Israel will reopen its borders for international travel on May 23 after more than a year.
However, visitors will have to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and are expected to travel in groups.
The news stems from an agreement between Tourism Minister Orit Farkas-Hakoen and Health Minister Julia Edelstein on a basis for recovery.
In the first stage, the groups will be admitted according to the guidelines to be published by the ministries.
After the initial opening, the number will increase depending on the state of health.
Individual travelers will be allowed to Israel in the second stage, taking into account the state of health that determines the schedule.
Edelstein said: “Israel is the first country vaccinated, and Israeli citizens are the first to benefit from this result.”
The opening of tourism is important for one of the industries that suffered the most during the year Covid-19.
“We will continue to look to relax the rules according to health.”
All visitors will be required to undergo a PCR test before boarding a flight to Israel, as well as a serological test to confirm vaccination upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
In the meantime, discussions will continue with various countries to reach agreements on the validation of vaccine certificates to eliminate the need for a serological test.
Farkas-Hakoen added: “I am pleased to take this important first step for the tourism industry.”
Opening the skies to international tourism will really revitalize the tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, websites, tour guides, buses and others who want to work and provide for their families.
“I will continue to work for the full opening of tourism to Israel, which will greatly help the Israeli economy and create jobs for many Israelis.”