Last updated 26/01/2021

During this time, travellers will be prevented from entering or leaving the country except in special cases approved by a designated committee. The ban also applies to individuals entering Israel under the principle of ‘aliyah’ or the ‘law of return’, marking the first time that immigration has been curbed in this way since the nation was founded. No foreign aircraft will be allowed into the country with the exception of cargo transporters, firefighting aircraft and emergency medical evacuation flights.

Meanwhile, all domestic airlines have had their licences temporarily suspended for the duration, a fact which has prompted El Al to announce that it will allow customers who have purchased tickets up to 15 February to seek reimbursement. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is “sealing the skies” in order to “prevent the entry of the virus mutations, and also to ensure that we progress quickly with our vaccination campaign… so that more Israelis are vaccinated soon”.

This update was made in partnership with Osprey Flight Solutions.