Israel: Authorities bar all travelers entry into the country effective 23:59 Nov. 28 in response to new COVID-19 variant /update 119

Event

Israeli authorities are set to bar entry into the country for all foreign nationals effective 23:59 Nov. 28. In addition, some domestic measures will be tightened.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities will ban all foreign nationals from entry into the country from 23:59 Nov. 28. The measure, which is set to remain in place for at least 14 days, is in response to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Authorities have indicated that restrictions will be adapted as the government finds out more about the new variant. Foreign nationals will only be allowed entry in exceptional circumstances and if they have acquired permission from the Israeli government.

All Israeli nationals will undergo a PCR test upon arrival. Fully vaccinated Israeli citizens will be subject to a three-day self-isolation period at home; they must take another PCR test on the third day and may leave quarantine upon receiving a negative result. Unvaccinated Israelis will be subject to a seven-day quarantine period at home and undergo a PCR on day seven; they can end the isolation period if the test result is negative. Israelis returning from red-listed countries are required to isolate at government-designated hotels until they receive a negative result from the PCR test carried out upon arrival. If these passengers test negative, they may quarantine at home, test again on the seventh day, and end the isolation period when they receive a negative result.

Most sub-Saharan African countries have been listed as "red" locations following the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, including South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Eswatini. Israel uses a three-color scale (red, orange, and yellow) to assign COVID-19-related international travel restrictions by country. To view countries' color designation, click here. Officials have prohibited Israeli citizens and residents from traveling to red destinations until further notice due to concerns over increased COVID-19 activity. Only individuals who have obtained special permission from the Exceptions Committee can travel to these locations. Israelis can transit through these destinations, provided they remain in the airport transit area for no more than 12 hours.

Authorities will warn travelers leaving the country that restrictions may change during their travel and returning nationals must follow the restrictions imposed at the time of their return to Israel.

Travelers planning to leave the country, including Israeli citizens and residents aged 16 and older, must complete and submit an online exit statement form no more than 24 hours before their scheduled departure. Departing travelers must also present a travel clearance permitting departure from Israel that is received after submitting the exit statement form. To access the online exit statement form, click here.

Additionally, all travelers who have stayed in Israel for more than 72 hours must present an Israeli COVID Certificate or a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure from Israel. Travelers who receive a positive result from the pre-departure PCR test are barred from boarding their flight and must enter isolation. Travelers departing Israel are subject to the COVID-19-related rules and regulations of their destination.

Domestic Restrictions
A Green Pass is required to access many public facilities and gatherings in Israel. From 23:59, Nov. 28, the Green Pass will be required for all gatherings of more than 50 people in indoor spaces.

In event venues, indoor gatherings are capped at 600 participants. Additionally, a Green Pass is no longer required to access outdoor cultural events, sporting events, and prayer gatherings of up to 1,000 seated people. Wearing a mask is no longer required at outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

Establishments and gatherings that must still comply with Green Pass guidance include conferences, exhibitions, hotels, gyms, event venues, festivals, restaurants and cafes, museums, libraries, indoor tourist attractions, and institutions of higher education, among others. Access to places subject to Green Pass guidance is generally only provided to individuals presenting a valid pass with identification or a negative result from a recently taken COVID-19 test. Children under the age of three are exempt from Green Pass guidance. For more information on Green Pass requirements and guidance, click here.

The Green Pass is available on the Traffic Light website, the Traffic Light mobile application, at self-service stations across the country, via the Israeli Ministry of Health Hotline, and via an interactive voice response system. To request a Green Pass via the Traffic Light website, click here. To view current Green Pass eligibility and validity details, click here.

The Israeli Ministry of Health also issues COVID Certificates, which serve as a medical or international record of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery. Individuals with foreign passports are eligible to receive a COVID-19 certificate if they meet the necessary criteria. For more information on COVID Certificates, click here.

Israel uses a four-tiered "Traffic Light Model" to apply COVID-19-related guidance in local councils based on local infection rates. For more information on the Traffic Light Model, including COVID-19-related guidance by local council, click here.

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.

Resources

Ministry of Health Coronavirus Website
El Al Airlines
World Health Organization