IMPACT – MEDIUM

Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced that all flights arriving in Israel will be redirected from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport in southern Israel.

Key Points:

  • All inbound flights previously scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport will be directed to land at Ramon Airport.
  • Departure flights from Ben Gurion Airport will continue as normal.
  • Travelers will be able travel to their final destinations within Israel by private car or through domestic flights.

Additional Information: All travelers arriving at Ramon Airport will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing in accordance with current travel policies.

Analysis & Comments: The Israeli government diverted inbound flights to Ramon Airport for national security reasons. Travel restrictions and protocols could change with little or no notice. Deloitte will continue to monitor the events and provide updates on significant travel and immigration developments as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Israeli government has issued a new public order mandating a 14-day quarantine for Israeli citizens and residents traveling from Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Ukraine.

Key Points:

  • Under a change that took effect May 3, Israeli citizens and residents arriving in Israel from any of the seven countries must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine or for a shorter period of 10 days subject to two negative PCR tests.
    • Vaccinated individuals and individuals who recovered from a COVID-19 infection traveling from any of the countries stated above must quarantine upon arrival, unless they remained in these countries during their travel for less than 12 hours as part of a connecting flight, and the individual did not leave the airport.
    • PCR tests will be conducted on the first day of arrival into Israel and on the ninth day of quarantine. If both tests are negative, the quarantine will be shortened to 10 days.
  • The entry of foreign individuals from any of the countries listed above will be suspended until further notice.

Additional Information: Israeli citizens are banned from entering any of the seven countries unless they obtain an exceptional approval for humanitarian reasons or an exceptional vital need from the Exceptions Committee of the Ministry of Interior.

Analysis & Comments: Employers may need to adjust start dates for travelers from any of the seven countries. The list of countries required to quarantine will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and additional countries may be added. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Italian authorities have eased restrictions on travel from Austria, Israel and the United Kingdom and implemented new quarantine procedures for travel from within the European Union.

Key Points:

  • Authorities have moved Austria, Israel and the United Kingdom to “List C,” meaning travel is permitted for non-essential reasons, but travelers must satisfy testing and quarantine requirements.
  • Under procedures implemented last week, travelers from List C countries must take a COVID-19 molecular or antigenic test within the 48 hours before arriving in Italy and must quarantine in Italy for five days upon arrival in Italy, regardless of the test result. A second molecular or antigenic test must be taken at the end of the five-day quarantine.
  • Travelers from the Tyrol region of Austria must quarantine for 14 days rather than five.
  • The quarantine measures were first implemented as a way to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 over the Easter holiday period; however, authorities extended them this week until at least April 30.
  • The current restrictions on travel from Brazil will also remain in place until at least April 30.

Analysis & Comments: While authorities have eased restrictions on travel from Austria, Israel and the United Kingdom, testing and quarantine requirements from these and other “List C” countries will remain in place at least until the end of the month. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

What is the change? Israeli government offices will be closed for one week beginning March 28 for Passover. Work permit and visa applications will not be processed during this period. Applicants should anticipate delays.

  • Implementation time frame: Offices will be closed from March 28 through April 4; they will reopen April 5.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas, permits and other immigration-related services.
  • Who is affected: Anyone in need of immigration-related services.
  • Business impact: Employers should factor in the holiday closures and ensuing delays when planning business schedules and start dates.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate delays and submit applications before Passover if possible. Israeli consular posts abroad will also suspend operations or operate on limited schedules. Overseas applicants should contact their relevant Israeli consulate for specific holiday schedules.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government has extended the suspension of international flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport until March 6, but has introduced limited exceptions to the ban.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who wish to fly to or from Ben Gurion Airport may apply to the Exceptions Committee for an entry approval. Valid reasons for receiving the approval include humanitarian situations, urgent medical care and attendance at an essential legal proceeding. Officials may also make exceptions for women in their third trimester of pregnancy and permanent Israeli residents who exited Israel in accordance with pandemic restrictions but now need to return.
  • Until March 1, travelers entering Israel must enter mandatory self-isolation in government-run facilities for 14 days, with some exceptions. The quarantine period may be reduced to ten days if they receive two COVID-19 tests with negative test results during quarantine. Requests for home isolation can be made to the Israeli Ministry of Health.
  • All travelers who have been outside Israel for over 72 hours must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result at the airport before boarding their flights to Israel. The test must be conducted within the 72 hours before departing for Israel. This requirement also applies to travelers with vaccination certificates or certificates of recovery.
  • Travelers who are not able to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test within the 72 hours before departing to Israel for certain reasons may apply to the Exceptions Committee. The reasons are problems obtaining the test in their departure location, humanitarian situations or special personal cases.

Background: The Israeli government banned inbound and outbound flights in late January and since then has extended the flight suspension, most recently earlier this month.

