Israel is welcoming back vaccinated tourists from Canada and the United States.

A pilot reopening program was launched in May of this year, which initially allowed a select number of tour groups to enter the country. The new rules effective November 1 allow all vaccinated travellers to visit the country after an extended closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"To say we are excited that Israel is reopening to travellers today is an understatement," said Eyal Carlin, Tourism Commissioner for North America.

"Israel has taken incredible steps to protect its people and visitors and we pride ourselves on ensuring a COVID-safe and unforgettable trip. With leading vaccination rates and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, we are eager to welcome visitors back with open arms -- of course, at a safe social distance."

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett along with several other Ministers within the country (Tourism, Health, Transportation, etc.), have come together and formed the following plan which has been approved by the COVID cabinet and will take effect today, November 1 – with developments and new COVID variants being monitored closely.

To enter the country, visitors must:

• Have been vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since receival of second dose upon arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel - i.e., if it has been six months since the second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter).
• Those that have received the booster vaccine dose, and at least 14 days have passed since received, can enter Israel.
• Have been inoculated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since second dose receival upon their arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel - ie., if it has been six months since your second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter).
• Those that have received the booster vaccine dose, and at least 14 days have passed since received, can enter Israel.
• Have recovered from COVID-19 and who present proof of the results of a positive NAAT test at least 11 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel).
• Have recovered from COVID-19 and have received at least one dose of the WHO-approved vaccines.

Visitors must also take a PCR test 72 hours before an outbound flight, fill out a passenger declaration, and a take a PCR test upon arrival in Israel – with the requirement to quarantine in a hotel until results return or 24 hours pass – the lesser of the two.

"We have been awaiting this moment, to bring back international travellers into our country, for a very long time," said Yoel Razvozov, Israel's Minister of Tourism. "We're ecstatic to share our country with everyone once again and I'm proud to be working closely with our Prime Minister Naftali Bennett among other Ministers within the country to ensure a thoughtful, safe return to tourism."