Israel on Tuesday mentioned it will reopen the nation to vaccinated foreign tourists in May, more than a yr after closing its borders to most international guests due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Tourism Ministry mentioned a limited number of tourist groups will be allowed to enter the nation beginning May 23, with individual guests allowed at a later stage. All foreign tourists entering the country will be tested for coronavirus before boarding flights to Israel and must present a serological test to prove they have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Israel suffered a major economic blow due to the coronavirus pandemic. In recent months, it has carried out a highly successful vaccination program that has allowed it to reopen most sectors of the economy. However, the tourism industry, limited only to serving Israelis, remains blighted.“After opening the economy, it is time to allow tourism in a cautious and calculated method,” Health Minister Yuli Edelstein mentioned in a joint statement with the Tourism Ministry.
Israel has recorded over 836,000 cases of COVID-19 and at least 6,304 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. However within the months for the reason, the launch of its vaccination campaign in December, serious cases and deaths have fallen precipitously and the economy has fully reopened.
The Religious Zionists of America-Mizrachi, a U.S. Jewish group, mentioned its plans on sending a delegation of leaders in late May. It said it wants to encourage American Jews to make Israel their first post-pandemic destination.
“As Israel relaxes its travel restrictions, we wanted to be the first organized trip back home,” mentioned Rabbi Ari Rockoff, the group’s executive vice president.
