Israel: Authorities to partially reopen the Taba border crossing with Egypt from March 30 /update 96

Event

Israel will partially reopen the Taba border crossing with Egypt effective March 30. Travel to the Sinai Peninsula will be limited to Israelis who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease. Furthermore, authorities will limit the total number of travelers to 300 departures and 300 arrivals per day. Travelers will need to purchase a border crossing permit in advance for a specific date and present the permit at the border.

All persons traveling to Israel via air, land, or sea are required to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Moreover, all incoming international travelers are also required to 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.

Israelis returning from abroad are still required to quarantine at home in accordance with instructions from the Health Ministry; individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease are exempt from the quarantine requirement, provided they test negative for COVID-19. The quarantine period is 14 days but may be reduced to 10 days contingent upon two negative COVID-19 tests. Israelis who are unable to quarantine at home are required to do so in government-designated facilities. A ban on entry by foreign nationals remains in effect until further notice; however, in exceptional cases, foreigners may be granted a special entry permit.

Restaurants, cafes, and event halls have reopened nationwide. Restaurants and cafes are permitted to provide indoor services for individuals who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or who have recovered from the disease; individuals who have not been immunized are relegated to dining outdoors only. Event halls have reopened to individuals who have been immunized or recovered from COVID-19. Gatherings are limited to 20 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.

Standalone stores, malls, open-air markets, museums, and libraries have also reopened. Students in select grades have returned to in-person classes in cities and towns with low infection rates. Gyms, cultural and sporting venues, hotels, and swimming pools have resumed operations; however, access is restricted to people who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or who have recovered from the disease. Places of worship have reopened to the public. Movement restrictions have been lifted and residents are permitted to visit the homes of others. 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.

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 queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

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