COVID-19: Entry procedures for foreign nationals updated

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli Ministry of Interior has released updated coronavirus instructions for entry to Israel.

Key Points:  

• Foreign nationals will not be allowed board to flights to Israel without pre-entry approval issued by the Ministry of Interior.
• People entering Israel must sign a promise to remain in home isolation for 14 days.
• All foreign nationals must present health insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 upon entry.
• Any foreign national leaving Israel before the end of the 14-day isolation period must have special permission. Those who leave without such permission may be barred from future entry.

Additionally, foreign nationals holding a one-year B-1 expert visa and their families can now travel to their home country and return to Israel with a pre-approved application for re-entry. The COVID-19 re-entry application must be submitted and approved at the Ministry of Interior prior to departure.

Background: Israel has taken a number of steps to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including closing borders to non-Israeli citizens/permanent residents in March. The government has also recently announced the automatic extensions of B-1 work visas held by foreign experts. This extension is not applicable, however, to B-1 (Jewish) Israeli work visas.

Analysis & Comments: Israel continues to take aggressive steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. While entry rules have eased somewhat, foreign travelers must be sure to follow applicable entry and exit procedures in order to avoid adverse immigration consequences. 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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