Melissa Carey
Israel has been a popular destination for American travellers, with US arrivals reaching 969,000 in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and safety concerns due to terrorism and civil unrest have impacted travel to the country. As of March 1, 2022, Israel reopened its borders to all tourists, regardless of vaccination status, with certain testing and insurance requirements in place. The US State Department advises against travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to terrorism and civil unrest, and there are specific restrictions on travel to certain areas within Israel for US government employees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are Americans allowed to travel to Israel? | Yes, as of March 1st, 2022, all tourists are allowed to enter Israel, regardless of their vaccination status. |
| Requirements for entry | A PCR test 72 hours before arrival, a health declaration form, and an insurance policy covering medical treatment for COVID-19. |
| Additional recommendations | Stay vigilant, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and exercise caution. Avoid demonstrations and crowds, and follow security protocols. |
| Travel advisories | The U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to terrorism and civil unrest. |
What You'll Learn
Israel's COVID-19 travel restrictions
As of March 1, 2022, Israel reopened its borders to all tourists, regardless of their vaccination status. However, there are several requirements that travellers must meet.
Firstly, all travellers are required to take a PCR test within 72 hours before their arrival in Israel. Secondly, they must fill in a health declaration form and upload their vaccination certificate within 48 hours before their arrival. It is important to note that tour members will need to purchase an insurance policy that explicitly covers medical treatment for COVID-19.
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, another PCR test will be administered. Furthermore, a PCR test may be required 72 hours prior to departure, depending on the requirements of the traveller's airline or destination country. The cost of the PCR tests is the responsibility of the participants.
In the event that an individual tests positive for COVID-19 during their tour, they will be required to stay in a government-provided hotel until they recover, at the participant's expense. To cover these costs, as well as hospitalization, medical evacuation, and other COVID-19-related expenses, participants must purchase a government-backed insurance policy for only $7 for the entire trip.
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US government restrictions on travel to Northern Israel
The US government has placed restrictions on travel to Northern Israel, within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Due to rising tensions between Israel and Hizballah, the US Embassy strongly recommends that US citizens avoid this area. Cross-border rocket, missile, and drone strikes continue to impact this area, resulting in casualties. The Israeli authorities have already imposed travel restrictions to these areas.
US government employees in Israel under the Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Any US government travel to this area is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.
The security situation in Israel remains unpredictable, and US citizens are advised to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to increase their security awareness. Security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often occur without warning. US citizens should maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution, especially at checkpoints and areas with a significant security force presence.
If you decide to travel to Israel, it is essential to check the latest alerts and follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. It is also recommended to learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter and download the Home Front Command Red Alert application to receive real-time alerts for rocket attacks.
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US Embassy Jerusalem security alerts
The US Embassy in Israel issues security alerts to US citizens to help them stay vigilant and aware of potential dangers. These alerts are often released in response to ongoing security concerns or unpredictable situations in the country.
On October 7, 2023, the Embassy issued a security alert regarding the security situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Due to rockets fired from Gaza and the infiltration of Hamas militants, US citizens were advised to remain vigilant and take steps to increase their security awareness. The Embassy also reminded citizens that security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, can occur without warning. US government personnel were prohibited from travelling to Gaza and areas within seven miles of it.
In Security Alert #3, the Embassy continued to emphasise the unpredictable situation in Israel and the possibility of mortar and rocket fire without warning. US citizens wishing to leave were advised to check the status of border crossings and flight cancellations before heading to Ben Gurion Airport. The alert also provided contact information for the closest US embassy or consulate for those in need of assistance.
The Embassy has released multiple security alerts throughout 2024, with the most recent one on September 16, 2024. While the specific details of each alert vary, they often include updates on the security situation, travel advisories, and reminders for US citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed.
It is important for US citizens in Israel to pay attention to these security alerts and follow the recommended safety precautions. The alerts are designed to help citizens stay informed and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety and security.
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Travel insurance and medical evacuation
Travel insurance is highly recommended for US citizens travelling to Israel. The US Department of State recommends that your travel insurance includes medical evacuation, emergency travel changes, and repatriation of remains.
Israel requires visitors to have travel insurance when they arrive. This should cover emergency medical and dental treatment, hospital stays, and medical evacuation.
There are several options for travel insurance that includes medical evacuation:
- IMG's Patriot International Lite plan is very economical and comprehensive. It covers unexpected medical problems and medical evacuation.
- ITravelInsured's Travel SE plan covers government-issued advisories and warnings as reasons for trip cancellation under certain circumstances.
- AIG Travel's Travel Guard Deluxe includes security evacuation coverage up to $100,000.
- High Risk Voyager Israel Travel Insurance can provide cover to areas where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel. It includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation up to £1,000,000.
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US travel to Israel during the coronavirus crisis
During the coronavirus crisis, travel to Israel was significantly impacted, with the country imposing various restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. As of March 1st, 2022, Israel reopened its borders to all tourists, regardless of their vaccination status. However, there were specific requirements that travellers needed to meet.
Israel's Border Restrictions During the Pandemic
In the initial stages of the pandemic, Israel implemented strict border controls. When the Omicron variant emerged, Israel again closed its borders to all foreigners and mandated quarantine for returning travellers. This was a temporary measure aimed at preventing or slowing the variant's spread.
Reopening to Tourists
As of March 1st, 2022, Israel reopened its borders to tourists from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status. However, travellers were required to adhere to specific guidelines:
- Undergo a PCR test 72 hours before arrival.
- Fill out a health declaration form and upload proof of vaccination within 48 hours before arriving in Israel.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers medical treatment for COVID-19.
- Take another PCR test upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
- A final PCR test might be required 72 hours before departure, depending on the destination country's requirements.
Impact on the Tourism Industry
The restrictions during the coronavirus crisis had a significant impact on Israel's tourism industry. Before the pandemic, Israel experienced a boom in tourism, with a record 4.6 million visitors in 2019. However, the pandemic disrupted this growth, causing a sharp decline in international arrivals. The Israeli tourism industry faced challenges due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and the changing landscape of travel restrictions.
US Carriers and Travel Plans
US carriers, including Delta, United, and American, had to adjust their plans due to the pandemic. While they were eager to serve routes to Tel Aviv, government restrictions often hindered their ability to operate passenger services. Delta, for instance, was denied permission to operate repatriation flights between Israel and the United States. American carriers had to wait for government approval to resume passenger flights to Israel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Americans can travel to Israel. However, the U.S. State Department advises against travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to terrorism and civil unrest.
As of March 1st, 2022, all participants are welcomed to Israel, regardless of vaccination status. Travellers are required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival and another one upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. Additionally, all travellers must fill in a health declaration form and purchase travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation and COVID-19 treatment coverage.
Yes, the U.S. State Department advises travellers to maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially in areas with a significant presence of security forces. It is important to avoid demonstrations and crowds, follow the instructions of security officials, and stay up to date with local news and travel advisories.
