Israel and Greece are in advance talks to sign an agreement that would allow bilateral tours for vaccinated tourists without obligation to self-segregate or show a negative coronavirus test.
Israel is also negotiating similar agreements with Romania and Serbia, Cyprus and the Seychelles, while the country of Georgia has expressed interest in signing a similar treaty.
Beach in the Greek island of Crete
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The agreement would help travel for “green passport” holders, who would receive anyone who received two of the required coronavirus vaccines.
Greece and Israel are hoping that before Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrives in Israel on Monday for a state visit, the agreement will be ready and the two leaders will be able to announce as early as next week.
Jerusalem said, however, that the signing of the agreement depends on the level of infection of both Israel and Greece, which is currently dealing with a real coronavirus outbreak in one of its regions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
(Photo: GPO)
In the meantime, Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main port of entry, is currently under severe restrictions imposed by the government in an effort to halt the spread of the virus and the mutations of the UK, Africa Southern and California, recently discovered in Israel.
Under the restrictions, arrival on scheduled flights abroad, except cargo flights, medical and rescue flights, is prohibited.
Ben gurion airport at the time of closing
(Photo: AP)
Israelis are not allowed to leave or return to Israel, except for medical treatment, attending relatives ’funerals or legal proceedings abroad.
Private tours can still be held because they cannot be legally banned.