Israel to accept travellers from May
Ministry of Tourism Israel Russia and the CIS reports that from May 23, 2021, Israel will open its borders for tourists vaccinated and ill with coronavirus.
Before departing for Israel, travelers will have to present a negative PCR test for the coronavirus; upon arrival in Israel, they will need to undergo both a PCR test and a serological test confirming the presence of antibodies.
In the first phase, Israel will accept small groups of tourists in accordance with the established quota. If this experience is recognized as successful, the quota for entry of foreigners will be increased, and individual travelers will be allowed to enter.
The government intends to negotiate with other countries on the joint recognition of vaccination certificates to eliminate the need for serological examination on arrival.
In March 2020, Israel closed its borders to foreigners. According to the Ministry of Tourism of Israel, last year the tourist flow to the country decreased by 81%.
Director of the Department of the Ministry of Tourism of Israel in the Russian Federation and the CIS, Advisor to the Embassy of the State of Israel in the Russian Federation Vladimir Shklyar explained that now it is not clear which countries will be allowed to enter in May.
The principal decision to receive tourists vaccinated and ill with the coronavirus in May has been made. Details of the implementation of this scheme, including the list of countries, the number of people in the group and other protocols, will be known at a later date.
The high dynamics of immunization of the population of Israel gives reason to talk about the gradual expansion of quotas for entry of foreigners, and there is a chance that Israel will “open the door” to visitors from different countries by mid-July.
According to Shklyar, Israel is studying the possibility of resuming subsidiary support for Russian flights to Eilat in the upcoming autumn-winter season. The state paid Russian tour operators, airlines and consolidators of tourist transportation to the Red Sea resort of Eilat 60 euros for each tourist. Before the pandemic, the program was active in the winter season.
Source: atorus