The borders of Israel have been closed to foreigners since the beginning of the Corona crisis. As has been chronicled extensively on our site, there have been only a few exceptions to this ban. At the same time, there are many other circumstances which, until now, have not been acceptable reasons for permission to enter the country. Chaim V’Chessed has worked valiantly to obtain permission for people with a variety of true humanitarian needs. At times, our efforts have been successful; at other times – less so.
After exhaustive efforts on the part of many officials, notably the staff of MK Yisrael Eichler, we are pleased to announce that an updated list of exceptions has just been issued by the Interior Ministry.
New additions to the exceptions list include:
Births: Grandparents may enter Israel for the birth of a grandchild. They may enter the country a month prior to the expected birth, and remain for up to a month after the birth. UPDATE AUG 19: Permission can now be obtained for the birth of any grandchildren born between Mar 1, 2020 and July 12, 2020, if applied for prior to Sep. 18.
Bar/Bat Mitzva: Grandparents may enter Israel for the Bar/Bat Mitzva of a grandchild.
Weddings: Parents, grandparents and siblings of the chosson or kalla had already been allowed to enter for the wedding. However, spouses of siblings (i.e. brother/sister-in-laws) were not. Similarly, we frequently encountered situations where a sister was allowed to enter Israel, but her (nursing) baby was barred – hence making the trip untenable. The new rules allow for brother/sister-in-laws of the chosson or kalla to enter. Additionally, children under one year old may enter along with their parents.
See the complete list of exceptions here (Hebrew).
Please note: All travelers to Israel must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, unless arriving from a Green country. Furthermore, even in permitted circumstances, one must still obtain an entry permit before travel. Entry permits must be applied for via your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate; consulate; see here for a list of locations. The email of the New York consulate is consular.services@newyork.mfa.gov.il.
Applications must include:
- Copies of passport(s)
- Travel itinerary (showing travel for more than 14 days – as the traveler will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival).
- ID of the Chosson/Kalla, Bar/Bat Mitzva, or expectant mother
- Proof of relation to the Chosson/Kalla, Bar/Bat Mitzva, or expectant mother (birth certificate)
- Medical documentation of the pregnancy/birth, or proof of the grandchild’s Bar/Bat Mitzva
- Medical Insurance which will cover duration of stay in Israel, which must explicitly state that Covid is covered
- These forms filled out