Israel opens borders for foreign tourists

As part of easing restrictions, the government has allowed small groups of tourists from countries using vaccines it has approved, Reuters reports.

Foreign airlines have resumed flights they have suspended when Palestinian militants launched missile attacks on Israel earlier this month.

The truce halted fighting, helping the government meet a target date to begin meeting the plan.

But registration for the Ministry of Tourism's plan opened only last week, so the number of visitors will be limited at first.

“There is no chance that the first groups will arrive before the beginning of June,” said a tourism ministry spokeswoman.

As part of a pilot programme that will continue until June 15th, Israel has provided <x0 Green Window” for visits by 20 groups counting between five and 30 tourists from different countries, including the United States, Britain and Germany.

Visitors will have to show a negative test PCR before flight and tow undergo further tests after arrival.