Israel to become among first countries to allow entry of unvaccinated tourists

 

JERUSALEM - Israel is set to allow unvaccinated tourists to enter the country starting in March.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign tourists would be required to take coronavirus tests before their flights and upon landing. The rules go into effect on March 1.

"We are seeing a constant decline in morbidity data, so it is time to gradually open up," Bennett said.

Israel had virtually closed its skies to foreign visitors late last year following the spread of the highly contagious omicron variant.

Bennett's office said that restrictions would also be eased on Israelis returning to the country, with travelers no longer required to take a test before their flight.

Requirements for the weekly testing of school children will also be halted in the coming weeks.