Updated 2026-05-31
Revised and brought up to date with current knowledge on 31 May 2026.
COVID-19 is now an endemic respiratory illness in Israel, managed much like other seasonal respiratory infections. The emergency measures of 2020–2022 — lockdowns, the Green Pass and mandatory isolation — have ended (mandatory isolation was abolished in Israel in May 2023), and there are no COVID-related restrictions on entering the country.
Vaccination
Updated, variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccines are offered in Israel, usually ahead of the winter respiratory season. They are recommended mainly for people at higher risk of severe illness — older adults, people who are immunocompromised, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions — though eligibility and the recommended groups are set by the Israeli Ministry of Health and change over time. Israelis are vaccinated through their HMO (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet or Leumit); foreign nationals can see our COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals page.
Testing
Rapid antigen (home) tests are widely available from pharmacies and are the usual way people check for COVID-19. PCR testing is available through HMOs and private laboratories when a more sensitive result is needed; we can arrange private PCR and antibody testing.
If you have symptoms
Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and loss of smell or taste, and overlap with flu and other viruses. There is no longer mandatory isolation, but if you are unwell it is sensible to stay home while you have a fever, avoid close contact with vulnerable people and wear a mask around others. Most people recover with rest and fluids. Seek medical care if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion or symptoms that worsen — and promptly if you are in a higher-risk group, as antiviral treatment can help when started early.
How we can help
At Tel Aviv Doctor we offer COVID-19 advice, testing and treatment, including home and hotel visits. Get in touch if you need to see a doctor, or see the Israeli Ministry of Health for the latest official guidance.
Sources
- Israeli Ministry of Health — COVID-19 portal (corona.health.gov.il).
- World Health Organization — COVID-19 living guidance.
