Israel has opened their skies to vaccinated travelers, but the pandemic isn't over. In fact, the omicron variant is here and the numbers in Israel are rising. Is it still safe to come? How can I ensure my safety? How can I ensure that I get my PCR results on time to travel home?
These are all terrific questions; some have answers, others less so. A flight to Israel is much the same as a long flight anywhere else in the world. You need to have a negative PCR test to board the flight. You should be very careful about wearing a good mask in the airport and on the airplane. I recommend the Sonovia masks, as it is intended to keep you and others safe! Obviously, you will still need to eat and drink on the plane; staying hydrated is still important. But, at all other times, wear your mask.
Israel has a myriad of touring possibilities. I would suggest taking advantage of the outdoor activities as much as possible. There are hikes, outdoor tours, water sports. A trip to Eilat could include some terrific hikes, standup paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins. A trip to the Dead Sea would include Masada (mostly outdoors), a few hikes, Ein Gedi nature reserve and a swim in the Dead Sea. As you can see, there is a lot available outdoors. When indoors, mask up!
Israel's restaurants are open to anyone with a "green pass". That means anyone who is vaccinated or recovering from Covid. There are no guarantees here, so whenever possible - eat outdoors. If you are in a hotel, eat takeaways on your balcony, on the beach, or a lovely park. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with heaters overhead. Just be prepared with an extra layer in the evenings.
The entry regulations require a PCR test at the airport. Arriving passengers are required to quarantine until they receive a negative result on this test, or a maximum of 24 hours if the results are delayed. This is a great time to catch up on the sleep you missed on the plane. Israel is pretty strict about this, so don't try to cheat! Arriving passengers are also required to travel from the airport to their destination via private car or taxi - no buses or trains, as you are supposed to be in quarantine.
To leave Israel, you are required to take a PCR test and have a negative result - this must be done within 72 hours of boarding your plane. Don't cut it too close, because if your plane is delayed and you pass the 72 hour limit, you will NOT be allowed to board. If you test too close to the flight, you may not get results on time. These PCR tests have to be taken for the purpose of travel and can be done in your hotel by various companies, in the local pharmacies. Make sure you are guaranteed the results within the window you allow.
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