The Israeli government has confirmed the cancellation of its red list of “high infection” countries, including the UK, paving the way for travel to resume from those destinations.
It follows the recommendation from the Israeli health ministry that red list countries should be moved to Israel’s orange and green lists dependent on their status.
The UK has been placed on Israel’s orange list, which allows vaccinated or recovered people to come into Israel after a 24-hour isolation period or isolate until they receive negative PCR test results – which must be taken at the Israeli international airport – whichever is earlier.
The new orange and green lists came into force on Sunday (January 9).
Sharon Bershadsky, director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in London, said: “After a turbulent two years for the travel industry we are delighted the recommendation by the Israeli Health Ministry to reopen Israel skies to travellers has been approved.
“Despite the borders being closed for four weeks the reopening has sparked hope and anticipation that this positive start to the New Year will set the pattern for 2022 travel.
“There is of course still a long way to go but we are deeply encouraged by this significant milestone and have faith that it is the first step in reducing the travel uncertainty created by Covid-19 and replacing it with a desire to explore new destinations, cultures and food, whilst remaining safe and confident at all times.”
The red list had been compiled to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant in Israel, but as the country is seeing a major outbreak, officials saw the travel bans as obsolete.
Meanwhile, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has launched a dedicated mini-site on its website with all the necessary information related to the country’s Covid guidelines for tourists.
The mini-site, which will be updated in accordance with any future changes, is in English and will be translated to other languages “in the near future”.
Information includes Planning Your Trip (definition of vaccinated and recovered tourist, list of approved vaccines and required documentation for entry into Israel); During Your Stay(where/how to get Corona testing) and Before You Leave (requirements for testing and documentation).
It also includes links to related information at the Israel Ministry of Health and the Home Front Command websites.