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COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information

Last updated: [03/09/21]

*** Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Israel

Country-Specific Information

Israel has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.

The Government of Israel announced updated guidelines and restrictions regarding personal movements and social distancing to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These guidelines include the requirement to wear a protective mask that covers the nose and mouth in public (see Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) guidance and/or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) instructional video) and guidelines regarding personal movement, gatherings, transportation, and businesses (see MOH guidance).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Warning Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. As of March 25, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that travelers from CDC Level 3 or Level 4 countries who are asymptomatic may enter the United States and travel to their final destination and practice good habits upon return self-quarantine upon arrival. For further information on COVID-19 and returning to the United States, please visit the  CDC website guidance on travel.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html

U.S. citizens who wish to travel to the United States should arrange for immediate departure to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain in Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza for an indefinite period. The U.S. government has no plans to arrange repatriation flights in Israel at this time.

COVID-19 Testing

  • If the location you are traveling to requires getting tested before leaving Israel, you can schedule a testing appointment at your own expense with one of the medical centers in Israel offering coronavirus tests.
  • The Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) maintains a list of medical centers for viral COVID-19 testing: https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/Guides/flying-to-israel-guidlines?chapterIndex=4. Many local hospitals, clinics, and laboratories offer testing for travel purposes. Travelers are responsible for the costs of their own tests and any associated medical care. Testing in a state hospital costs NIS 297 max per test. The cost can change from time to time. Please ensure that the test provider you choose will provide test results that comply with CDC guidelines and those of your airline.
  • Please contact an Israeli healthcare provider and/or the Israeli Ministry of Health for further testing information.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? [No]
  • On March 18, 2020, the Government of Israel announced that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, who are not Israeli citizens or permanent residents, would not be allowed to enter Israel. Contact the consular department of the closest Israeli embassy or consulate for further information.
  • Israeli authorities state the following entry/exit regulations will be in place until Saturday, March 20:
    • A foreign citizen (not Israeli) and who is not a permanent resident of Israel can exit Israel
    • Those holding vaccination or recovery certificates will be able to exit Israel (except from the Taba crossing)
    • All Israeli citizens and permanent residents will be able to enter Israel, with no more than 3,000 Israelis entering per day
    • Entry at the Jordan River land crossing is scheduled to operate up to twice per week
    • Other options for exiting Israel include persons who the Exceptions Committee have approved to depart from Israel, according to the information and criteria published on the Ministry of Health Website. Submit the application at the following link: https://survey.gov.il/he/Entrances
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? [Yes]
    • Effective midnight Saturday, January 23, 2021, all travelers entering Israel are required to obtain a negative PCR coronavirus test (no more than 72 hours prior to take-off) or confirmation of having been vaccinated against COVID-19. Each person over the age of two must submit documentation of a negative test result to board their flight to Israel. Note that only PCR tests (swab test), not Antigen tests, are acceptable. Those who have already recovered from a COVID-19 infection must provide the airline with a copy of a positive COVID-19 test and a letter from their medical provider documenting recovery and clearance to travel. For more information see the Israeli Ministry of Health COVID-19 Air Transport website linked

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place? [NO]
  • Ministry of Health up-to-date guidance during the current COVID-19 surge, including restrictions on the economy, education, gatherings, and travel, rules and information about restricted areas can be found here.
    • The Government of Israel may institute local or nation-wide lockdowns on short notice to contain the spread of COVID-19. This may include closing most businesses; curtailing residents’ movements, which may impede movement inside and between cities and a general curfew. The latest information can be found on the Israeli Ministry of Health website.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? [Yes]
  • Israeli authorities state the following entry/exit regulations will be in place until Saturday, March 20:
    • A foreign citizen (not Israeli) and who is not a permanent resident of Israel can exit Israel
    • Those holding vaccination or recovery certificates will be able to exit Israel (except from the Taba crossing)
    • All Israeli citizens and permanent residents will be able to enter Israel, with no more than 3,000 Israelis entering per day
    • Entry at the Jordan River land crossing is scheduled to operate up to twice per week
    • Other options for exiting Israel include persons who the Exceptions Committee have approved to depart from Israel, according to the information and criteria published on the Ministry of Health Website. Submit the application at the following link: https://survey.gov.il/he/Entrances
  • Land border crossings may be closed with little or no advance notice.

