Israel: Government extends COVID-19-related ban on travel to high-risk countries until at least June 13 /update 102

Event

The Israeli government has extended an existing ban on its citizens traveling to seven high-risk countries until at least June 13 due to ongoing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 variants. Under the directive, Israelis are prohibited from traveling to Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, and Ukraine. Beginning May 31, Russia and Argentina will also be added to the list of banned countries. Travel to these locations will only be permitted in the event of special permission from authorities. Special permission may be granted in exceptional circumstances, such as for humanitarian purposes. Israelis are permitted to take connecting flights through these locations provided the layover is less than 12 hours. All Israelis who return from these locations, including those who have been inoculated against COVID-19, are required to self-isolate for 14 days; the isolation period may be shortened to 10 days contingent upon two negative COVID-19 tests.

With regard to other international travel restrictions, limited groups of vaccinated foreign tourists began to enter the country May 23. Israel’s borders have been closed to foreign tourists since March 2020. Only organized groups of tourists are permitted to enter initially; however, authorities plan to allow individual travelers at a later stage depending on epidemiological conditions. Arriving tourists will be required to take a serological test to prove the existence of COVID-19 antibodies. Israel is negotiating with other countries regarding mutual recognition of vaccination certificates to remove the need for serological tests. However, the serological test requirement will remain in effect until further notice.

Foreigners who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease and have first-degree relatives in Israel are currently permitted to enter. These individuals must submit a request to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority and receive approval prior to their flight; they must also show proof of vaccination or recovery, as well as proof of relation to an Israeli citizen or resident. Foreigners who have not been vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed entry in exceptional circumstances, such as marriage to an Israeli citizen. All foreign nationals, even those who have been vaccinated, are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival; the quarantine period may be shortened to 10 days, contingent upon two negative COVID-19 tests. Foreigners will be required to have valid health insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 for the duration of their visit.

All persons traveling to Israel via air, land, or sea are required to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Moreover, all incoming international travelers are also required to undergo a second COVID-19 test upon arrival; this second test will be carried out either at the border crossing or at a government-designated quarantine facility. Violations may be punishable by fines.

Israelis returning from abroad are required to quarantine at home in accordance with instructions from the Health Ministry; individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease are exempt from the quarantine requirement, provided they test negative for COVID-19. The quarantine period is 14 days but may be reduced to 10 days contingent upon two negative COVID-19 tests. Israelis who are unable to quarantine at home are required to do so in government-designated facilities.

Businesses, restaurants, cafes, museums, libraries, and event halls are operating nationwide. Gyms, cultural and sporting venues, hotels, and swimming pools have also resumed operations. Places of worship have reopened to the public. Individuals are no longer required to wear facemasks outdoors; however, facemasks remain mandatory in closed public spaces until further notice. Schools have resumed in-person classes nationwide. Gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

Israel Government Coronavirus Response Website (Hebrew)
Israel Ministry of Health (Hebrew)
El Al Airlines
World Health Organization