The country, which lost more than 450 thousand people to the coronavirus pandemic, announced that it would resume issuing tourist visas this month (September 2021). Israeli travel companies are waiting to see exactly how this will work before announcing the resumption of flights and starting to sell tour packages. And when will tourists return to Israel? There is still no timeline, but there is an estimate.
India, one of the most popular destinations among young Israelis, announced last Thursday that it would soon gradually reopen to tourists after being closed to them for about a year and a half due to the coronavirus pandemic. From October 15, India will begin issuing tourist visas to passengers arriving on charter flights, and from November 15, visas will also be issued to passengers arriving on scheduled flights.
India has not yet announced whether tourists will need to take coronavirus tests before arrival or complete any specific forms. Before India closed its borders, travelers could fly there directly with El Al and Air India, or via connecting flights with Lufthansa. For now, Israeli airlines and holiday providers are in no hurry to announce the resumption of flights or new tour packages. They are all waiting to see India's final entry requirements for tourists and whether any quarantine will be required. Travel industry sources expect a surge in bookings once the picture becomes clearer.