Israel Update: Vaccinated business people are no longer required to obtain special entry permits to Israel; Extension of the expedited procedure to obtain a work permit for 90 days

Vaccinated business people are no longer required to obtain special entry permits to Israel As of November 1, 2021, Israel has opened its borders to vaccinated foreign tourists for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19. Subsequently, foreign visitors seeking to enter Israel for business purposes such as meetings and negotiations are no longer required to ascertain special entry permits. Instead, each visitor must perform a PCR test at least 72 hours before departure to Israel, fill out an electronic reporting form, and provide his or her valid vaccination/recovery certificate. Upon arrival in Israel, visitors must perform a PCR test and self-isolate for 24 hours or until negative results are received – whichever is earlier. We emphasize that foreigners who arrive in Israel for business purposes are still required to obtain valid work permits. Employing foreign workers without valid work permits is a criminal offense.

Extension of the expedited procedure to obtain a work permit for 90 days

Foreign workers from entry-exempt countries (such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, and Europe) who arrive for a short period will be able to obtain work permits under an expedited procedure for a period of up to 90 days. This permit was recently granted for a period of up to 45 days. For the expedited process, the employer is required to present limited documentation and the work permit may be obtained within a week (compared to a period of one to two months, for the standard procedure). In addition, the employee is able to arrive in Israel without a consular process. This is an important distinction that will allow employers to obtain work visas relatively quickly, for urgent and unexpected projects or repairs. 

By Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co, Israel, a Transatlantic Law International Affiliated Firm. 

For further information or for any assistance please contact israel@transatlanticlaw.com

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