New program enables business travelers from red states into Israel

Foreign business travelers from red states will now be able to enter Israel with special permission, the Economy Ministry said Thursday.

Business people who are not citizens can now apply to travel to Israel for up to four days to hold business meetings in cases where the visit is “essential to the economy.”

The outline for acceptance was determined by the Economy Ministry together with the Population and Immigration Authority and the Foreign Ministry.

A release explained that the visit should “go beyond the interest represented by the applicant” and that acceptance will only be granted “in cases where the business meeting cannot be held virtually in order to allow the continued functioning of Israeli companies and to prevent damage to the economy during the coronavirus era.”

The country had earlier implemented a procedure to allow business people from green countries to enter Israel.

“Through this program, many Israeli and international companies will return to a coronavirus business routine, which will help accelerate the Israeli economy,” said Economy Minister Amir Peretz.

To apply, the foreign applicant and the Israeli partner hosting him or her must fill out an online form, which will be reviewed by the Economy Ministry and the Population and Immigration Authority.

If accepted, individuals will be required to take a coronavirus test and present their negative results on arrival.

Israel shut its skies to foreign travelers at the start of the coronavirus crisis and has since not reopened.

On Wednesday, outgoing coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu visited Ben-Gurion Airport and recommended an outline be determined to keep Israelis returning to the country from red and green states separate.

At an early briefing, he said that a coronavirus testing center should be setup at the airport within the next two weeks.