Global initiative by Israel to revitalize tourism industry worldwide
Israel to Gradually Reopen Tourism to Vaccinated Travelers
Israel is set to welcome back vaccinated tourists from the United Arab Emirates, United States, and United Kingdom, with a planned reopening in 2025. This announcement, made by the Minister of Tourism in July 2025, signals an imminent return for international travelers.
The reopening will involve recognising foreign vaccination certificates, including digital formats, following the launch of a digital vaccination record service by Israel's Health Ministry. Specific travel protocols may require tourists to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. While some testing requirements before or after flights are possible, Israel had eased most entry restrictions by early 2022, suggesting a streamlined process for vaccinated tourists.
The Israeli government is launching a targeted campaign to attract tourists from the UAE, US, and UK, with billboard ads set up in Dubai, New York's Times Square, and London's Piccadilly Circus. The ads, featuring the common message "Book your flight to Israel," will be in both English and Arabic, marking a first for the Israeli government.
The campaign also aims to bolster incentives for foreign airlines to operate flights to the Ramon Airport near Eilat, and to promote international events such as the Pride Parade in Tel Aviv. The Minister of Tourism expects to see a significant number of tourists from the mentioned countries in a short period of time.
The Minister has expressed concerns about the recent deadly coronavirus variants sweeping many countries, most notably India. However, she is determined to proceed with caution to ensure the health and safety of all Israelis. The Minister's goal is to gradually reopen tourism to Israel, allowing the tourism sector to recover and welcoming back tourists who are eager to return.
From the end of May, the campaign will gradually allow organized vaccinated groups to enter the country, with an unlimited number of groups allowed a month later. This reopening aligns with the historical tourism cooperation between Israel and the UAE, aiming to increase jobs and tourism activity following the normalization of relations.
The UK and US have historically been significant markets for inbound tourism to Israel, and the Minister anticipates a resurgence in tourism from these countries. As Israel is a world leader in safety and health, according to the campaign, this reopening is a promising step towards a return to normality for the tourism industry.
[1] Source for the information about the reopening
[2] Source for the information about the digital vaccination record service
[1] The Minister of Tourism in Israel announced the planned reopening to vaccinated travelers in July 2025.
[2] Israel's Health Ministry launched a digital vaccination record service to recognize foreign vaccination certificates.
[3] The Israeli government is launching a targeted campaign to attract tourists from the UAE, US, and UK, with billboard ads set up in Dubai, New York's Times Square, and London's Piccadilly Circus.
[4] The Minister of Tourism expects to see a significant number of tourists from the UAE, US, and UK in a short period of time following the reopening.
[5] As Israel is a world leader in safety and health, the reopening to vaccinated travelers could mark a promising step towards a return to normality for the tourism industry.
