Israel: All incoming international travelers required to take pre- and post-arrival COVID-19 tests effective Feb. 11 /update 89

Event

Effective Feb. 11, all persons traveling to Israel via air, land, or sea will be required to produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Moreover, all incoming international travelers will also be required 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. All arriving international travelers are also subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at government-designated facilities.

The new directive comes despite the fact that Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and all land border crossings remain closed through Feb. 21 in an effort to combat the spread of new COVID-19 strains. During this period, officials are only allowing travel to and from Israel in exceptional cases subject to approval by a committee of health and transportation officials. The closures apply to both foreigners and Israeli nationals. A ban on entry by foreign nationals remains in effect. Only diplomats are exempt from the measure.

Domestically, Israeli authorities eased several lockdown restrictions nationwide beginning Feb. 7. Movement restrictions have been lifted, and residents are permitted to visit each other in their homes. National parks are permitted to reopen, and businesses that do not engage directly with the public, as well as one-on-one client services, may resume. Restaurants are allowed to open for carryout services. Gatherings remain limited to five people in enclosed spaces and 10 people in open areas. Authorities have begun to gradually reopen schools for in-person classes, but many are continuing with remote learning. Facemasks are mandatory in public.

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

Resources

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