The designation of ‘green islands’ is a significant step for the tens of thousands of people who make their living in the tourism industry, as well as an important milestone for the economy and well-being of Eilat and the Dead Sea region.

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has decided to clarify the most pressing issues about the possibility of staying on the “tourism islands”.

What kind of analysis should be done and what is the validity period of its results?

Hotel guests are required to have the results of a standard (not rapid) PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival at the Dead Sea and Eilat. It should be emphasized that only residents and employees of the districts, as well as those who fall under the exceptions established by law, can take the rapid test upon entry.

Where are the laboratories for the rapid test located?

In the Dead Sea region, the checkpoint is located at the entrance to the hotel area. In Eilat, there are three laboratories: next to the Neot Smadar restaurant, in the Yotvata Kibbutz, and near Ramon Airport.

How long are the test results valid for?

For residents and employees of the regions, the results are valid for 7 days. For hotel guests – within 72 hours of the test.

In what other places do I need to present the test result?

In addition to providing test results upon entering tourist areas, hotel guests will need to show the test results at the reception desk upon check-in. Hotels are prohibited from accepting guests without documents confirming a negative test.

Are children also required to take tests to get to the “tourism islands”?

Children of a certain age living in the Eilat and Dead Sea regions, as well as those children who fall under the exceptions to the rules, will be able to avoid taking the test. The ages of children exempted from the tests will be known later. Children entering for tourist purposes will be required to provide a negative test, regardless of age.

Can people who have recovered from coronavirus travel to these areas?

Those who have a document of recovery will be able to enter these regions after presenting it at checkpoints and hotels. Currently, the validity of the document is not limited, but the Ministry of Health may impose restrictions at any time.
How many hotels will be open for guests? About 70% of hotel rooms (about 2,800 rooms) will be open on the Dead Sea. In Eilat, it is expected that most hotels will open by the end of the week, and the rest will open the following week.

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Now you can walk through the Old City of Jerusalem. Holy for Jews, Christians and Muslims, the direction is considered one of the main places of pilgrimage in the world. And a virtual walk through it will not leave anyone indifferent.

The Israeli museum is now closed, but thanks to modern technology, you can see its exhibits online. For children online, they even organize entertaining activities. In the children’s app of the museum there are many printable coloring books with samples of some of the most famous masterpieces.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art runs several virtual tours at once and has recorded a video about some of its coolest exhibits. The online tours are narrated by a guide.

Another virtual tour of Israel includes panoramic videos filmed on the best beaches of Tel Aviv, near the Dead Sea, the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Independence Hall and other places.

The 3D Israel Travel Guide recorded highly detailed panoramas of Israeli hotels, cities, landmarks and holy sites to help viewers better understand the country and plan future vacations.

YouTube features virtual tours of the Western Wall tunnels, Via Dolorosa, the Sea of Galilee and even a recording of the Tel Aviv Pride Parade.

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Here are some recommendations on where to go in Israel to enjoy your vacation and explore its amazing sights, while taking all precautions:

City Parks and Gardens: Israel is known for its beautiful parks and gardens such as Yardena Park in Jerusalem, HaYarok Park in Tel Aviv and Bahai Gardens in Haifa. Here you can spend time outdoors, strolling through the picturesque alleys and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Outdoor museums and archaeological sites: Many Israeli museums and archaeological sites offer outdoor visits. For example, Masada, Caesarea and Beth Shean are just a few of the many historical sites that can be explored with minimal risk.

Beaches: Israel’s beaches, such as those in Tel Aviv and Eilat, offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Keeping a social distance and wearing masks in public places will help make your visit safe and enjoyable.

Open markets and street fairs: Visiting street markets such as the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem and the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv will provide an opportunity to experience local culture and buy fresh produce and souvenirs in the open air.

Nature Reserves and Parks: Israel has a rich variety of natural landscapes that can be explored in a safe environment. National parks such as Yezer Tzion, Matzada and Mount Hermon offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Remember to follow the recommendations of local authorities and health organizations, and to observe safety precautions such as wearing masks, washing your hands frequently, and keeping a social distance. Enjoy your trip to Israel and stay safe!

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The Ministry is developing new sub-products in rural areas, alongside wine tourism and adventure tourism, focusing on programs that will bring a more diverse and customized product. Current activities are based on the understanding that tourists are looking for more sustainable products outdoors and outside of cities.

The Ministries of Tourism, Health, Foreign Affairs and Transport have helped coordinate tourism-related policies and actions during the pandemic. After the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Tourism cooperated with the Ministry of Health to maximize the potential for the recovery and expansion of tourism activities.

In 2021, a pilot project for incoming tourist groups was launched in coordination with the airport administration and the Ministry of Health and Transport. This allowed a small number of fully vaccinated tourist groups to enter Israel and tour the country. This program was canceled after all restrictions were lifted in March 2022.

The Ministry is in constant contact with other relevant ministries and the tourism sector for contingency planning should COVID-19 or other sources of danger require the re-imposition of restrictions. The Ministry also participates in the Israeli government’s preparedness planning for future health and security threats, including earthquakes and other emergencies and response planning.

The Ministry of Tourism has now redefined its crisis management, recovery and operations goals to include:

Preservation of infrastructure and human capital: The Ministry has invested in developing public tourism infrastructure and increasing the supply of accommodation in Israel, while facilitating additional investments from other government agencies and the private sector. To minimize damage to the infrastructure and protect the tourism workforce during the pandemic, the Ministry has allocated funding to assist hotels, tour services, increase domestic tourism, assist inbound tour operators, marketing activities abroad, business support, and work to open international routes for tourists.

Preparing to overcome the crisis and return inbound tourism: The Ministry is implementing action plans to restore inbound tourism as soon as possible. The plan includes actions on three levels: 1) increasing demand among potential target audiences abroad by planning online and digital campaigns and strengthening PR operations, 2) developing marketing channels with agents and wholesalers abroad and with online travel agencies, and 3) resuming cooperation with airlines and encouraging them to open new routes. The Ministry has also introduced a joint recruitment platform, backed by a marketing plan, with the hotel sector and the Israeli airport authority. The goal is to overcome the acute shortage of human capital in airports and hotels.

Developing and improving tourism products for the well-being of the tourist: activities include developing public tourism infrastructure to increase tourist flow, encouraging new and diversified tourist accommodation, promoting improved services to tourist destinations, promoting strategic plans for tourism, and creating new and diverse tourism products.

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