Israel Is Ready For A Re-Start

Beginning Sept. 19, the Israel Ministry of Tourism will re-start its tourist program, allowing organized tourist groups of from 5 to 30 tourists from “Yellow and Orange” countries to visit Israel.

And within that program, there’s no limit on the number of foreign tourist groups allowed into Israel.

In order to qualify for entry into Israel, foreign tourists must have proof of a second Israel Ministry of Health-recognized (FDA- or EMA-approved vaccine) vaccination within the last six months or have received the third vaccination.

Tourists will also have to present a negative PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before arrival, and undergo a PCR and serological test at Ben Gurion airport.

Upon receiving the PCR and serological results taken in Israel with negative CORONA results, the tourists are free to travel within the country.

Launched in May 2021, the program was developed to provide a safe, controlled option for allowing foreign tourists to visit Israel and is considered a success, with over 2,000 tourists having entered Israel, mainly from the USA and Europe.

It is hoped that individual tourists will be allowed into Israel soon, depending on morbidity rates in Israel and worldwide.

Gal Hana, Consul for Tourism / Director for Canada – Israel Ministry of Tourism, said: “We are hoping that this “re-start” will prove to be a powerful signal for qualifying tour groups that have postponed travel, and are eager to visit Israel, that it is once again safe to do so.”

Updated entry procedure guidelines will be published soon.