admin As the world awaits the reopening of international travel, countries around the world are releasing new travel guidelines. The Israel Ministry of Tourism has announced that it will open its borders to international travelers starting from 23rd May, provided they have been vaccinated.
Details on the Proposed Reopening
The country–which has been closed to tourism for over one year since the start of the pandemic–will open to travelers under a phased approach. Eyal Carlin, Tourism Commissioner for North America announced the news stating, “We have come so far, and it is for this reason we are adapting this proactive strategy of having a phased opening. 60% percent of Israel’s population has been vaccinated and with the U.S. and Israel using the same vaccines, we are hopeful that by summer we can open our doors wide and welcome every visitor to Israel who would like to come.”
A Phased Process
More details are set to be released next week. However, for now we know that a pilot is set to begin on 23 May to let in tour groups, at first. The policy would start with groups as they were easier to monitor. Individual travelers will be welcomed in a later phase–at the moment, it is believed this would likely be in July, but this is to be determined. Visitors will be required to undergo a PCR test before boarding their flight to Israel. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport, travelers will have to undergo a serological test to prove their vaccination.
A Move in the Right Direction
As vaccination efforts around the world are gaining momentum, the hopes of travel resumption after almost over a year’s time seems imminent. Israel’s policy has been instituted with this in mind. Keeping the new developments in the international landscape in mind Israeli Minister of Tourism, Orit Farkash-Hacohen asserted, “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.” These sectors have been deeply affected by the adverse effects of the pandemic.
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