What you need to know about arriving in Israel (2022)

Getting to IsraelPre-flight checklistTravel tips
·3 mins read
UPDATE: Even with the new Omicrom strain detected in Israel and running rampant, Israel has decided that tourists can now visit again, from January 9. Details are listed below.

After a long long looong wait thanks to the Corona pandemic, Israel finally opened its borders to tourists in November 2021 – before quickly shutting them again! But with restrictions once again being lifted from January 9, we’re keeping you updated on the logisitics. We’ve compiled a little list of the things you really HAVE to know when visiting the Holy Land…

To stay updated with the very latest entry requirements – and yes, they are constantly changing – we highly recommend checking out the Israeli Ministry of Health’s Corona page.

CLICK HERE for a quick rundown of what you need to know before flying to Israel (see more details in the sections below)

You should be vaccinated with vaccines approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health, or have an approved digital certificate of recovery. Bring proof when checking in. You must not have visited a country on Israel’s red list in the previous 14 days before arrival in Israel. From January 6, there is no longer a red list! You’ll need to fill in an entry form in the 24 hours BEFORE flying to Israel. Bring proof when checking in. You need a negative PCR test to enter Israel, taken within 72 hours before you depart. It must be a PCR test, and NOT a rapid test. Bring proof when checking in.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

At this time, yes (although it looks like if you’re unvaccinated, you may be able to enter from March 1st (to be confirmed)). You have to be vaccinated with vaccines approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health, meaning two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Covishield or Sinopharm vaccines, and 14 full days have passed. If you’ve been vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, and at least 14 full days have passed, you’re also good for entry into Israel.

If you’ve received the Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) booster and at least 14 full days have passed, you’re also good to go.

The Sputnik-V vaccine is also supported (but you are required to stay in isolation until testing positive on a serologic test and negative on the PCR test taken immediately after arrival).

If you have a digital vaccine or recovery certificate, you can upload your certificate and receive a Green Pass (known as Tav Yarok in Hebrew) before boarding your flight. If you don’t have a verifiable digital certificate, you need to fill out a declaration regarding your vaccines and attach the relevant documents. You should then receive a Green Pass before boarding. The Green Pass is used throughout Israel for entry into various restaurants, venues, and tourist attractions – you WILL need it!

I recovered from Corona – can I still visit Israel?

Yes! If you have a digital certificate of recovery verifiable by the Israel Ministry of Health, on the basis of a positive result on a NAAT test (a molecular test similar to PCR). This is the list of countries with digital certificates currently accepted.

Do I need medical insurance?

It’s on the requirements list for non-Israelis, and makes sense if you happen to get infected here and need hospital treatment, because it’s gonna cost you. It seems if you can’t show proof of travel insurance, you will not be able to board your flight.

OK, I’m ready to come – what forms and tests do I need to complete when flying in?

OK, so you’ve been vaccinated, bought your tickets, and are now ready to visit the Holy Land. Now you’re going to need the following:

  1. Proof of vaccination, or that you’ve recovered.
  2. Proof of travel insurance.
  3. A negative PCR test within 72 hours before you depart. 
  4. The entry form completed in the 24 hours BEFORE flying to Israel.

What happens when I land in Israel? 

Upon landing in Israel, you will be guided through the airport to take a second PCR test at one of the testing stations set up. It is cheaper & quicker if you pay in advance – click here to book a test in advance.

When arriving at your accommodation, you will need to isolate yourself until you receive the results of your test (they will be emailed to you). They are typically very quick, and within a few hours. If you are negative, go and enjoy the best of Israel! 

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