How is Birthright Israel making its health and safety decisions?
We are working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Health and will maintain the highest level of precautions on our trips, making adjustments whenever necessary.
Do I need to have had a COVID-19 vaccine to participate?
Yes, the government of Israel determines which tourists can enter Israel and we follow their guidelines. Birthright Israel participants may join a trip if they meet at least one of the following:
Fully vaccinated with 2 or 3 doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The date of the last dose must be 14 days or more from the date of arrival in Israel
Fully vaccinated with 2 or more doses of AstraZeneca, Sinovac or Sinopharm. The date of the last dose must be 14 days or more from the date of arrival in Israel
Vaccinated with 1 dose of Janseen or Johnson & Johnson. The date of the vaccine must be 14 days or more from the date of arrival in Israel
Recovered from Covid-19 and received at least 1 vaccine listed above. The date of the vaccine must be 14 days or more from the date of arrival in Israel
What if I recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies? Can I join a trip?
Yes. If you recovered from COVID-19 and received at least one FDA authorized vaccine you may join a trip starting in July. Travel is possible 14 days after the vaccine has been administered. You’ll need to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test which was taken within 72 hours of departure and, upon arrival in Israel, you will need to take an additional PCR test as well as a serological (antibodies) test which we will provide for you. Documented verification of your recovery and vaccine is required. Please update your COVID-19 status
here.*
How will my trip be different from a regular trip due to COVID-19?
As it always has been for the last 21 years of operation, the safety and well-being of our participants and staff is our highest priority and foremost concern. All of the participants and staff will be fully vaccinated or recovered and vaccinated, most of the flights to Israel will be direct, your Birthright Israel group will have fewer participants, you will spend more time outdoors, visit sites that abide by the high standards of Israel’s Ministry of Health, wear a facemask in public and keep 6 feet / 2 meters from others outside your group when possible. Participants may also take rapid antigen tests once or twice throughout the trip. Other than that, we can assure you that we will take all necessary measures to ensure a safe, fun and enjoyable Birthright Israel experience.
Are most people in Israel vaccinated?
Yes, the majority of the population over the age of 12 are already vaccinated and currently Israel is giving 3rd booster vaccinations to its population.
Do I need to take a COVID test before I travel?
Yes. You must present a negative PCR COVID test that was taken within 72 hours of departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. It’s mandatory for you to have health insurance that is valid in Israel for the duration of the trip and also covers COVID-19. If you already have extended health coverage, or you purchase a plan for this trip, you’ll be required to submit this information to us at
info@goyael.com.
What is the cancelation policy?
Until you accept a trip offer you can receive the full refund of your $250 deposit. After accepting your trip offer you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 45 days prior to your scheduled departure date.
Do I need a COVID test before I return to the United States?
If required, prior to your return to the United States, a PCR test will be organized for you in Israel.
Can I extend my flight and stay in Israel after my trip is over?
The Government of Israel has implemented a Green Pass, which is a digital certificate of vaccination status. Only participants that have been vaccinated within 6 months* of their arrival qualify for an Israel Green Pass. Birthright Israel participants are not required to have a Green Pass in order to participate on a trip, however, if you wish to extend your trip, you will need to have one.
If you have been fully vaccinated within 6 months* of your arrival to Israel, you will be able to extend your flight through the airline company. Keep in mind that if you are not planning to return with your group on the same flight you must make your changes before the conclusion of the trip and before the group return date. You will be responsible for your own PCR test prior to returning to the US. If you are found positive for Covid within your extension period, you will be responsible for your own quarantine arrangements. Note that traveling to other countries after the trip is not permitted this season because the permit for entering Israel is only for one entry. Participants with Israeli passport do not need a permit, so they can travel.
*Note that you cannot remain in Israel for more than 180 days from your last vaccination date.
Once I arrive to Israel, can I fly out of Israel and come back in time for my extended flight home?
No. Your entrance to Israel with your Birthright Israel group is a one time pass and due to COVID restrictions to enter the country, you will not be able to fly out of the country and return.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. It’s mandatory for you to have health insurance that is valid in Israel for the duration of the trip and also covers COVID-19. If you already have extended health coverage, or you purchase a plan for this trip, you’ll be required to submit this information to us at info@goyael.com.
Before I go on my Birthright Israel trip I am planning to visit other countries. Is this ok?
Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 variants around the world, all participants who visit a destination that has a high COVID-19 risk or warning 14 days prior to their Birthright Israel departure will not be able to join a trip. This restriction does not apply to vaccinated or recovered participants who transit through these destinations and stay for 12 hours or less in the airport transit area. Please note the list of high-risk countries can change.
I see that travelers arriving from the US are now required to quarantine for 7 days, how will that effect my trip?
While entry to Israel continues to be extremely limited and tourists are required to enter a 7 day quarantine period upon arrival, Birthright Israel participants may join a trip without the 7 day quarantine requirement if they meet at least one of the following:
Fully vaccinated with 2 or 3 shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
Fully vaccinated by 1 shot of J&J.
Recovered from Covid and received at least 1 FDA approved vaccine.