Quarantine Information

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? [Yes]
    • Please refer to the Israeli Ministry of Health’s instructions for quarantine and health precaution instructions, or call *5400 (in Israel only).
    • Arriving passengers from abroad, from all locations, may be required to go directly into Government of Israel-established quarantine centers for 10-day isolation (with 2 tests) or 14-day isolation.
    • Arriving passengers from abroad, from all locations may be allowed to go into isolation at home or in another accommodation where all isolation requirements can be met, instead of a motel, subject to Israeli government approval and may be suspended at any time.

Transportation Options

    • Are commercial flights operating? [No]
      • Flights from Ben Gurion airport are operating. Please contact your airline directly for more information. Flight cancellations and suspensions can occur with little or no warning, making availability limited and unpredictable. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
      • Israeli authorities state the following entry/exit regulations will be in place until Saturday, March 20:
        • A foreign citizen (not Israeli) and who is not a permanent resident of Israel can exit Israel
        • Those holding vaccination or recovery certificates will be able to exit Israel (except from the Taba crossing)
        • All Israeli citizens and permanent residents will be able to enter Israel, with no more than 3,000 Israelis entering per day
        • Entry at the Jordan River land crossing is scheduled to operate up to twice per week
        • Other options for exiting Israel include persons who the Exceptions Committee have approved to depart from Israel, according to the information and criteria published on the Ministry of Health Website. Submit the application at the following link: https://survey.gov.il/he/Entrances
      • The Embassy is not able to assist with arranging commercial travel options. If your travel has been disrupted or to make travel arrangements, please contact your airline directly:
        Israir Airlines Rescue Flights: https://www.israir.co.il/
        United Airlines: Local: 03-5116787, U.S.: 1-800-225-8610
        El Al Airlines: Local: 03-977-1111
        Delta Airlines: Local: 03-513-8000, U.S.: 1-800-221-1212
      • Is public transportation operating? [Yes]
        • To reduce the risk of spread of the corona virus, the first row of seats on buses will be cordoned-off to reduce contact between passengers and bus drivers. On intercity bus routes, passengers will not be permitted to stand.
        • See the National Public Transport Authority

Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)

      • Non-compliance with safety measures could result in fines, business closure, or imprisonment.

West Bank

Country-Specific Information

The areas of the West Bank under Government of Israel control fall under the Israeli guidelines listed above. The areas of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority control fall under the Palestinian Authority guidelines listed below.

The Palestinian Authority has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the West Bank.

