Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that all foreign tourists, vaccinated or not, will need to undergo PCR coronavirus testing before they fly and after landing. These rules will be in effect from March 1.

Bennett stated, “We are witnessing a steady decline in morbidity data. It is now time to slowly open up.”

Israel has been restricting foreign tourists’ entry for the past two decades. It closed its borders to foreigners last year after the introduction of the highly contagious Omicron variant. Recent data shows a sharp decline in the number of cases. This is similar to what has been observed in other countries.

Bennett’s office stated that there would be no restrictions on Israelis returning to Israel, and travelers will not have to undergo a PCR test prior to their flight.

In the coming weeks, school children will no longer be required to submit to weekly testing.