Israel: Authorities reimpose domestic COVID-19 restrictions until Aug. 8 due to increase in cases /update 111

Event

Israeli authorities have reimposed domestic restrictions on gatherings amid a surge in COVID-19 disease activity nationwide. Effective July 29 until Aug. 8, the “Green Pass” - which demonstrates that an individual has been vaccinated, recovered from the disease, or tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours – will be required to enter venues or participate in events with 100 or more people, whether indoors or outdoors. Individuals under the age of 12 are exempt from the Green Pass system. The Green Pass applies to establishments and facilities including gyms, hotels, restaurants, bars, conference venues, tourist sites, and places of worship. Shops, malls, swimming pools, museums, and libraries are not subject to Green Pass restrictions. Facemasks must be worn indoors but are not required outdoors. Most other domestic COVID-19 restrictions, such as capacity limits and social distancing requirements, have been lifted.

Israeli citizens are prohibited from traveling to Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Cyprus, Georgia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and Uzbekistan until further notice due to concerns over increased COVID-19 activity in those countries. Only persons who have obtained special permission from authorities are allowed to travel to these locations; such permission is granted solely in exceptional cases, such as for humanitarian purposes. Israelis are permitted to take connecting flights through the countries in question provided the layover is less than 12 hours. All Israelis returning from these locations, including those who have been inoculated against COVID-19, may be subject to a fine and are required to self-isolate for seven days in accordance with the Health Ministry's quarantine requirements.

The quarantine period is seven days contingent upon receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken on the seventh day of self-isolation. Quarantine is required for individuals who have been in contact with verified COVID-19 patients, unvaccinated travelers, as well as individuals traveling to Israel from certain prohibited countries and locations with travel warnings. Furthermore, all travelers, including those inoculated against COVID-19, will be required to self-isolate for up to 24 hours upon arrival in Israel or until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

All persons traveling to Israel must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for the country. Moreover, all incoming international travelers are also required to undergo a second COVID-19 test upon arrival at their own expense; 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.

Individual tourists remain barred from entering Israel until at least Aug. 1 due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 variants. Currently, only limited groups of vaccinated foreign tourists are permitted to enter Israel as part of organized tours. Arriving tourists are 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 remains in effect until further notice; the presence of antibodies from a serological test allows international travelers to forgo the quarantine requirement.

Foreigners who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease and have first-degree relatives in Israel are also currently permitted to enter the country. These individuals must submit an entry 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 have not recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed entry in exceptional circumstances, such as marriage to an Israeli citizen. Foreigners are required to have valid health insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 for the duration of their visit.

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

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 waiting lines and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

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