Israel: Authorities amend international flight restrictions as of Aug. 17 /update 113

Event

Israeli officials have amended international travel restrictions as of Aug. 17, prohibiting citizens from traveling to Brazil, Bulgaria, Georgia, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey until further notice due to concerns over increased COVID-19 activity in those countries. Only individuals who have obtained special permission from authorities can travel to these locations; officials only grant permission in exceptional cases, such as for humanitarian purposes. Israelis can take connecting flights through the affected countries, provided the layover is less than 12 hours. All Israelis, including those who have been inoculated against COVID-19, returning from these locations may be subject to a fine and must self-isolate for at least seven days under the Health Ministry's quarantine requirements.

Individuals arriving from low-risk countries (Australia, Austria, China, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Hungary, Moldova, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan), including those inoculated against COVID-19, must self-isolate for up to 24 hours upon arrival in Israel or until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result. Arrivals from all other countries have to quarantine for seven days contingent upon receiving a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken on the seventh day of self-isolation.

All persons traveling to Israel must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Moreover, all incoming international travelers must undergo a second COVID-19 test upon arrival at their own expense; this test will occur at the border crossing or a government-designated quarantine facility. Violations may be punishable by fines.

Individual tourists remain barred from entering Israel due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 variants. Currently, only limited groups of vaccinated foreign tourists can enter Israel as part of organized tours. Arriving tourists must take a serological test to prove the existence of COVID-19 antibodies; the presence of antibodies from such tests allows international travelers to forgo the quarantine requirement. The serological test requirement remains in effect until further notice. Israel is negotiating with other countries regarding mutual recognition of vaccination certificates to remove the need for serological tests.

Foreigners who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from the disease and have first-degree relatives in Israel are permitted to enter the country. These individuals must submit an entry request to Israel's Population and Immigration Authority and receive approval before their flight; they must also show proof of vaccination or recovery and proof of relation to an Israeli citizen or resident. Authorities will allow foreigners who have not been vaccinated against or have not recovered from COVID-19 to enter in exceptional circumstances, such as marriage to an Israeli citizen. Foreigners must have valid health insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 for the duration of their visit.

Domestic Restrictions
Israeli authorities have tightened domestic restrictions amid a surge in COVID-19 disease activity nationwide. Effective Aug. 8, the "Green Pass" - which demonstrates that an individual is vaccinated, has recovered from, or has tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours – is necessary to participate in indoor and outdoor gatherings. Furthermore, facemasks are mandatory at outdoor events with more than 100 people. Individuals under the age of 12 are currently exempt from the Green Pass system; however, the government plans to expand the Green Pass to children from Aug. 20. 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. Government agencies have also reduced in-office work to 50 percent.

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