The West Bank has been under a state of emergency since March 5, 2020. The Palestinian Authority may institute local or West Bank-wide lockdowns on short notice to contain the spread of COVID-19. This may include closing most businesses; curtailing residents’ movements, which may impede movement inside and between cities; a general curfew; and closures of the crossings between the West Bank and Israel. The latest information can be found (in Arabic only) on the PA Ministry of Health website.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? [Yes]
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? [Yes]
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? [Yes]
  • The Palestinian Authority requires all individuals who seek to enter the West Bank via the Allenby crossing to take a COVID -19 test.
  • All visas for individuals who were legally present in the West Bank through March 12, 2020 were automatically extended until August 31, 2020. After August 31, to renew a Government of Israel-issued "Judea and Samaria visa," U.S. citizens may go directly to the Government of Israel COGAT office in Beit El Sundays through Thursdays from 9am to 2pm without an appointment; arrive with your completed visa form and payment from the Postal Bank. The COGAT Office at Beit El can be reached at 02-9977072.
  • If you are a U.S. citizen without a Palestinian Authority-issued ID card traveling from the West Bank to Ben Gurion airport for onward departure, no advanced coordination with any authority is required for travel via Ben Gurion Airport, including for U.S. citizens with a "Judea and Samaria visa." Please appear at a checkpoint no earlier than six hours prior to your scheduled flight and present proof of travel.
  • In order to cross the Allenby Bridge into Jordan, travelers must register their trip with the Government of Jordan athttps://www.visitjordan.gov.jo/form/ar, pay a fee of about JD 40, and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the bridge crossing; these are Government of Jordan requirements. To take the COVID-19 test, contact: https://medicare.ps/, or 059-371-6126.
  • Routine crossing via the Allenby Bridge for Palestinian nationals may be suspended, which might affect U.S. citizens with Palestinian Authority-issued ID cards.
  • U.S. citizens with a Palestinian Authority-issued ID card may contact the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance with departing the West Bank via the Allenby Bridge and Queen Alia Airport in Amman, Jordan. For more information, please visit the PA MFA Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/mofa.pna or contact [email protected]or 02-294-3140.
  • U.S. citizens with a Jordanian passport, including families where only one member is a Jordanian national, may contact the Jordanian Mission in Ramallah for assistance with departing the West Bank via the Allenby Bridge. The Jordanian Mission can be contacted at [email protected]or by phone at 02-2974625 or 02-2974626.
  • U.S. citizens may also contact FlyEast, a private travel company, for assistance in crossing the Allenby bridge and/or for flights out of Amman. For bridge crossing and flights out of Amman, FlyEast can be contacted at[email protected], phone: 054-482-5124. For bridge crossings only, FlyEast can be contacted at [email protected], phone: 050-609-9104.
  • However, as of Thursday, January 28 at 5:00 PM (17:00) and until further notice, passengers will not be allowed passing on the Allenby Bridge from either direction, except in exceptional humanitarian cases. This decision was made in coordination with Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority.

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place? [Yes]
    • The Palestinian Authority may institute local or West Bank-wide lockdowns on short notice to contain the spread of COVID-19. This may include closing most businesses; curtailing residents’ movements, which may impede movement inside and between cities; a general curfew; and closures of the crossings between the West Bank and Israel. The latest information can be found (in Arabic only) on the PA Ministry of Health website.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? [Yes]
    • Local authorities may institute COVID-related travel restrictions, including between governorates as well as to and from Jerusalem, with short notice.

Quarantine Information

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? [Yes]
    • The Palestinian Authority requires all individuals entering the West Bank via the Allenby crossing to take a COVID -19 test. If the result is positive, individuals will be required to quarantine in accordance with PA MOH requirements. If the result is negative, no quarantine is required.

Transportation Options

  • Are commercial flights operating? [Yes]
    • There are no direct flights between the U.S. and the West Bank. Airports in Jordan opened with limited routes on September 8, 2020. Individuals seeking to book flights to or from Jordan should contact the airlines directly.
    • Ben-Gurion Airport remains closed to all travelers both entering and exiting Israel due to a ban on incoming flights. The ban is currently set to expire on Saturday, March 6. Exceptions may be available for a humanitarian need, a special personal reason, a funeral of a close family member, medical treatment, and/or returning to your country of origin.
    • Request permission to fly from Israel during the lockdown: https://survey.gov.il/he/Entrances
  • Is public transportation operating? [Yes]

Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)

  • Non-compliance with safety measures could result in fines, business closure, or imprisonment.

Gaza

Country-Specific Information

There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gaza

COVID-19 Testing

  • COVID-19 tests are currently available at including the Palestinian Medical Relief Society 00972562020500 as well as some local hospitals and clinics in Gaza
  • Persons who have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive case may contact the local health authorities in Gaza via WhatsApp at (00970599503103).

