Israel reemerged after over 2 millennia after being conquered by the Roman Empire. The country is perhaps most known for its recent history and controversy with the creation of the State of Israel and opposition of the Arab world to it. Despite the difficult political situation in the region and the frequent news of Palestinian rebels, Israel offers a variety of incredible attractions, being home to some of the oldest cities and the birthplace of the largest religion in the world.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Israel must have a valid passport. Citizens of certain nations may enter Israel without a visa whilst some mainly from the Arab countries must first receive a confirmation of visa from Israel. It is worth to mention that German citizens born before 1928 must go through a check confirming they were not part of the NSDAP or had any connections to it. If such a connection is found they are refused entry. Tourists who wish to drive in Israel must have their national driving permit and an international driving permit. Beware that an IDP is only a translation of the original document and does not substitute for it, both documents must be present with the driver at all times.

Traveling hazards

Israeli roads and highways tend to be crowded, especially in urban areas. Aggressive driving is commonplace, and many drivers fail to maintain safe following distances or signal before changing lanes or making turns. Overtaking on high-speed undivided two-lane roads is common and results in frequent accidents. Drivers are also prone to stop suddenly on roads without warning, especially in the right lane. Drivers should use caution, as Israel has a high rate of fatalities from automobile accidents. Crowded roads are common in the West Bank and Gaza. During periods of heightened tension, cars with Israeli license plates have been stoned and fired upon. Emergency services may be delayed by the need for Palestinian authorities to coordinate with Israeli officials.

Environmental hazards

There are no large predators in Israel. Wolves and bears have been erased in the country. Small pockets of Arabian wolves still inhabit the very southern region of Israel however these animals rarely exceed weights of 25 kg. Israel has seven species of venomous snakes, three of which are dangerous to people: the Israeli Viper, the Black Adder and the Israeli Mole Viper. There are also two dangerous spiders, namely the black widow and the Mediterranean recluse spider. In both cases, the bite is barely noticeable however the later symptoms can be severe including muscle cramps, stomach pains, vomiting, sweating, arrhythmia and a sharp rise in blood pressure or even kidney injury. Swimming in Israel is generally safe. Lionfish are present in the Mediterranean however these fish are only dangerous if touched as their spines deliver deadly venom. There have been several shark attacks reported however there was none in the past 5 years.
Israel is not concerned with a lot of natural hazards. Earthquakes occur in Israel however they usually do not reach high magnitudes and are unnoticeable. Floods, flash floods and desertification remain the biggest concern in the country.

Health hazards

There is an outbreak of leptospirosis in northern Israel. Travelers at highest risk are those exposed to contaminated fresh water like lakes and rivers in the affected area, such as through swimming, wading, kayaking, or rafting. This disease can be deadly and in the more severe cases can cause kidney or liver failure, meningitis, or bleeding in the lungs. There is no vaccine approved in the United States or European Union to prevent leptospirosis. There are several recommended vaccinations. These are the routine vaccines also known as MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccine. Israel has a modern and efficient public healthcare which delivers great quality of service to all its citizens. Private clinics and hospitals also provide excellent quality of care. Expats, unlike the locals, must pay for their medical services in public hospitals, therefore, it is advised to purchase medical insurance.
In case of an emergency dial 101.

Crime

The Israeli Department of State describes the crime level in Israel as moderate. Reports of petty theft are common, and visitors are advised to avoid leaving valuables unattended in vehicles and public places. Vehicle theft remains a concern throughout Israel. In most cases, stolen vehicles are not recovered. Often, thieves will drive the vehicles into neighboring countries and territories beyond the reach of Israeli authorities. Travelers should take appropriate precautions to safeguard wallets, purses, jewelry, cameras, and other belongings while touring urban or crowded areas. It is recommended to use safes and money belts to protect your money and valuables. Passports should be kept in a locked safe in your hotel room. Passport theft should be reported to the local police department or the nearest Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Paying attention to the activity around you can help you avoid becoming an unwitting victim of a crime or terrorism. Avoid walking near large, noisy groups or any areas where a large number of soldiers present, as the presence of groups or soldiers can be a warning sign of impending violence. Areas with a high risk of clashes between soldiers and Palestinians usually concern Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. Israel is also considered a high threat location for terrorist activity by many travel advisories including that of USA and UK. While Israeli security forces are effective, security threats can be difficult to predict. In recent years, terrorist attacks in Israel have included shootings, stabbings, vehicular attacks, and suicide bombings. Several designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah, that target Israel are based in the West Bank and bordering countries. Drug laws became relax in the recent year as marijuana was decriminalized and instead consumption is punished by a fine. All other narcotics, however, are illegal and punishable by jail time.

Summary

Despite the difficult political situation and frequent clashes between security forces of Israel and the Palestinians, there are many incredible attractions and world-famous sites such as the western wall, the Baha’i Gardens of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ConsularServices/Pages/Visas.aspx
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/israel
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/leptospirosis-israel