IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government has extended the suspension of international flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport until March 6, but has introduced limited exceptions to the ban.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who wish to fly to or from Ben Gurion Airport may apply to the Exceptions Committee for an entry approval. Valid reasons for receiving the approval include humanitarian situations, urgent medical care and attendance at an essential legal proceeding. Officials may also make exceptions for women in their third trimester of pregnancy and permanent Israeli residents who exited Israel in accordance with pandemic restrictions but now need to return.
  • Until March 1, travelers entering Israel must enter mandatory self-isolation in government-run facilities for 14 days, with some exceptions. The quarantine period may be reduced to ten days if they receive two COVID-19 tests with negative test results during quarantine. Requests for home isolation can be made to the Israeli Ministry of Health.
  • All travelers who have been outside Israel for over 72 hours must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result at the airport before boarding their flights to Israel. The test must be conducted within the 72 hours before departing for Israel. This requirement also applies to travelers with vaccination certificates or certificates of recovery.
  • Travelers who are not able to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test within the 72 hours before departing to Israel for certain reasons may apply to the Exceptions Committee. The reasons are problems obtaining the test in their departure location, humanitarian situations or special personal cases.

Background: The Israeli government banned inbound and outbound flights in late January and since then has extended the flight suspension, most recently earlier this month.

Analysis & Comments: The extension will temporarily make air travel to and from Israel impossible for most travelers, though there are some exceptions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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