Israel’s tour group program to resume

The Israel Ministry of Tourism plans to restart its tourist pilot program from 19 September, allowing organised tour groups of 5-30 tourists from ‘green, yellow and orange’ countries to visit Israel.

There is no limit on the number of foreign tourist groups allowed into Israel within this program.

Foreign tourists must have proof of a second vaccination recognised by Israel Ministry of Health within the last six months or receipt of a third vaccination.

Tourists will also have to present a negative PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before arrival, and will undergo a PCR and serological test on arrival at Ben Gurion airport.

"After a break in the initial rollout of the programme due to the acceleration of the Delta variant in Israel, we are delighted to take the first step in opening our borders to international visitors once more," said Sharon Bershadsky, Director of the Israel Tourist Office UK:

The pilot program, initially launched in May 2021, saw over 2,000 tourists enter Israel, mainly from the US and Europe.

It says no Covid cases were identified among the groups.

It is hoped that individual tourists will be allowed into Israel in the near future.