The country’s Covid Cabinet has decided that, from Friday (26 November), arriving passengers can present a negative lateral flow result from the previous 24 hours, instead of having to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.

Passengers arriving at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport and other border entry points will still have to take a PCR test on arrival and remain in isolation until the results are received, which take place within 24 hours.

The decision to switch tests has been taken because lateral flow tests are “significantly” cheaper than PCR tests.

Sharon Bershadsky, UK and Ireland director of the Israel Government Tourist Office, added: “The easing of the process is an encouraging step from the cabinet to help ease the international travel process, which has been stringent for the health and safety of all and continues to be the number one priority. 

“By introducing antigen tests, we are hopeful these will ease the way for everyone travelling to Israel or considering making it their next holiday destination.”