The government of Israel has issued numerous decisions affecting travel to and from Israel.

In a striking turnaround, the government has restored the right of vaccinated/recovered tourists to enter Israel, if arriving from Orange countries. This will take effect at midnight on January 10 (the night between Sunday and Monday). Non-vaccinated/non-recovered tourists from Orange countries will continue to be barred from entering Israel, except for those qualifying for entry under exceptional circumstances. Tourists from Red countries will continue to be barred from entering Israel, even if vaccinated/recovered.

In a related move, the Ministry of Health has recommended moving South Africa, Hungary, Nigeria, Spain, Portugal, France & Canada to the Orange list. Final approval is still needed, but this recommendation is likely to be accepted, and take effect on January 5. Other countries such as the United States, the UK, Ethiopia,Tanzania, Mexico, Switzerland & Turkey remain on the Red list, for the time being

Quarantine rules will change, as well. Beginning tonight, January 4 at midnight, recovered/vaccinated travelers entering Israel from Orange countries will be permitted to perform a shortened quarantine. They will be permitted to exit quarantine after 24 hours or upon receiving negative Covid results, the earlier of the two. Non-vaccinated/non-recovered passengers entering from Orange countries will continue to be required to quarantine for 14 days. This may be shortened to 7 days with a negative PCR test on the first and seventh days.