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Israel reopens its borders to tourists including Americans

Jan. 09, 2022
4 min read
Tel Aviv
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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.

Jerusalem. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP/Getty Images)

Read more: My experience entering Israel as a vaccinated tourist

Two tests, vaccination and short quarantine required

Vaccinated tourists wearing masks for COVID-19 protection arrive to Israel's Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on May 23, 2021, after a partial re-opening of the border.  (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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Unvaccinated Americans will remain prohibited from entering Israel.

Related: Everything you need to know about traveling to Israel as a vaccinated tourist

Tel Aviv, Israel. (Photo by Tim E White/Getty Images)

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.

Tel Aviv, Israel. (Photo by Roman Krykh/EyeEm/Getty Images)

Related: Vaccinated? Here's how to get to Israel using points and miles

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.