Israel is joining countries that are drastically easing entry requirements after being closed for non-national/resident arrivals for close to two years.
Visitors to the country need to have a negative predeparture PCR-RT test and another at the Tel Aviv airport. Visitors must quarantine until a negative test result from the airport test comes through or a maximum of 24 hours. There is no vaccination or recovery requirement.
You can access Israel’s page for incoming visitors here.
Israelis returning to the country only require PCR-RT test upon landing in Tel Aviv. There is no predeparture test requirement.
It is unclear if visitors are required to have a PCR-RT test not more than 72 hours old at the time of departure or if a rapid antigen test conducted within 24 hours of departure is also acceptable. Currently, you need one or the other + vaccinated or recovered. The information on the Israeli media suggests that only PCR-RT would be acceptable from March 1st.
Conclusion
Not sure how efficient the airport testing at the Ben Gurion International Airport is? You don’t want arriving passengers in packed halls for hours waiting for their turn (perfect environment for possible infections).
I am glad that Israel joins the growing list of countries with relaxed entry requirements.
