Traveling to or from Israel? Here’s what you need to know

I am not an Israeli citizen/permanent resident. Can I leave the country?

All those who found themselves in Israel can leave the country. However, those who are not citizens or permanent residents might face challenges in re-entering Israel (see below).

My children are not vaccinated or recovered. Can they leave the country?

Yes. Once again, the question is what they will be required to do when they re-enter (see quarantine requirements below).

Do I need to get a corona test before I fly?

However, it is important to check also the requirements of the airline, of the country of destination and the country of transit (if applicable), as they often demand some form of testing regardless of what Israeli regulations ask. Failing to comply with these requirements will likely prevent you from boarding the plane, as usually airlines check the relevant documentation at check in.

Passengers are going to be asked to show a vaccination/recovery certificate or a negative PCR test at the entrance of the airport.

Where can I get tested before flying out?

Recently, the company AID Genomics launched a service for NIS 99 tests with results in 24 hours. The tests are offered at several Bikkur Rofeh clinics – a network of private emergency medical centers – across the country.

Do I need to fill a form before exiting Israel?

No. Since June 1, passengers who leave Israel are not required to fill out an exit statement as they used to.

I am an Israeli citizen/resident. Can I travel to Israel?

Yes, Israeli citizens and residents are allowed to travel to Israel without asking for a special authorization from the Israeli authorities – even if they are not vaccinated or recovered (or if they are but the documentation is not issued by the Health Ministry). However, they are demanded to comply with several regulations before flying and after landing (see below).

I am not an Israeli citizen/resident. Can I travel to Israel?

Those who live or have visited countries under travel ban – Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa – are not allowed to enter.

Will foreign nationals be able to travel to Israel on July 1?

The exact criteria and regulations that will need to be met for this purpose have not been announced yet. According to what has been officially announced so far – by the Interior Ministry – only vaccinated individuals and children 0-6 whose parents are vaccinated will be able to enter Israel.

Who are the foreign nationals who can apply for an approval to enter Israel at the local Israeli consulate or at the Office of the Population Authority?

Those who live or have visited countries under travel ban in the previous two weeks – Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa – are not going to be given permission to enter – unless they hold a A1, A5 or B1 visa, or they are foreign workers vaccinated in Israel.

For people from other countries:

Regardless of coronavirus immunity status:

Parents of a bride or a groom prior to their wedding; first degree relative of a lone soldier or a National Civil Service volunteer; spouses of an Israeli citizen and their minor children provided that the marriage is registered in Israel and there is proof of a genuine relationship; foreign nationals who are set to marry an Israeli after a marriage application has been submitted to the relevant authority in Israel; children of an Israeli citizen living in Israel and a foreign national; first degree mourners to attend a funeral (for less than 24 hours); and foreign students who began their studies in Israel

Special application process:

– Experts deemed essential by an Israeli ministry can also be authorized – their employer is required to fill the application.

– Those who need to come to Israel for lifesaving medical procedures need a letter from a hospital’s director or deputy director.

– Foreign workers and caregivers will be allowed in according to the normal procedures.

Who are first degree relatives?

Parents, spouses, children and siblings are first degree relatives, grandparents and grandchildren, uncles, aunts and cousins are not.

I have a first degree relative in Israel and I’m vaccinated/recovered. How can I apply to receive an authorization to enter Israel?

According to the Population and Immigration Authority, the documents required are:

– Copy of passport(s);

– Copy of relative’s Israeli ID

– Proof of relationship with the Israeli citizen/resident (for example a birth certificate for parents/children)

– Vaccination/recovery certificates

– Health insurance covering COVID

According to the website, the documents proving the family relationship are required to carry an apostle. However, it is important to take note of the fact that many of the offices processing the applications do not require the apostle any more.

However, based on several first-hand experiences they might have additional requirements such as:

– Copy of plane tickets

– Translation or certified translation of vaccination/recovery certificate, or proof of family relations in English or Hebrew (for those who come from non-English speaking countries)

– That the application is not submitted earlier than two weeks prior to the entry date

For this reason, it might be advisable to contact the office where one wishes to apply to check about their specific requirements.

I’m traveling to Israel and I’m vaccinated/recovered. Do I need to get tested before flying?

Yes. Israel requires anyone who has been abroad for more than 72 hours and is traveling to the country to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours before departure regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. An exception to this rule can be granted on humanitarian basis by the special governmental Exceptions Committee (LINK https://survey.gov.il/he/PCR2). The results of the test need to be in English and carry the traveler’s passport number. The airline personnel will check the results before passengers are allowed to board.

I’m an Israeli citizen traveling to Israel. What documents do I need to present at the airport?

I’m a foreign citizen. What documents do I need to present at the airport?

I have heard that all passengers need to be tested upon arrival. Is this true?

I have a vaccination/recovery certificate from the Health Ministry. I do not need to enter quarantine, do I?

Incoming travelers who hold a vaccination/recovery certificate from the Health Ministry are generally not required to quarantine, unless they visited one of the countries under travel ban – Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Those who have, do need to enter isolation, even if they are vaccinated or recovered. Layover of less than 12 hours do not count as long as travelers did not leave the airport.

In addition, starting from June 23, vaccinated or recovered individuals could be ordered to quarantine by health authorities if they traveled on the same plane with an identified virus carrier.

My spouse and I are vaccinated/recovered. Do my children need to enter quarantine?

Yes, unless they are vaccinated or recovered themselves. Every individual who is not vaccinated or recovered is required to quarantine after coming back from abroad, regardless of age. A NIS 5,000 fine can be given to those who do not comply with the requirement, including children over 12 who break the quarantine and parents of children under 12 who breach the quarantine.

I am vaccinated/I recovered abroad. Do I need to quarantine?

Those who do not hold a vaccination/recovery certificate from the Health Ministry are required to enter isolation upon their arrival, even if they were vaccinated or recovered abroad. However, they can undergo a serological test to prove the presence of antibodies in their body.

The test needs to be performed at a laboratory recognized by the Health Ministry.

After receiving the results, travelers have to apply to the Health Ministry to be released from quarantine and wait for an SMS or an email that confirms that they are released.

I am not vaccinated/recovered and I have to quarantine. How long is that?

The isolation duration is counted from the time of arrival in Israel and lasts 13 full days + the hours remaining until 12 a.m. on the 14th day (regardless of the start time of the isolation). The isolation can be shortened to ten days if a second PCR test is taken on the 9th day after arriving in Israel, provided that both tests are negative.

Is quarantine for children shorter?

No, children who need to quarantine are required to isolate for as long as adults.

I’m traveling to Israel, do I need to wear a mask when I travel?

Yes. Israel requires you to wear a mask on the plane and at the airport.

If I enter Israel through its land borders, do the requirements change?

No, the requirements and forms are the same also for those entering Israel from its land borders.