Israel will relax its entry rules even further from May 20th. This was announced by Health Minister Nitzan Horovitz after a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday, May 8th. Accordingly, the corona test requirement at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv will be lifted. Travelers will no longer need to take another PCR test upon arrival. In addition, travelers will be allowed to have a rapid antigen test instead of a PCR test before they travel. However, the antigen test must have been taken within 24 hours of departure.
Israel had already relaxed a number of corona measures at the beginning of February. For example, the green passport, i.e. proof of vaccination, a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 or a negative test result, has been abolished in many areas.
What do holidaymakers currently have to pay attention to when entering the country?
The Mediterranean country of Israel had sealed itself off for a long time after the pandemic began. March 1, 2022 unvaccinated tourists will also be allowed to enter Israel.
Entry requirements for all travelers, whether vaccinated or not, to Israel is proof of a negative COVID test result (PCR or antigen test) in English and with a registered passport number. The PCR test must be carried out within 72 hours before departure or entry, the antigen test within 24 hours. The chargeable PCR test, which is carried out for all travelers immediately upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport or after passing the border crossing, will be omitted from May 20th, 2022.
Entry into Israel is currently only permitted via Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Tourists must fill out the health declaration on the Israel Ministry of Health website from 48 hours before departure.
Furthermore, proof of travel health insurance, which also covers treatment for COVID-19 disease, is mandatory for entry into Israel.
Corona restrictions in Israel: Mask requirement indoors lifted
The corona restrictions in Israel have largely been lifted. Nevertheless, the Federal Foreign Office points out on its website that the measures in Israel can change continuously depending on the epidemiological situation. Travelers should therefore obtain detailed information in advance. The mask requirement indoors was lifted at the end of April.