Israel Lifts Testing Requirement for Travelers

For those who dream of floating in the Dead Sea, exploring the historic Old City of Jerusalem, and admiring the architecture of Tel Aviv, it's now easier than ever to make that dream a reality.

Starting May 21, travelers heading to Israel will no longer need to show a negative COVID test, regardless of their vaccination status, and they will not be required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival.

Travelers are still required to complete an entry statement form prior to boarding their flight or cruise to Israel, or before crossing at a land border. Israel's mask mandate for both international and domestic flights will continue to be in place until further notice.

Since January 9 (and lasting until 12:01 a.m. on May 21), travelers were required to present proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test within 24 hours before their flight. Upon arrival, another PCR test was mandatory at the entry point, and travelers had to isolate for 24 hours or until they received their on-arrival test result, whichever came first. Unvaccinated travelers have only been allowed entry into the country since March 1, 2022.

Israel remained closed to tourists from the start of the pandemic until May 21, 2021. At that time, the country permitted entry only for select small group tours as part of a pilot reopening initiative. On November 1, fully vaccinated tourists were allowed entry with additional precautions. However, less than a month later, the emergence of the Omicron variant led to another border closure, which lasted until January 9.

Although visiting Israel is now easier, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still classifies the country as a “Level 3” destination, indicating high levels of coronavirus transmission. The CDC advises travelers to stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations. With cases and hospitalizations rising again in the United States, the CDC has recently recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers should undergo testing, using either a PCR or antigen test, prior to travel.

Moreover, all international passengers aged two and older arriving in the U.S. (including returning citizens and permanent residents) are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test obtained within one day before boarding their flight to the United States.