EMA Care Blog

We are happy to announce that Israel will be opening its borders for tourists to return! The pandemic has changed life as we know it. Tourist groups are not what they used to be. There are more restrictions and regulations. Many people find this very overwhelming. EMA Care has been helping tourists, students, and groups enter Israel throughout the pandemic period. We are experts on smoothing the way, logistical issues for health needs, and dealing with the red tape and bureaucracy.

Lockdowns and the fear of catching COVID-19 caused people to be restricted in their movements outside of their homes. As restrictions are lifted, many people have been trying to move forward and resume life as it was pre-pandemic. During the pandemic, people were stuck at home so much that they are desperate for a vacation.

One strategy people are utilizing is to go on vacation. Many countries are still trying to gain control of the pandemic leaving travel destinations limited. Despite the increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates, countries are still reluctant to reopen their borders.

As of May 23^rd, vaccinated tourist groups will be allowed to enter Israel. Individuals who are fully vaccinated wishing to visit Israel will also be allowed to enter the country on July 1^st. Unlike the current status in Israel, where people can only enter if they are visiting first-degree relatives or for very specific reasons, people will now enter Israel for vacation. 

What are the requirements for tourist groups?

There are a few criteria that tourists need to uphold to enter Israel. 

1. People who wish to enter the country must be fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. They will be required to provide evidence of vaccination of recovery. 
2. Groups wishing to visit Israel will be required to have Medical Travel Insurance that covers COVID-19. 
3. Every member of the tourist group will be required to undergo a serology (antibody) test upon entry to prove they have antibodies to COVID-19. 

What is open for tourists in Israel?

Israel is considered one of the safest places in the world in terms of the Coronavirus. As of May 20^th, the active COVID-19 cases are less than 1% of the county’s population. Israel’s ability to control the spread of COVID-19 while reopening the economy is due to the successful vaccination program, resulting in high vaccination rates in Israel. This means that most of Israel are “back to normal” (with specific regulations). Malls, shopping centers, museums, tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants are open. 

All indoor places require everyone to wear a mask, while specific industries are required to ensure patrons have a ‘green badge.’ People are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, allowing for national parks, outdoor shopping centers, and outdoor tourist sites to reopen while omitting the need for a mask. 

How can EMA Care help?

We offer a wide variety of services for tourist groups, including:

1. Medical Travel Insurance

• Medical Travel Insurance that satisfies the Ministry of Health’s requirements for entry. 
• Group rates are available. 

2. 24/7 Emergency Hotline

• Included when purchasing Medical Travel Insurance through EMA Care 
• Access to a native English-speaking medical practitioner 
• Guidance in seeking medical care 
• Can be purchased without Medical Travel Insurance

3. serology (antibody) Testing

• serology (antibody) testing to show you antibodies to COVID-19
• Concierge serology (antibody) testing at the hotel
• Referrals at local labs
• Expedited exemptions from quarantine 

4. Reviewing of the necessary documents 

• Our team will assist tourist groups or individuals with the required documents. 
• We will help groups with the COVID-19 regulations and assist them with their entry application. 

We are committed to assisting our clients in navigating the current process for entry to Israel. EMA Care makes this process as seamless as possible to minimize the stress associated with entry to Israel.