Israel reopens its borders to tourists including Americans
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 9, 2022, with new information.
Israel reopened to tourism today. That includes American tourists. Foreigners must be fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19 to be eligible. There are also lots of other rules highlighted below.
The U.S. had been on a "red travel" list, but that list went away as of early this morning. That means Israelis can also now travel to the United States.
Back in November, Israel had banned all tourists from all countries due to the omicron variant, but that ban has now been lifted.
Read more: My experience entering Israel as a vaccinated tourist
Two tests, vaccination and short quarantine required
All travelers have to show results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding a flight to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv (TLV). A second PCR test will be administered at the airport when you arrive.
Travelers must proceed to quarantine until a negative result is received or until 24 hours have elapsed, whichever comes first.
Travelers must also show a vaccine certificate or proof of vaccination. Israel is only accepting European vaccine passports as proof of being recovered from COVID-19 for entry, so Americans who've recovered from COVID-19 will still not be able to visit for now.
To be considered fully vaccinated, at least 14 days must have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including those from Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and SinoPharm If it has been 180 days (six months) since your final dose, you will need proof of receipt of a booster shot at least 14 days prior to arrival in the country.
Unvaccinated Americans will remain prohibited from entering Israel.
Related: Everything you need to know about traveling to Israel as a vaccinated tourist
Additional pre-departure steps
In addition to the aforementioned vaccination and pre-departure testing, all travelers will need to complete an online entry form within 48 hours of departure to Israel, where they will upload proof of vaccination or recovery. Note that parents may complete the form on behalf of their children, in addition to spouses, as long as all individuals in the group have been within the same country in the preceding 14 days leading up to arrival in Israel.
“Foreign nationals who do not meet these conditions will be denied entry to Israel and will be required to return to their country of origin,” per Israel’s Health Ministry. “Violators of isolation, who are not confirmed cases, will be denied entry to Israel for a period of three years.”
The same pre-departure and arrival requirements will apply to passengers entering the country by sea or land borders.
Current entry requirements for Israeli citizens are outlined here.
Current COVID-19 situation
Israel is recording record coronavirus infections right now, with more than 19,000 new cases reported on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. That’s the highest number of new cases ever.
Israel already restricts all indoor activities to those who are fully vaccinated, recovered from or recently tested negative for COVID-19 via a “green pass” system. TPG’s Zach Griff detailed his experience obtaining a pass here.
Related: Vaccinated? Here’s how to get to Israel using points and miles
Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.