Israel has published its entry requirements after confirming it will reopen to fully-vaccinated individual tourists from November 1.
The country’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed the date yesterday, after revealing it was working on plans to do so earlier this month.
Up to now, only organised groups of between five and 30 tourists from countries rated “green, yellow and orange” in terms of their Covid risk have been allowed to visit Israel.
Travellers must be double-vaccinated to enter Israel, having had their second vaccine or booster jab at least 14 days prior to entering the country. Israel accepts all WHO approved vaccines, however, no more than 180 days can have passed since the second vaccination, or booster vaccination, on leaving Israel.
Tourists can present reference of a positive NAAT test result at least 11 days before entering the country, in addition to at least one dose of the vaccines approved by the WHO. But no more than 190 days can have passed since the positive result
Arrivals must perform a PCR test up to 72 hours before an outbound flight and fill out a passenger declaration form before entering Israel. Both documents must be presented to board the flight.
Tourists must perform a PCR test upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, remaining in isolation until a negative test result is obtained, or 24 hours, whichever is earlier. This costs 80 Shekels (£18.50).
The ministry said the move was “only the start of the journey”, with tourism minister Yoel Razvozov saying: “This is not the end of the struggle, but only the beginning. We look forward to welcoming back tourism to Israel.”
Sharon Bershadsky, director of Israel’s UK & Ireland tourist office, said “I’m very excited to be able to share the news, the Ministry of Tourism along with our colleagues in the industry have been working tirelessly over this difficult period and we are thrilled to be able to welcome visitors back to Israel”.