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The de facto authority Ministry of Health in Gaza has begun limited vaccinations at this time. For information on public medical services, including vaccinations, you may contact the local health authorities by dialing 103 or 1800 444 666.
  • Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? [No]
  • The de facto authority in Gaza stated that travel in and out of Gaza will only be permitted for urgent humanitarian cases through Erez and Rafah crossings and that those coming into Gaza will be required to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine for a mandatory period of seven days (with a negative COVID-19 test) or 21 days (with a positive COVID-19 test).
  • Rafah crossing is currently open in both directions, except for Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Only individuals with a Palestinian Authority-issued ID card will be allowed to enter Gaza through Erez and Rafah crossings.
  • Individuals seeking to depart Gaza via Rafah crossing are required to register with the de facto Ministry of Interior at the Abu Khadra complex in Gaza City.
  • The Government of Israel has stated that travel in and out of Gaza through Erez Crossing is restricted to urgent humanitarian cases only.
  • Please note that the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against all travel to Gaza and urges those present to depart. If you are a U.S. citizen in Gaza who wishes to return to the United States, please contact the Embassy at [email protected]before making your travel arrangements.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?[No]
  • Are health screening procedures in place at border crossing or checkpoints? [Yes]

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place? [No]
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? [No]
  • The de facto authority may institute local or Gaza-wide lockdowns on short notice to contain the spread of COVID-19. This may include closing businesses and public institutions; curtailing residents’ movements, which may impede movement inside and between cities; a general curfew; and closures of the crossings between Gaza and Egypt or Israel.

Quarantine Information

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? [Yes]
  • The de facto authority stated that those coming into Gaza will be home quarantined for 21 days.
  • Wearing of face masks is strictly enforced, including indoor areas and vehicles

Health Information

  • The European Hospital and the Palestinian Turkish Friendship Hospital have been designated as the pandemic treatment center.
  • For information on public medical services, including medications, you may contact the local health authorities in Gaza by dialing 103 or 1800 444 666.

Transportation Options

  • Are commercial flights operating? [No]
  • There are no direct flights between the U.S. and Gaza. Multiple direct and indirect flight options to the United States appear to be available from Cairo, Egypt, via EgyptAir, Air France, Lufthansa, and others. Please check directly with the airlines or a travel agency for options.
  • Is public transportation operating? [Yes]

Education Information

  • All educational facilities and grades in Gaza have resumed in-person classes, however, changes can occur at short notice.

Fines for Non-Compliance

  • While in Gaza, U.S. citizens are subject to all local rules and regulations regarding quarantine and other public health matters.

Consular Operations

  • Passport printing centers in the United States have resumed printing full validity passports submitted via U.S. Embassies and consulates abroad.  All eligible passport renewal applicants must apply for full validity passports by mail.
  • Passport printing centers in the United States have resumed printing full validity passports submitted via U.S. Embassies and consulates abroad.  All eligible passport renewal applicants must apply for full validity passports by mail.
  • The health and safety of those who work at and visit our embassy facilities are our highest priority. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in line with the U.S. and Israeli governments’ public health guidance, the Consular Sections at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv are providing limited in-person services. A limited number of non-emergency passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad appointments will continue to become available on a rolling basis and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-emergency appointments must be booked on-line and cannot be booked through email or telephone.
  • If no passport appointments are available on our website, applicants should continue to check our website frequently for availability.
  • You may schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or the Branch Office in Tel Aviv via the following link:  https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passport-services/renew-in-person-instructions/appointments/
  • If you have a medical emergency or death/serious illness of an immediate family member (life-or-death emergency), emergency passport services are also available by appointment only in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, excluding holidays.
  • If you have a life or death emergency or an Israeli visa that expires within 30 days AND no appointments are available at our website prior to your flight, please write to the appropriate consular office ([email protected] OR [email protected]). Please include the following in your email, in order to request an emergency appointment:
    • Confirmed travel itinerary with confirmation/ticket number OR scanned copy of the Israeli visa(s)
    • Documentation of the emergency (typically a hospital or police report)
    • Scanned copy of the bio page of all passports needing renewal
    • Scanned copy of the bio page of all passports needing renewal
  • Please see https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passport-services/ for more information.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv remain unable to resume routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date.  Please see https://il.usembassy.gov/visas/ for more information.

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By | 6 October, 2020 | Topics: Alert | Tags:

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U.S. Embassy

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser
Jerusalem 9378322, Israel
Phone: 02-630-4000

Branch Office

Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv 6343229, Israel
Phone: 03-519-7575

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