Green-listed Israel says it expects to be able to allow entry for individual vaccinated travellers from 1 July.

The destination is in the process of running a pilot for vaccinated tour groups, in order to determine the best way to reopen its skies to vaccinated foreign visitors, while maintaining the country’s fight against COVID-19.

Due to the successful programme thus far, it is expected that Israel will allow entry for individual vaccinated travellers as soon as 1 July, the Israel Tourist Office said.

The update came as Israel welcomed its first British group of tourists since reopening its borders.

The group of 30, pictured, flew in with British Airways for a 10-day tour and were met by Israel Ministry of Tourism representatives.

Israel Tourist Office UK Director Sharon Bershadsky said: “With Israel one of the few countries on the UK’s green list and with Israel set to open up further to international tourists ahead of the summer, we hope that this group will be the first of many to come holiday in Israel.”

BA Regional Commercial Manager in Israel Yael Katan said: “This pilot is an encouraging sign for vaccinated UK visitors planning a trip this summer. We await details about its expansion to individual travellers with great interest.”

At present, all tourist attractions, sites, restaurants, cafes, cultural and sporting events are open, without any corona-related capacity restrictions, indoors or outdoors. Israelis have not had to wear masks outdoors since April. As long as tourists can prove they have antibodies upon entry into Israel, the same rules will apply for them too.