Israel: Land border crossings with Egypt and Jordan to remain closed through at least Feb. 3 due to COVID-19 activity /update 86

Event

Israeli authorities have extended the closure of the country's land border crossings with Egypt and Jordan through Feb. 3 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan has been closed until further notice. The closures apply to both foreigners and Israeli nationals.

Other measures remain in place. Travelers arriving from Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Zambia are subject to mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities to combat the spread of new COVID-19 strains; the order mandating this measure will remain in force until at least Feb. 11. All other travelers to Israel must complete a 14-day quarantine but may be allowed to do so at a residence or hotel of their choice provided it is suitable for that purpose; they may also reduce their quarantine period to 10 days if they test negative for COVID-19 after nine days in isolation. All travelers to Israel must also present negative results from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. A ban on the entry of foreign nationals remains in effect. Only diplomats are exempt from the measure.

Authorities in Israel have closed Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to all inbound and outbound passenger flights through Feb. 7 in efforts to combat the spread of new COVID-19 strains. During this period, officials only allow travel to and from Israel in exceptional circumstances subject to approval by a committee of health and transportation officials.

Nationwide lockdown restrictions have been extended nationwide through 0700 on Feb. 5. The measures are as follows:

• All nonessential businesses are required to close.

• Residents must remain within 1 km (0.6 miles) of their homes, except for essential reasons, such as commuting to work, buying groceries, exercising, or seeking medical care.

• Gatherings are limited to five people in enclosed spaces and 10 people in open areas.

• All schools and universities, except for special education programs, will be closed for in-person classes.

• Public transportation will operate at 50-percent capacity.

• Facemasks are mandatory on public transportation.

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 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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

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