Updated March 8, 2021 6:07 PM IST
Despite Israel’s partial opening of the skies to its citizens, foreigners continue to be barred from entering the country. Since the onset of the third Corona wave in early January, student visa holders, too, have been prevented from entering Israel.
Now, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri has extended the ban on student entry until at least April 5. See the Interior Ministry’s latest rules, here. It should not be assumed that immediately after April 5, students will be granted entry. Rather, it is now clear that until April 5, permission will certainly not be granted.
This new ruling underscores the Travel Advisory issued in February by Amudim, Chaim V’Chessed and the Igud. Student visa holders contemplating leaving Israel for Pesach should be aware that they might not be able to return after the holiday.
Separately, as Chaim V’Chessed reported last week, airlines continue to cancel scheduled flights to and from Israel. This is wreaking havoc with the travel plans of many. Chaim V’Chessed has been swamped with calls about this; unfortunately, there is very little that we can do to assist.