Israel’s borders opened on November 1 to tourists who have received their last dose of vaccine within a certain time period. South Africans, and others, will no longer need permits to enter from that date.
The government said in a statement that travellers from any country would be able to enter if they could show a vaccine certificate that was less than six months old.
In the case of all vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson (one dose, not two), Sinovac and Sinopharm, 14 days must elapse between receiving the last dose and arriving in Israel. Vaccination certificates do not need to be digitised.
The six-month period, derived from the information on the vaccination certificate, may not expire during tourists’ stay in Israel and they must leave the country before the six months expires.
Israel says it accepts certificates of recovery issued by EU countries only, and in digital format only. The government says it will no longer recognise a positive PCR test result as acceptable proof of recovery. Tourists are warned that if their EU digital recovery certificate expires while they are in Israel, they will be sanctioned, which could include an entry ban for five years.
Within the 48 hours prior to travel, all individuals must complete a Health Declaration form that includes the address of the individual’s self-isolation location. This may not be changed at a later date, once declared on the form, and they will receive an email containing their Green Pass.
Arrivals of all ages need to get a PCR test result in the 72 hours prior to departure. On arrival they will need another PCR test, which must be pre-booked. And the next step is self-isolation at the address given on the form until they receive a negative test result. An Israeli mobile number is required so the result can be sent.
Unvaccinated or recovered Israeli citizens need to complete a seven-day self-quarantine, as long as they test negative on arrival and again on day 7.
For individuals who were vaccinated or have recovered (EU recovery certificate only) more than six months prior to travel, or who are unvaccinated, only exceptional cases are allowed entry.
The Israel Health Ministry has recommended a set of sanctions aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus by rule-breakers. Foreigners who violate mandatory quarantine will be forbidden from entering the country for three years. An infected foreigner who refuses to isolate in a quarantine hotel or leaves isolation will be blacklisted for five years.
Foreigners who entered Israel or attempted to enter the country with forged documentation related to the pandemic will be banned from the country for five years. An individual who stays in Israel more than 180 days after being vaccinated or recovering, will also be barred from entering for up to five years.
