Israel Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists
Israel has become the latest nation to drop all COVID-19 entry requirements. The nation’s ministry of health said on Tuesday (May 17th) that they would ease the entry rules on Saturday, May 21st.
The director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in London, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, said: “This is the news we have been waiting for, for more than two years.”
“It has been our highest priority to make the process of entering Israel the easiest it can be while responsibly looking after our passengers’ health and safety.”
“With Israel joining many other countries in dropping all Covid restrictions, I am hopeful the travel industry has now reached a crucial milestone in this post-pandemic world.”
Israel’s New Entry Requirements
All travelers—regardless of their vaccination status—can enter Israel from May 21st without showing proof of vaccination, testing, and mandatory quarantine. However, travelers still need to complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before travel, as they did before the pandemic.
Until Saturday, May 21, arrivals will have to continue to provide evidence of a negative PCR test or antigen test for COVID-19 when arriving by land, air, and sea; this also extends to any cruises departing from Israel.
In addition, all travelers landing at Ben Gurion Airport must take a test, which travelers must pay for. After the test, travelers must quarantine for 24 hours until they get the test results. These requirements will stay until May 21.
The Israel Government Tourist Office said cases have “dropped to a number low enough where it is safe enough to relax restrictions further”.
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of testing
- To undergo mandatory quarantine
- Proof of recovery
Therefore, Israel joins the growing list of nations back to 2019 pre-covid normality.
Israel’s Internal COVID-19 Restrictions
Although Israel is scrapping all COVID-19 entry requirements, there are still COVID-19 internal restrictions. These include:
- Social distancing and health regulations when traveling to the airport.
- Mask wearing in places with “high contagion potential” (hospitals, senior living facilities, and air travel.)
- If travelers show symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 after arrival, they must self-isolate for 5 days. Travelers may only leave self-isolation after testing on the fourth and fifth day—regardless of whether their symptoms have decreased.
However, Israel has ended its indoor mask mandate.
Israel’s ministry of health has also committed to continuing updates in the event of any further changes to the COVID-19 guidelines.
The COVID-19 Situation In Israel
Israel is currently recording its lowest number of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. The current nationwide 7-day case average is 2,167. That’s down from a 7-day case average of 101,905 in January 2022.
The Top 3 Things to do in Israel
- Visit Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the largest city in Israel. With over four million people, the city offers countless attractions, a cosmopolitan vibe, and plenty of beaches
- Explore The Dead Sea
Jordan and Israel share the Dead Sea. Its shores are the lowest point on earth; as a result, the water is salty enough that swimmers can float on the water without sinking.
- Explore Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history dating back 5,000 years, many people refer to Jerusalem as ‘the Holy City.’ It’s an important place for three of the world’s major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
The Global Reopening
Although the United States hasn’t removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, including proof of vaccination and testing, many nations worldwide have now returned to normality. Austria and Vietnam removed all COVID-19 entry requirements yesterday.
Related Article: Spain and Morocco reopen land borders after a two-year closure
Source: https://bit.ly/3FVrf8y
