SENT | DECEMBER 13, 2022
Dear Travelers,
We are writing with a twist in the story of your upcoming Israel trip – this time with better news to share.
Birthright Israel trips have received special permission from Israel’s Ministry of Health to immediately resume next week with two conditions:
- Travelers will share a 48-60 hour “waiting period” together post-arrival
Our “waiting period” will take place at designated indoor and outdoor spaces within our accommodations. To be clear, travelers will NOT quarantine in their hotel rooms. - Travelers will need to qualify for an Israeli Green Pass
This means travelers will need a booster vaccine if their initial full vaccination was completed more than six months from their last scheduled day in Israel.
More details are posted as Questions & Answers below.
We realize the news surrounding your trip has been fast-changing, but if you’re committed to traveling next week, we’re committed to hosting you on these trip dates:
If you are ready to rebook your trip next week, complete this short form. We will get back to you by Wednesday with the exact flight details so that you can make a final decision.
Thank you for your patience throughout this most unusual period, and we look forward to hearing back from you today or tomorrow.
The Israel Outdoors Team
[email protected]
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What will the “waiting period” be like?
We will wait together at accommodations that can offer us indoor/outdoor space for group programming and free time. Meals will be served as a group, and sleeping arrangements will be the typical standard of three travelers per room. Wifi will be available. For the best possible experience, most groups will spend this waiting period at country accommodations such as a kibbutz guest house.
Why is it 48-60 hours?
We can test out of quarantine as of midnight on your third day in Israel. The following is an example of what a typical trip will look like with a waiting period included:
- DAY 1 | Depart for Israel in the evening
- DAY 2 | Land in Israel in the late afternoon. Take a PCR test at the airport and then check in to your country accommodations.
- DAY 3 | Spend the day together with your group, getting to know your fellow travelers and staff team. This evening, shortly after midnight, we will take a second PCR test.
- DAY 4 | Once the negative PCR results are in (most likely at breakfast time), the normal Israel Outdoors touring experience can begin.
Will I still be able to extend my trip?
Yes, but you probably won’t be able to process your extension before the trip departs.
Will the travel conditions in Israel be the same after the waiting period?
Yes, you will be issued a Green Pass and be able to travel as normal following the 2nd negative PCR test.
What are the flight details?
We will share revised flight details by Wednesday of this week according to your travel date interests. Once the flight details are provided, you will have the opportunity to re-confirm your spot on the trip.
What if I wait for a later trip this winter?
You can absolutely switch to any available trip later this winter. It’s possible the “waiting period” requirement will be lifted in the days or weeks ahead, but it’s equally possible that this requirement will be here to stay for a while.
What about my deposit?
Your deposit remains fully refundable no matter what you decide.
Do I need a booster vaccine to travel to Israel?
All travelers must be able to qualify for an Israeli Green Pass. This means you will need to obtain a booster vaccine if you completed your initial full vaccination more than six months from your last scheduled day in Israel. If you are required to obtain a booster vaccine, it must be received in advance of your trip as follows:
- Pfizer booster = 7 days prior to arrival
- Moderna booster = 14 days prior to arrival
- J&J booster = 14 days prior to arrival
- AstraZeneca booster = 14 days prior to arrival
Mixing and matching a different booster vaccine (per the above) with your initial full vaccination is allowed.