Starting next week, vaccinated tourists will be allowed to enter Israel amid a fall in infections in the country. 

Israel shut its borders more than 18 months ago and eased travel restrictions in recent months to allow close relatives of Israelis and some small groups.

But under the new rules, from next Monday foreign tourists will also be allowed in, provided they can show proof of vaccination or recovery from the virus within 180 days of their departure date.

Travellers must also present a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours of their departure and upon arrival, take another test and self isolate for up to 24 hours.

“This is not the end of the struggle, but only the beginning. We look forward to welcoming back tourism to Israel,” said tourism minister Yoel Razvozov.

Israeli media reported today that covid-19 infections reached their lowest point in the country in four months this week, with 642 people testing positive on Wednesday.

Israel’s booster campaign, rolled out in recent months, has seen nearly half the population (43 per cent) receive a third dose of a covid-19 vaccine.

Tourism to Israel peaked prior to the pandemic, contributing 23 billion shekels to its economy (£5.2 billion), according to Reuters.