Israel travel restrictions update: No vax, no problem

Tourists in Jerusalem, Israel. Photo: reijo telaranta / pixabay

As of 1 March 2022, Israel will no longer require proof of vaccination from travellers to enter the country.

The new travel regulations will require a negative PCR test to be provided upon entry, as well as that the traveller undergo a second one on arrival and then self-isolate for 24 hours as they wait for their result from the PCR test.

The ‘Green Pass’, a term used for a vaccination certificate, will no longer be necessary to enter a range of places, including hotels, bars, restaurants, gyms and places of worship around the country. According to Travel News, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, told the country last Thursday that the decline in the numbers of infections and hospitalisations was proof that it was time to scrap the Green Pass.

Omicron’s arrival had a devastating effect on Israel tourism, as Bennett was forced to totally shutdown all travel. The easing of these restrictions is a welcome to many.

“We were the first to act and close the skies with the onset of the wave. Now we are gradually releasing the limitations,” said Bennett.

Returning Israeli locals will be exempt from taking a pre-travel PCR test, and will only be required to take one PCR test on arrival into the country. Unvaxxed Israeli citizens will also not have to quarantine after arrival, as long as their second PCR test shows a negative result of infection.

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.