Israel drops RT-PCR test requirement for foreign visitors

With a move to extend more relief to international travellers, the Israel Government has now announced waiving off the requirement of mandatory COVID-19 test for visitors travelling to Israel. The Ministry of Health, Government of Israel, recently made this announcement and added that RT-PCR testing is no longer required for travellers entering Israel.

As per the statement issued by the Israeli Health Ministry, the requirement to present a negative RT-PCR test prior to departure, undergo an RT-PCR test upon arrival, followed by isolation has also been removed. However, travellers need to note that they will still be required to complete an entry form within 48 hours from departure to Israel.Also, as per another update, the authorities have removed the mask mandate for international flights to and from Israel. So this means that flyers will no longer be required to wear a face mask compulsorily on their flight to Israel.
While briefing on the revision in entry rules and requirements, Sammy Yahia, Director of Tourism to India & Philippines, stated that this new development in Israel’s entry requirements is a great step in being able to welcome visitors back to Israel. This will make travelling to Israel simpler and more relaxing, and added that one can start their vacation the moment they step off the plane.

If reports are to go by, Israel over the period of time has witnessed a gradual revival of inbound tourism in the country post-pandemic. Reportedly, a total of 207400 tourists visited Israel in April, which is closer to pre-Covid numbers when the nation saw 30200 tourists in April 2021 and 405000 in April 2019.