Public Advisory: On Israel's Recent Travel Guidelines in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

11 March 2020 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informs the Filipino public that the Israeli government, in its response to the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, has issued the following travel guidelines:

• Starting Thursday, 12 March 2020, all foreign nationals entering Israel from abroad will be required to undergo 14 days of home quarantine;

• Anybody who is currently under home quarantine under previous instructions of the Israeli Ministry of Health will be required to continue quarantine for up to 14 days following their return to Israel;

• Anybody who has returned to Israel from abroad in the last 14 days is not required to undergo home quarantine, but is advised to contact Magen David Adom or MDA (Israel’s national medical emergency services) and undergo immediate home quarantine if they develop COVID-19 symptoms; and

• Tourists are required to maintain good hygiene practices, avoid large crowds, and document their travels within Israel. They are also advised to immediately contact MDA if they develop any symptoms of the disease.

Furthermore, the Israeli government reminds tourists that they will be unable to exit to neighboring countries and then return to Israel.

Should any Filipino national en route or having returned to Israel encounter any issues or problems regarding the said travel guidelines, please contact the Philippine Embassy in Israel at (+972-3) 6010-500 and (+972-54) 4661-188.

The DFA advises Filipinos to defer non-essential travel to Israel (e.g. tourism) while the said guidelines are in effect to avoid any possible inconvenience.

The DFA likewise advises the Filipino public to remain vigilant and apprised of latest developments as countries impose and/or adjust travel restrictions that might affect Filipino travellers. END