I am hoping these messages will be generally more fun, interesting, and exciting but logistics are important as well!
Israel updated their entry requirements—here is what I know! As of January 9th Israel will begin receiving foreign tourist once again. They temporarily closed in response to Omicron but they will be opening back up to all “Non-Red” countries in three days. Currently the United States is on the “Red List” but GTI’s contact at Israel’s department of travel believes that will change before January ends. Since our trip is in May—we should be just fine.
Israel also released its current entry requirements which are unlikely to change between now and May (If it does change it will likely become more lenient rather than more restrictive).
Here is an overview of the regulations
-Everyone must be vaccinated with Phizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Vaccines are considered valid for six months from the last dose, and participants must leave the country before the six-month deadline. If the trip is past their six-month deadline, participants will need to get a booster shot. Booster shots are available to everyone if you let the pharmacy know you are traveling and will be in a place that you could be exposed to covid. I received my Phizer booster two weeks ago and had no issue getting it.
-A negative PCR test 72 hours before the flight is required to travel, another PCR test on arrival to Israel, and one before you fly home. GTI will arrange the two PCR tests in Israel at a current cost of $150 per person. (Note: this is an additional fee on top of the $4450)
-Travel medical insurance is required for all participants by the state of Israel. Travelex is currently charging about $55. Many other companies have similar products, and there are different levels of coverage. The government of Israel wants to make sure that if someone were to get sick with covid, their medical expenses would be covered by the insurance. Here is a link to Travelex via GTI's site
https://gtitours.org/travel-insurance
-There is no alternative at this point to travel unvaccinated or gain entry if someone has already had covid.
As I have told most of you—I HIGHLY recommend getting more than just the $55 medical travel insurance. In the event of some new border closure we will give you back as much of your money as possible—but that will not cover non refundable deposits. GTI is confident we will be running tours starting in February but, given the times, an extra $150-200 for insurance seems like a no brainer.
One other announcement…
The airlines are being more lenient on payment due dates—so If you know of someone who wants to go—please let them know we have until the end of January to get them signed up!