IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government has added the U.S. and nine other countries to its red list.

Key Points:

  • As of Dec. 21, the red list of countries now includes: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the U.K. and the U.S., among other countries.
  • Non-Israeli citizens who have been in or traveled through a red-list country within 14 days of intended arrival are not allowed to enter the country.
    • No exemptions to the entry restrictions exist for non-Israeli citizens.
  • Israeli citizens who have been in or traveled through a red-list country within 14 days of intended arrival must quarantine at a government-designated hotel until they receive a negative COVID test.
    • After a negative result is received, citizens, regardless of vaccination status, must undergo a seven-day quarantine at home.

Additional Information: A full list of countries categorized by color is available here.

BAL Analysis: The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will make travel to Israel from the aforementioned countries more difficult if not impossible in the days and weeks ahead. Travel restrictions and health requirements may change with little to no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli government recently delayed the plan to allow vaccinated individuals to enter the country without a pre-entry permit until Aug. 1.

Key Points:

  • Inbound foreign nationals, including those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19, will be required to apply for pre-entry approval until Aug. 1.
  • Foreign nationals from Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa are currently not permitted to enter the country due to high infection rates.

Additional Information: On June 20, the Ministry of Interior announced that Israel would vacate the pre-entry permit requirement on July 1. However, since that announcement, Israel has seen a spike in virus variant cases, causing the Ministry of Health to delay the plan until Aug. 1. The Israeli government is expected to publish information in the coming weeks detailing which vaccinations will be accepted and what types of vaccination proof will be required.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@balglobal.com.

The Israeli government recently announced that vaccinated travelers would no longer need a pre-entry permit to enter the country as of July 1.

Key Points:

  • Effective on July 1, vaccinated travelers will be able to enter Israel without a pre-entry permit.
  • The Ministry of Interior is expected to publish information in the coming days detailing which vaccinations will be accepted and what kind of proof of vaccination travelers will need.
  • All inbound foreign nationals still need to apply for pre-entry approval until July 1. Vaccination status will be the primary deciding factor for individuals still needing pre-entry approval.
  • Foreign nationals traveling from Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa are currently not permitted to enter the country due to high infection rates.

Additional Information: Israeli officials also announced that, effective immediately, foreign nationals holding a 45-day, Short Employment Authorization (SEA) work permit will no longer need a pre-entry permit. They must only present a copy of their SEA work permit upon arrival.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@balglobal.com.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government recently launched a new entry permit requirement for business visitors.

Key Points:

  • Business visitors now must obtain a special entry permit from the Ministry of Interior.
  • Both the business visitor and the Israeli business sponsor must submit separate electronic applications to the Ministry of Interior. The applications must be supported by detailed information and documentation proving the travel is of extreme necessity and that the business activity cannot be completed outside the country.
  • The applicant must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to be eligible for the entry permit and must comply with current home isolation requirements upon entering the country.

Additional Information: All foreign nationals intending to enter Israel must provide a copy of medical health insurance that covers COVID-19-related costs in Israel. Before the flight, travelers must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Upon arrival, all travelers, including vaccinated individuals, must adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements. Travel from Argentina, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey and the Ukraine remains suspended until at least June 13.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Israel recently updates its list of maximum risk-level countries. The list now includes Argentina, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey and the Ukraine.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals intending to travel from maximum risk-level countries are banned from entering the country until at least June 13.
  • Israeli citizens and residents are not permitted to travel to any country listed at maximum risk-level unless approval is obtained from the Exceptions Committee.
  • All individuals arriving from a maximum risk-level country, including vaccinated and recovered individuals, are required to quarantine upon arrival in accordance to Ministry of Health protocols.

Additional Information: These protocols are in effect until at least June 13 and may be extended, depending on health conditions in the individual countries.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

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.