The nation of Israel will open to foreign tourists next month, as long as they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the Israel Embassy in the Philippines, the country will start admitting vaccinated tourists on May 23.
Under the framework agreed by the ministries of Health and Tourism, a limited number of tourists will arrive on May 23, which they also intend to increase based on the health situation.
“Israel will open its gates to foreigners after more than a year. In the first stage, groups will be allowed in under guidelines to be published by the Ministries,” the embassy said in a statement.
Anyone boarding a flight to Israel is required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test, in addition to a serological test to verify the vaccine drops at the airport there.
The government will release the detailed outline in the coming days.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, they are enjoying the good results of vaccination against the virus there.
Israel to accept tourists vaccinated against COVID-19
“After opening the economy, it is time to allow tourism in a careful and calculated manner. Opening the tourism is important for one of the fields most hurt during the COVID year,” said Yuli Edelstein, health minister of Israel.
After opening up the economy, it is time for them to open up tourism in a careful manner, according to their Ministry of Tourism.
“It is time that Israel’s unique advantage as a safe and healthy country start to assist it in recovering from the economic crisis, and not only serve other countries’ economies,” explained Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Minister of Tourism.
“Only opening the skies for international tourism will truly revive the tourism industry.”
Filipinos in Israel are visa-free for up to 90 days.
According to Health Affairs, “Israel is the world leader in vaccinating its population against COVID-19. As of March 15, 50 percent of Israel’s population had been fully vaccinated, and 60 percent had its first dose. The comparable figures for the United States were 12 percent and 21 percent, respectively. Among Israelis ages 70–79, 91 percent had been fully vaccinated, and 96 percent had received a first dose.”