when you can, especially in the desert. Light, breathable clothes in white or light colors will prove a preferable wardrobe.

Drink lots of water to stave off dehydration. The regions arid climate will surely leave you parched, but even when youre not thirsty, ingesting a lot of fluids is a must.

Health Risks:
Although there are no particular health risks in Israel and Jordan, there are some things you should know. Rabies is present, so avoid stray dogs and other animals that may be rabid.

Hepatitis B is a problem, especially in Jordan, so exercise caution.

You may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria if traveling to other Middle Eastern countries.

Immunization Suggestions and Requirements:
The following information was culled from reputable sources, such as CDC and WHO and reflects countries currently featured on Travelocity.com.

Israel

  • No vaccinations are necessary unless you have spent the preceding 14 days in a country where there is an epidemic of a disease such as cholera or smallpox

Jordan

  • Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, tetanus, diphtheria
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year old coming from infected areas

   
International Travel
Tips & Advice
Information on the Euro

Africa

Asia

Central America

Caribbean

Australia/South Pacific

South America

Middle East

Europe

North America

Embassies and Consulates--A Little Piece of the United States Abroad

Choosing the Right Gift for Business Associates in Japan

Getting Through Customs

Expediting Your Passport Application Process

Handling Cash When Traveling Overseas