JERUSALEM — Israel welcomed individual tourists Monday for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Authorities believe that opening the country’s doors to solo travellers will give life and vitality to the tourism sector. Before the pandemic, hundreds of thousands visited Bethlehem in Israel-occupied West Bank during Christmas. This was believed to have been the birthplace of Jesus.
Israel was set to reopen to tourists in spring last year, but it was delayed by a surge in cases caused by the highly contagious Delta variant. Israel has since launched a booster campaign, in which almost half of the population has received a third dose of vaccine. This has driven cases back down.
All travelers must present proof of vaccinations, booster shots, or recovery from coronavirus in the past six months. While most vaccines are recognized by authorities, those who have been vaccinated with Russia’s Sputnik must be subject to a serological testing upon arrival. Before boarding their flight, travelers must submit a negative coronavirus screening. Once they arrive, another test will be required.
Israel allowed foreigners to visit during the pandemic. This included people who had close relatives there and those coming to Israel for work or study. In September, organized tours were allowed.
