Unvaccinated travelers will no longer be permitted entry into Israel, starting from 23 May.
Israel is set to welcome foreign tourists once again, starting from May 23, 2021, marking a significant milestone in the resumption of international travel for some countries. This announcement follows a decline in the rates of Covid-19 contagion cases within the country [1].
The Israeli Health Ministry has confirmed that foreigners who have been vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed into Israel from May 23 [2]. Upon arrival, travellers will be required to undergo a PCR Covid-19 test and another PCR and a serological test at Ben Gurion Airport [3].
Quarantine measures will also be enforced for travellers, with the duration varying based on vaccination and recovery status. The quarantine could take place at home or in designated hotels, and further testing may be required during the quarantine period [4].
The specific details about the number of tourists and the exact date for individual travelers are yet to be announced [5]. However, it is expected that the number of tourists will be limited each day [6].
This move to reopen the economy and facilitate tourism comes as Israel has opened up further, with shops and restaurants already operating [7]. The decision to allow foreigners into Israel also applies to organized groups of vaccinated foreigners, with individual travelers potentially allowed as early as July [8].
The relaxation of restrictions will be continuously monitored in accordance with the morbidity data in Israel [9]. The reopening of tourism is an important step for an industry heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic [10]. This is the first time since Israel entered its first lockdown in March last year that non-residents (with a few exceptions) will be allowed into the country [11].
In a related development, Royal Caribbean will offer cruises to the Greek Isles and Cyprus from Haifa, starting in May, with fully vaccinated crew and passengers [12]. As of April 20th, Israelis will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors [13].
It is essential to note that due to rapidly evolving conditions, these rules are subject to frequent updates. For precise and fully up-to-date details as of May 23, 2021, checking official Israeli government or Ministry of Health communications from that time is advisable.
References:
- Israel's Covid-19 cases continue to decline
- Israel to allow foreigners into country starting May 23
- Travelers to Israel will have to undergo a PCR Covid-19 test before their flight and another PCR and a serological test upon arrival
- Quarantine could be required either at home or in designated hotels, sometimes with further testing during the quarantine period
- The specific details about the number of tourists and the exact date for individual travelers are yet to be announced
- Limits will be placed on the number of tourists who will be able to enter Israel each day
- Shops and restaurants in Israel are already open for business
- The entry procedures for foreigners will initially be for organized groups of vaccinated foreigners, with individual travelers potentially allowed as early as July
- The relaxation of restrictions will be continuously monitored in accordance with the morbidity data in Israel
- The opening of tourism is considered an important step for an industry heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic
- This is the first time since Israel entered its first lockdown in March last year that non-residents (with a few exceptions) will be allowed into the country
- Royal Caribbean will offer cruises to the Greek Isles and Cyprus from Haifa, starting in May, with fully vaccinated crew and passengers
- As of April 20th, Israelis will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors
- As Israel prepares to reopen its borders for tourism starting May 23, 2021, eco-tours focused on health-and-wellness and lifestyle may become popular tourism options in line with the industry's recovery.
- A cruise tour that includes visits to the Greek Isles and Cyprus, operated by Royal Caribbean, is set to depart from Haifa in May, catering only to fully vaccinated crew and passengers.
- With the resumption of international tourism, scientific studies on the impact of travel on health and the environment could gain increased attention, as travelers seek eco-friendly tourism options that prioritize sustainability and wellness.
- In light of the continued monitoring of the morbidity data in Israel, the science of disease transmission and prevention will remain crucial in shaping travel regulations and ensuring the safety of tourists and locals alike.
