Israel reopens to jabbed tourists

The government announced new rules to enter Israel that will allow vaccinated foreign nationals from most countries entry starting 8 January. In addition, those who have had their jabbing and need testing after landing or within 24 hours of arriving in the country can do so without being quarantined if they meet one other criteria- being considered “high risk” according vaccine information provided by Immigration officials on Monday morning’s news conference.

At the moment, however, there is a list of redseven nations including United States (US), Canada , UK, France, UAE, Ethiopia, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey.

To qualify, they need two vaccinations within the previous six months and one booster shot or it can take up until six weeks after their recovery period before entering with an electronic certificate from WHO-approved vaccines.

“It’s time that we open up our borders,” said Dov Lipman of Yad L’Olim. “The variant is already spreading all over Israel so there isn’t any reason at this point in history for keeping them closed.”

The Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Nachman Shai has called for a more comprehensive policy to guarantee that family members who have strong ties with Israel will not be prevented from entering again.

The difficulties experienced by Jews around the world who have sought to enter Israel during these last two years will be resolved with a new, comprehensive plan.
“Only by creating this kind of long-term framework can we resolve tremendous problems,” said Shai.