U.S. travelers to Israel will no longer have to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, the Israeli government announced.
The testing requirement will be lifted tomorrow, May 20. Israel was one of a handful of countries that required such testing upon arrival by international travelers. The related requirement that all visitors quarantine for the first 24 hours after arrival also was dropped.
Testing at the airport had cost travelers up to $40.
Pre-departure testing will still be required for one additional day, however. Until May 21, travelers bound for the Middle Eastern state have the option of taking either take a COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of departure, or a PCR test within 72 hours of travel.
After that, the pre-departure testing requirement will be ended, too.
The testing rules were put into place when the country reopened to international travelers in January 2022.
Travelers still must complete an entry form to get into Israel, however.
“This new development in Israel’s testing and entry requirements is another fantastic step in being able to welcome visitors,” said Eyal Carlin, Israel’s tourism commissioner for North America, in a press statement. “With travelers planning their summer and fall trips now, this will make traveling to Israel simpler and more relaxing upon arrival – your vacation will really begin when you step off the plane. We hope this new ease in restrictions will allow for even more visitors to enjoy our country.”
Israel only reopened to unvaccinated travelers on March 1.
For more information, see the Israel Safe website.
