TORONTO — At long last, fully vaccinated Canadians can enter Israel for the first time in 18 months, effective today, Nov. 1.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has announced that all fully vaccinated travellers may now visit Israel following the country’s extended closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. The country’s pilot reopening program, which kicked off in May 2021 for a select number of tour groups, did not include Canada.

“We are beyond delighted that our fellow Canadian travellers can once again visit Israel and experience all the country has to offer,” said Gal Hana, Israel Consul of Tourism for Canada. “By leading the world in vaccination status and low transmission rates, our ultimate goal has been to ensure the health of all travellers and provide peace of mind to those who choose our country as their holiday destination.”

Yoel Razvozov, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, added: “We have been awaiting this moment, to bring back travellers into our country, for a very long time now. 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.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett along with several Ministers within the country’s Tourism, Health and Transportation sectors have formulated the following entry plan for travellers, which takes effect today, Nov. 1:

• To enter the country one must have been vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca 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).

o        Those who 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).

o        Those who 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.

In-depth guidelines can be found HERE. Additionally, travellers can visit https://israel.travel/ for all updates on entry protocols and answers to FAQs.