Israel has had one of the most efficient COVID-19 vaccination programs in the world. As a result, the rates of coronavirus infections have continued to plummet. After April 20th, Israelis will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism together with the Israeli Ministry of Health agreed to open Israel for incoming tourists starting May 23, 2021. This will be for foreigners who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID.
Initially, you can only travel in organized groups as there will be a cap on the number of tours. There will also be a limit on how many tourists can enter the country at one time.
Israel Entry Requirements
- Incoming groups will need to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test before boarding the plane done 72 hours prior to travel
- Proof of a COVID-19 vaccine
- Upon arrival to Israel, groups will need to take a PCR and a serology tests.
The health minister Yuli Edelstein told the Jerusalem Post “The opening of tourism is an important line for one of the industries that were particularly damaged in the year of coronavirus. We will continue to examine the relief at all times in accordance with the morbidity data.”
It’s expected that Israel will initially open to visitors from countries whose governments sign reciprocal agreements allowing Israelis to visit. This list is sure to expand, however is expected to include Greece, Cyprus, the UAE, Croatia, Italy, the USA and the UK.
Starting July 2021, individual tourists who meet the above criteria will be able to enter Israel Most Israel package tours are expected to resume in June. The most popular and reputable tour companies offering escorted Israel tours are Globus Tours, Tauck Tours, Collette Tours, Trafalgar Tours & Insight Vacations.
Similar announcements have come from other countries in Europe in recent weeks. Iceland is open to vaccinated travelers and Greece will be accepting vaccinated tourists on May 14th. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, NCL Cruises and Viking Cruises will be offering cruises that leave out of Greece and Cyprus this summer as well.
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