Coronavirus: Introduced foreigners must be allowed in Israel in May

Inserted tourists will be admitted to Israel from May 23, the health and tourism ministries announced on Tuesday.

In the first phase, only individuals traveling in groups will be able to enter the country as it is considered easier. According to the statement, the authorities will decide whether to include regular visitors based on the results of the launch with groups.

Those wishing to travel to Israel must undergo a PCR test before boarding the flight, as well as a PCR test and a serological test upon arrival at the airport. The PCR test indicates if someone is carrying the virus; the serological test proves the presence of antibodies in their blood.

Israel currently does not recognize any foreign vaccination or recovery evidence, although the authorities are currently negotiating with several countries to do so. Anyone vaccinated abroad has yet to be quarantined until they undergo a serological test that testifies to their antibody level.

Last week, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health said The Jerusalem Post that they are looking for a fast-paced serological testing complex at Ben-Gurion Airport. There is already a PCR testing facility at the airport that administers a PCR test to everyone who lands. The results are ready within 14 hours or less.

Israeli borders have been closed to foreign nationals for a year, with very limited exceptions. Last week, the government announced that foreigners who have a first-degree relative who is a citizen or a permanent resident of Israel can enter the country, undergoing a procedure similar to the procedure for vaccinated tourists.

A more detailed outline will be announced in the coming days.

“Israel is the first vaccinated nation, and the citizens of Israel have enjoyed it for the first time,” said Health Minister Yuli Edelstein.[Now that we have] Once our economy is open, it’s time to facilitate tourism in a considered and prudent manner.

“The opening of tourism is a major development for one of the industries worst hit during the pandemic year,” he added. “We will continue to investigate additional relief in accordance with the diseases.”

“The time has come for Israel to enjoy the benefits of a safe and healthy country, and to help rehabilitate the Israeli economy and tourism industry, not other economies,” said Tourism Minister Orit Farkash-HaCohen .

“Only the opening of incoming international tourism will really bring back the sector of tourism, restaurants, hospitality, websites, guides, commuters and many more to finally live with dignity,” she said. “I will continue to push for a full return of incoming tourism to Israel, which will greatly help the Israeli economy and provide jobs that are so much needed today.”

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