Israel is set to join the list of countries open to Brits for holidays, as it prepares to lift its travel ban on UK travellers this weekend.
The UK is currently on Israel's 'red list', having been placed in the high-risk category due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant.
However, Israeli authorities are looking to remove all countries from the red list on Sunday (January 9), subject to final government approval, and place them in the alternative 'orange' and 'green' lists instead.
A statement from the Israel Government Tourism Office in London explained: "Israel has announced the welcome news that it is set to open its skies for the first time in a month by cancelling its list of high-infection 'red' countries, including the UK pending Israeli government approval. Countries that were previously listed on the red list will be moved to Israel’s orange and green lists dependent on their status."
As part of the easing of rules on Sunday, all foreign visitors from green and amber countries will be able to visit Israel regardless of vaccination status, although there will still be PCR testing and vaccination requirements in place.
All travellers will be required to show proof of a negative Covid test before boarding their flight to Israel. This can be either a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test within 24 hours before departure.
They will then be required to take a PCR test upon landing in Israel, at which point the rules differ depending on your vaccination status.
If you can show proof of full Covid vaccination, you'll need to quarantine until you receive the result of the second PCR test, which is usually up to a maximum of 24 hours.
If you're unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you'll need to quarantine for a week, and take a second Covid test on day seven.
If you are planning a trip to Israel, it's worth noting that the UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to certain regions; Gaza, the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar, and anywhere within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and east of Route 98 along the Syrian border.
You can find out more in the FCDO's latest travel advice for Israel.
As for coming back to the UK, there are new travel rules in place for all arrivals.
Those who are fully vaccinated against Covid will need to fill out a passenger locator form within 48 hours before departing for the UK. On arrival, you'll need to take a lateral flow test on day two with no requirement to self-isolate until you obtain the result.
If you're unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you'll need to fill out the passenger locator form and take a pre-departure Covid test (such as PCR or LFD) within 48 hours before your departure. Once in the UK, you'll need to self-isolate at home for 10 days and take PCR tests on days two and eight.
- Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the latest Foreign Office advice for a destination before booking or going on a trip abroad.
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