Israel Will Open Up To Vaccinated International Tourists In May

By: Alana DeRose

travelmarketreport.com

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has announced that Israel will open up it's borders to international, vaccinated travelers starting May 23, under a phased approach.

"We have come so far, and it is for this reason we are adapting this proactive strategy of having a phased opening." Tourism Commissioner for North America, Eyal Carlin announced on the news as Israel has closed off it's borders to tourism for over a year now. "60% of Israel's population has been vaccinated and with the U.S. and Israel using the same vaccines [Pfizer and Moderna], we are hopeful that by summer we can open our doors wide and welcome every visitor to Israel who would like to come."

However the details for this will be announced next week, but a couple things are for certain.

• Israel will open up May 23 to allow in tour groups, individual travelers will be welcomed in July as a part of a later phase

• Visitors will be required to undergo a PCR test before boarding a plane to Israel

• Visitors will have to do a serological test to prove their vaccination once they arrive at Ben Gurion airport in Israel

Until countries can figure out a way to validate vaccination certification we will still need a serological test upon arrival.

“Only opening the skies for international tourism will truly revive the tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, sites, tour guides and others looking to work and provide for their families." Israeli Minister of Tourism, Orit Farkash-Hacochen stated.