Israel has relaxed the health requirements that apply to returning citizens and foreign tourists before they depart for the destination.
From Friday (November 26), passengers arriving in Israel can present a negative antigen test from the previous 24 hours, instead of the previous requirement of a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours.
Passengers arriving at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv (pictured), and Israel’s other border entry points will still be required to undergo a PCR test at the airport and remain in isolation until the results are received, within 24 hours.
The Israel Government Tourist Office in London said in a statement: “This decision has been taken, even though Covid infections are on the rise in Europe, to ease the way for travellers because antigen tests are significantly cheaper than PCR tests.”
Sharon Bershadsky, UK and Ireland director of the Israel Government Tourist Office, added: “The easing of the process is an encouraging step from the cabinet to help ease the international travel process, which has been stringent for the health and safety of all and continues to be the number one priority.
“By introducing antigen tests, we are hopeful these will ease the way for everyone travelling to Israel or considering making it their next holiday destination.”
The UK is classified as orange according to Israel’s travel traffic light system so travellers from the UK who are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 must enter a 24-hour isolation or isolate until negative in a PCR test, whichever is earlier.