TORONTO — Israel is reopening to fully vaccinated international travellers, including Canadians, this coming weekend.

According to the latest update from the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the reopening is effective this Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022.

Israel originally reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers on Nov. 1, 2021, but had to close them soon after because of rising case counts.

Says Gal Hana, Israel’s Director of Tourism for Canada: “There’s no better way to kickstart 2022 than with the news that Israel is reopening its borders to international travellers including Canadian citizens beginning this Sunday. The country has implemented numerous guidelines that aim to keep not only residents of Israel healthy but also all those who come to visit. We are looking forward to welcoming travellers back to Israel in the coming days and hope that Israel is at the top of your travel wish list!”

Entry guidelines for international travellers heading to Israel, effective Jan. 9, 2022 are as follows …

• Taking a PCR test 72 hours before an outbound flight, filling out a passenger declaration, and taking a PCR test upon arrival in Israel (needing to quarantine in hotel until results return or 24 hours pass – the lesser of the two).
• To enter the country, one 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 – I.e., 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.