The Ministry of Health on Tuesday reached an understanding with tourism officials on a summary that would allow foreign tourists to return to Israel for the first time since the country closed its borders to fight coronavirus starting in April.
Health officials and representatives of the Association of Tour Operators in Israel said the plan was implemented on the progress of the country’s vaccination campaign and other factors related to the pandemic.
Chinese Tourists at the Dead Sea
(Photo: Shutterstock)
According to the plan, incoming visitors must adhere to a strict position.
All visitors must complete a health statement before reaching Israel which will be available on the Ministry of Health website. Admission to Israel will not be allowed to enter after the statement is approved by immigration authorities.
Only tourists arriving from countries with low COVID-19 infection rates will enter the country first. Each person must also present a negative coronavirus test that will be taken at least 72 hours before their arrival date.
Prevention can be triggered by the progress of Israel’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
Israeli operators wishing to host foreign tourist groups must complete a special form and submit it to the ministry of tourism, including information about the group’s arrival and departure flights, accommodation and itinerary, participants’ personal details, and the names of the guide and driver who will accompany the group for living in all of Israel,
Tour group in Jerusalem
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The leader of the group must carry a cell phone with an Israeli number that authorities can contact at all levels.
The Ministry of Tourism is ready to develop a special phone app to track group movements.
Visitors will be required to purchase an insurance policy that covers quarantine or possible coronavirus treatment if required.
According to data submitted by the Tour Operators Association, about 20% of all jobs in northern and southern Israel are dependent on overseas tourism.
“We need to start oxygen [to the tourism industry] in April, we need to publish this first view now and allow organizers to prepare accordingly, “said Yossi Fatal, the association ‘s leader.
Israelis at Ben Gurion Airport
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
“Israel has this golden opportunity to launch an image campaign as the first country to receive the majority of its population [for COVID-19]. Losing out on this PR treasure will be a costly and useless debate. ”
Israel has also prepared to launch the “Green Passport” which will be issued to those who have received both doses of the coronavirus.
The passport relieves its keeper from self-loathing when he returns to Israel from abroad or when he comes in contact with a certified coronavirus carrier.