Analysis & Comments: The extension will temporarily make air travel to and from Israel impossible for most travelers, though there are some exceptions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli government has extended the suspension of international flights to and from Ben Gurion airport until Feb. 21.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who wish to fly to Ben Gurion airport are allowed to apply to do so to the Exemptions Committee. Those who need to travel for the following reasons may be granted approval:
    • To attend the funeral of an immediate relative.
    • To accompany a body to Israel for burial.
    • To obtain urgent medical treatment, including women in their final trimester of pregnancy.
    • To take care of an immediate relative in distress.
    • To engage in activities based on additional compassionate reasons.
    • To take part in legal proceedings.
  • Flights are still allowed for emergencies, cargo transportation and transiting through Israel airspace.
  • The following travelers are allowed to fly from Ben Gurion Airport:
    • Foreign nationals, including foreign workers with B-1 work visas and their dependents holding B-2 visas. Foreign nationals who are permanent Israeli residents are allowed to depart.
    • Israeli citizens who live abroad, though proof of permanent residence abroad must be submitted to the Exemptions Committee.
    • Those whose entry applications to the Exemptions Committee were successful.
    • Professional athletes who wish to participate in official international tournaments.
  • No commercial flights are allowed to depart, except for Israeli private planes with up to nine passengers.

Additional Information: Israel’s land borders with Jordan and Egypt are also closed.

Analysis & Comments: The extension will temporarily make air travel to and from Israel impossible for most travelers, though there are some exceptions. Employers who wish to send employees to or from Israel will have to wait, unless the employees meet the exception conditions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Israel has extended the suspension of inbound and outbound flights until Feb. 7.

Key Points:

  • The flight suspension had been expected to expire Jan. 31; however, government officials decided to extend the measure.
  • All arriving and departing commercial flights are banned, with some exceptions.
  • Only flights with passengers considered to be traveling for emergency purposes will be allowed to land. Inbound passengers must obtain an exemption clearance. Israeli nationals and residents may apply for one here. Foreign nationals must use this form.
  • All commercial flights departing from Israel will remain canceled.
  • Israel’s borders with Egypt and Jordan are closed as of Jan. 24. An exceptions committee will approve limited entry or exit for individuals with humanitarian reasons.

Additional Information: Government officials will meet this week to decide whether to extend the restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: Employers and employees should factor the current travel restrictions, as well as the possibility of future restrictions, into their travel plans. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israel’s government has suspended inbound and outbound flights until Jan. 31 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • Inbound and outbound flights have been banned for both Israeli citizens and foreign nationals, with some exceptions, including for flights necessary for urgent medical evacuation, fighting fires and carrying cargo.
  • Exiting Israel will only be permitted for medical treatment, funerals of a family member and for those involved in legal proceedings.
  • Israeli authorities may approve exceptions for humanitarian or personal situations on a case-by-case basis.
  • During the flight ban, the operating licenses of Israeli airlines are temporarily restricted as are departures of privately owned Israeli aircraft.
  • The flight ban may be extended if necessary.

Analysis & Comments: The ban will temporarily halt all air travel into Israel and most outbound travel. Employers who intend to send employees to Israel or have them leave may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israel’s government has imposed another national lockdown for the two-week period that began Jan. 7.

Key Points:

  • The following restrictions will be in effect during the lockdown:
    • Essential workplaces will be allowed to remain open, but other workplaces will not. Government offices will operate in a limited manner.
    • Trade and leisure facilities will be closed.
    • Travelers arriving from “red location” countries must enter self-isolation in facilities managed by the Israeli government. The list of “red location” countries is available here.
    • The only travelers who are allowed to leave Israel during the lockdown are those who purchased flight tickets before the lockdown start date.
    • Public transportation will operate at 50% capacity.
    • Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people, and indoor gatherings to five.
    • Individuals are restricted to moving only within 1,000 meters of their homes.
    • Pharmacies and supermarkets may operate normally. Restaurants are only allowed to provide home delivery service.

Additional Information: The national lockdown may be extended another two weeks if COVID-19 cases in Israel continue to increase. Israeli citizens returning from abroad must be tested for COVID-19 and enter into mandatory isolation in state-run facilities for at least 10 days when they enter the country.

All travelers arriving from the U.K. must complete a 14-day quarantine in a designated state-sponsored coronavirus hotel. Travelers who have been in Botswana, South Africa, Soto or Zambia in the 14 days before arrival are required to self-isolate for 14 days at a state-run facility as well.

Analysis & Comments: The restrictions make travel to and within Israel difficult at this time. The lockdown also limits the activities that can be conducted in the country. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government announced that travelers from high-risk “red” countries can shorten their mandatory quarantine from 12 days to 10 days if they meet certain requirements. To qualify for the shortened quarantine, travelers must register the location of their quarantine with the Ministry of Health database upon their arrival.

Key Points:

  • Travelers must undergo an initial PCR test for COVID-19 as soon as possible after entering self-isolation. Tests must be conducted at a drive-through testing site or designated location for those in quarantine.
  • A second test must be performed nine days after entry to Israel and at least 24 hours after the first PCR test.
  • If both tests are negative, a notification will be sent to the individual informing them they have been cleared to exit quarantine after 10 days.

Analysis & Comments: Israel is slowly easing quarantine restrictions after a second nation-wide lockdown that lasted for months. A shorter quarantine period could help facilitate movement of people within Israel for work and business purposes. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.