Health Minister Horowitz and senior officials of his ministry agreed today (Tuesday) that Israelis returning from abroad and tourists coming to visit Israel will be able to perform a rapid antigen test instead of a PCR as a condition for boarding the plane.
The change in policy, which is expected to take effect subject to government and Knesset approval, will allow passengers seeking entry into Israel to choose whether to perform an antigen test within 24 hours before boarding or a PCR test as required today, during 72 hours before takeoff.
The relief is intended to allow passengers to be tested by an accessible and cheaper means.
The Ministry of Health stated that "the move was made in coordination with the Ministries of Tourism and Transportation, in a joint effort to enable the renewal of inbound tourism and facilitate Israelis going abroad, while maintaining public health."
A passenger who chooses an antigen test will be required to perform it through a recognized body in the foreign country, and not in a home test.
A passenger who stays abroad for less than 72 hours will not be required to undergo any inspection before departure to Israel (depending on the current situation).
