Israel And Ben Gurion COVID-19 Reopening Master Thread

[JlmBoi]

What about using a VIP service, does that help now?

I can't find one that's accepting bookings until after Pesach

[tavster]

What about using a VIP service, does that help now?

Most VIP companies are operating at full capacity as well. So they either don't take new bookings, or they cancel many existing ones.

Also I find that their is close to new value ex-tlv, because they are no longer allowed to cut the business line.

[JlmBoi]

Most VIP companies are operating at full capacity as well. So they either don't take new bookings, or they cancel many existing ones.

Also I find that their is close to new value ex-tlv, because they are no longer allowed to cut the business line.

They used to do a separate security check downstairs in arrivals in a special corner. Last few times they didn't do that.

[tavster]

They used to do a separate security check downstairs in arrivals in a special corner. Last few times they didn't do that.

They are facing the same capacity constraints as the rest of us 

Also at the LY biz counter, they used to cut everyone. Last time I flew i saw the LY manager send them to the back of the line

[JlmBoi]

They are facing the same capacity constraints as the rest of us 

This is from a few months ago, before it started getting legit busy.

[tavster]

This is from a few months ago, before it started getting legit busy.

A few month ago there was even less capacity.

Today despite the massive traffic they still haven't reinstated the dedicated x-ray  line for biz 

[AsherO]

They are facing the same capacity constraints as the rest of us 

Also at the LY biz counter, they used to cut everyone. Last time I flew i saw the LY manager send them to the back of the line

When everybody is a VIP, nobody is a VIP

[tavster]

I'm trying this on Sunday, ahead of our flight on Monday BH
Only because I'm in the neighborhood anyway, otherwise I don't think it's necessarily worth it

[JlmBoi]

I'm trying this on Sunday, ahead of our flight on Monday BH
Only because I'm in the neighborhood anyway, otherwise I don't think it's necessarily worth it

I'm thinking of trying it too. I believe it's only to certain destinations.

[tavster]

I'm thinking of trying it too. I believe it's only to certain destinations.

[PlatinumGuy]

Data point: My son flew out of TLV yesterday. His flight departed at 6:35 am. He went to the airport with some other bochurim with earlier flights, so he arrived at 2:45 am, about as middle of the night as you can get.

He said it was still a balagan, and it took him about 80 minutes to clear security. He did mention that they were asking if anyone was at risk of missing a flight and moved those people to the front of the line, but I would not count on that being the daily practice.

Many flights leave TLV 5-6am. Midday should be emptier.

[S209]

Many flights leave TLV 5-6am. Midday should be emptier.

The line for a 10:30 AM flight was exactly the same as that of a 4:50 AM yesterday.

[aygart]

Many flights leave TLV 5-6am. Midday should be emptier.

That is probably the peak. All the flights to Europe leave then. On the other hand it is spread between many airlines and the staffing may be more proportionate.

[S209]

That is probably the peak. All the flights to Europe leave then. On the other hand it is spread between many airlines and the staffing may be more proportionate.

Most of the backup is the initial Israeli security screening.

[Shmulie]

If anyone is flying ITA from Israel make sure to bring a k95 mask or they won't let you on the plane

[yyonah]

We're vaccinated and boosted U.S. citizens going to Israel for Pesach. I have a few questions.

Arriving foreign nationals need a PCR test within 72 hours before arrival. I spoke to a local person who does PCR tests and was told that insurance no longer covers it unless you're not feeling well or have been exposed. The price for private pay was $125. Is this the going rate?

To get a Green Pass that will exempt you from entering isolation if exposed to confirmed COVID case in Israel, you need a digital certificate of vaccination (or recovery). The U.S. doesn't have this, but according to https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad/certificates-recognized-by-israel/,
"In addition to countries and territories, there are organizations in North America - for example in Canada, New York and California - that are affiliated with the VCI Directory and produce vaccination certificates (but not recovery certificates) that Israel can verify. These certificates are called Smart Health Cards, and you can check if they are verified in Israel by scanning the QR code on the Traffic Light app."

Where in the New York area can one get this? Does the NYS Excelsior Pass work?

How long does it typically take to get results of the PCR test given in Ben Gurion?

[LizR]

We're vaccinated and boosted U.S. citizens going to Israel for Pesach. I have a few questions.

Arriving foreign nationals need a PCR test within 72 hours before arrival. I spoke to a local person who does PCR tests and was told that insurance no longer covers it unless you're not feeling well or have been exposed. The price for private pay was $125. Is this the going rate? 

Every place is different but it's not outrageous

To get a Green Pass that will exempt you from entering isolation if exposed to confirmed COVID case in Israel, you need a digital certificate of vaccination (or recovery). The U.S. doesn't have this, but according to https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad/certificates-recognized-by-israel/,
"In addition to countries and territories, there are organizations in North America - for example in Canada, New York and California - that are affiliated with the VCI Directory and produce vaccination certificates (but not recovery certificates) that Israel can verify. These certificates are called Smart Health Cards, and you can check if they are verified in Israel by scanning the QR code on the Traffic Light app."

All you need to do is fill out the health declaration form within 48 hours of travel and you will get the green pass.  Only for vaccinated I believe.

Where in the New York area can one get this? Does the NYS Excelsior Pass work? No.  USA is not recognized by Israel as digital

How long does it typically take to get results of the PCR test given in Ben Gurion?  A few hours

[flyingBlue]

Does a student visa holder need a PCR before flying to Israel?

[aron1]

Does a student visa holder need a PCR before flying to Israel?

yes

[yyonah]

Where can I get the COVID insurance coverage Israel requires?