Dear Clients and Colleagues,

We would like to update you on the following subjects:

​A. Recognition of  vaccinations given abroad and for those recovered abroad

Recently, the Ministry of Health issued new regulations regarding the entry and exit from Israel of foreigners (which are not yet in full effect), in light of the Covid-19 virus. The regulations included guidance on those entering the country who have been immunized or who recovered abroad. Although there has not yet to be an official announcement regarding Israel opening its borders entirely, it appears that the new regulations are the first step in that direction. Below please find a summary of the relevant aspects of the regulations:

Individuals who were immunized abroad

• An individual who received two (2) doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and less than six (6) months have elapsed since receipt of the second dose; or
• An individual who received three doses of the vaccine, and less than six (6) months have elapsed since receipt of the third dose.

Countries within the EU

• Serology test is not required
• Verification of vaccination will be required from passengers within the declaration form that they fill out as they enter the country
• The individual must isolate for 24 hours from entering the country or until they receive a negative test result (whichever is sooner)
• A Green Pass will be sent automatically to the email address provided by the passenger on the declaration form, upon entering to the country

Countries outside the EU

• Positive serology test is required
• The individual must isolate for 24 hours from entering the country or until they receive a negative test result (whichever is sooner)
• Upon receipt of a positive serology test and a negative PCR test, the individual must contact *5400 to obtain a release from isolation
• Such individuals will be eligible for a Green Pass only after October 17, 2021

Clarifications

• A passenger will not be entitled to a vaccination verification certificate if the country is not within the EU. Upon entering Israel from a country outside the EU, a vaccination record will be created within Israel’s system, from the date that such vaccinations begin to be recognized.
• An individual in isolation cannot be issued a Green Pass (while in isolation); he/she must first complete the period of isolation.
• An individual who was vaccinated abroad and received some vaccinations in Israel will not receive a vaccination certificate within the State of Israel, but he/she will receive a Green Pass (if meeting the criteria).
• A rapid serological test can be performed at the airport.
• If the serological test has been performed in Israel in the past after vaccination, no further serological test is needed.

• Who qualifies:

• An individual who has recovered from Covid-19, within six (6) months from the date of the positive PCR test (*after six (6) months, such individual should receive one dose of the vaccine)
• An individual who has not yet been vaccinated, but has a positive serology test, and who has received one dose of the vaccine, after the serology test
• An individual who has been vaccinated (regardless of how many doses) and subsequently recovered from Covid-19 (or vice versa)

• Recovered abroad:
Countries within the EU

• Serology test is not required
• Verification of vaccine will be required from passengers on the declaration form that they fill out as they enter the country
• The individual must isolate for 24 hours or until they receive a negative test result (whichever is sooner)
• A Green Pass will be sent automatically to the email address provided on the declaration form filled out by the passenger upon entering the country

Countries outside the EU

• Positive serology test is required
• The individual must isolate for 24 hours or until they receive a negative test result (whichever is sooner)
• Upon receipt of a positive serology test and a negative PCR test, the individual must contact *5400 for release from isolation
• Such individuals will only receive a Green Pass after October 17, 2021

Clarifications

• A passenger will not be entitled to a vaccination verification certificate if the country is not within the EU. Upon entering Israel from a country outside the EU, a vaccination record will be created within Israel’s system, from the date that such vaccinations begin to be recognized.
• An individual in isolation cannot be issued a Green Pass (while in isolation); he/she must first complete isolation.
• An individual who recovered abroad and who received some vaccinations abroad or who recovered abroad and was vaccinated in Israel will not receive a recovery certificate within the State of Israel, but will receive a Green Pass (if meeting the criteria).
• A rapid serological test can be performed at the airport.
• If the serological test has been performed in Israel in the past after vaccination, no further serological test is needed.

B. Update on Short Term Work Visa

The expedited procedure (to be processed within 6 working days) which allows entities to apply for a Foreign Expert to come to Israel for up to 45 days each calendar year, has been updated and it is now available for 90 days commencing from the first date of entry of the Foreign Expert into Israel in each calendar year.

This type of work permit and visa is only suitable for a Foreign Expert from a country which is exempted from the requirement to obtain a visa to enter Israel prior to their arrival in Israel.

This visa is limited to a net period of 90 days per year; it is non-transferable; non-extendable and can only be changed upon re-entry to Israel. This visa is suitable for Foreign Experts tasked with completing a specialized temporary role.

We are available to provide individualized advice to any employers dealing with the various issues that arise from the possibility of re-implementing these various forms of travel and applicable restrictions.

We will continue to provide you with updates of any developments.

The Labour and Employment Department
Herzog Fox & Neeman