In a significant change, Israel’s Corona Cabinet has decided that England, Georgia, Cyprus and Turkey will become classified as Red countries, effective Friday, July 30. This means that these countries will be added to the Highest Risk list. Israelis are barred from traveling to countries on the Highest Risk list, unless they obtain special permission, via the Exceptions Committee. The Highest Risk list already includes countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Russia and South Africa. See the entire list here.

Passengers traveling to Israel from Highest Risk countries are required to observe full quarantine, even if they are vaccinated/recovered. Entry permits for foreigners will no longer be given for travelers coming from England or other Red countries. Similarly, new student visas will not be issued for students from those countries.

Chaim V’Chessed has learned that, at this point, it is has not yet been decided whether existing student visa holders traveling from the new Red countries will be permitted to enter Israel. For this reason, it may be advisable for visa holders to avoid travel to these countries, and those currently visiting such countries should consider returning to Israel prior to July 30.

Furthermore, student visa holders who have traveled for leisure to countries such as Cyprus or Turkey are at significant risk of being barred from returning to Israel.