Latest News: India-Israel: Israeli government will resume flights between countries from 31 May (NIE, 24.05.2021). Several airlines to resume flights to Israel following cease fire (Seattle Times, 21.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry and borders: Israel is in full lockdown from 8 January 2021. During this time international travel is prohibited with some exceptions. The Israeli authorities have announced that with effect from 23 December, foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter unless they are citizens of Israel, with some limited exemptions. If you’re eligible for entry, you will need to complete an entry form. All travellers will be required to quarantine for 14 days. This may be shortened to 10 days upon the completion of two negative coronavirus tests (one upon arrival and one after 9 days). The minimum time required between the two tests is at least 24 hours. You should submit all requests for permission to enter Israel directly to the local Israeli Embassy. Check Israeli Population and Immigration Authority pages and the dedicated COVID-19 Air Transport website for full details. Further restrictions may be introduced at short notice.
*Land crossings: Restrictions also apply at land crossings between Israel and Jordan, and between the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Jordan: • The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge Crossing between the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Jordan is closed in both directions • Dual British/Palestinian nationals in the OPTs may exceptionally be able to cross but will need to coordinate with the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain the necessary permission • The Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein and Yitzhak Rabin/ Wadi Arraba crossings between Jordan and Israel are closed in both directions You may face delays or restrictions at Israeli controlled checkpoints around the West Bank, including when attempting to leave the West Bank.
*Transiting: Transiting via Israeli airports in order to travel on to other destinations is not currently permitted.
*Testing on arrival: Upon arrival at the airport, your temperature will be taken. You must be able to prove you can enter isolation at home or another available dwelling in full compliance with the isolation guidance. If you are unable to do so, you will be sent to a state-sponsored hotel for isolation. You must not use public transport to travel to your dwelling, except a single-passenger taxi, provided you sit in the back of the taxi with the windows open. Family members arriving together may travel together as long as everyone sits in the back.
*Quarantine requirements: From 23 December, all international travellers will be required to complete quarantine.
*Testing on departure: Your temperature will be taken in order to allow your entry into the airport on departure. Only passengers will be allowed into the airport. You must complete an exit form prior to departure. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories: There are limited public transport services to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport, and local taxis and minicabs can be arranged. You will need to comply with social distancing and health regulations when travelling to the airport. You may face delays or restrictions at Israeli controlled checkpoints around the West Bank, including when attempting to leave the West Bank.
Information on the current requirements when travelling in Israel can be found on Israel’s Ministry of Health website. This includes requirements when travelling on public transport, in taxis or in private vehicles, and requirements to wear a face covering in public. On 5 March 2020 the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced a state of emergency related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While some restrictions have been removed, the state of emergency remains in place. You should follow local announcements for any changes to restrictions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and confirm any travel arrangements or hotel bookings before moving around the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
*Accommodation: Some hotels across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have now reopened. Hotels in Israel are required to comply with the “Purple Badge” requirements and guidelines set by the Israeli Ministry of Health.
*Public places and services: Information on the current regulations in Israel can be found on Israel’s Ministry of Health website. This includes regulations for shops, restaurants, bars, other leisure activities and large gatherings.
On 5 March 2020 the Palestinian Authority announced a state of emergency in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While some restrictions have been removed, the state of emergency remains in place. You should follow local announcements for any changes to restrictions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and confirm any travel arrangements or hotel bookings before moving around the Occupied Palestinian Territories.