Starting May 20, arrivals in Israel in will no longer have to take a PCR test upon arrival. The news was tweeted by Israel’s Ministry of Health on Monday and removes another hurdle, along with quarantining for up to 24 hours until a negative result is received, for visitors to the middle eastern country.

The decision to remove the test is based on declining cases of death from the COVID-19 virus, and overall cases in the country.

Visitors will continue to have to produce a negative test before travelling to Israel, however the new guideline (as of May 10) also allows for an antigen test to be taken within 24 hours of travel.

The government, in conjunction with Airports Authority at Ben Gurion, will also keep the arrival testing regime in reserve for quick re-introduction if needed.

The new guidelines are the latest developments by Israel to ease the entry process since relaxing vaccination entry requirements in February earlier this year.

Israel’s Minister of Tourism Yoel Ravozov tweeted his support of the news stating that he was “glad” that coronavirus tests for all those entering Israel will be stopped.

Gal Hana, Consul and Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism office in Toronto commented: “We are excited to make this announcement as Canadians have already started to fill flights to Israel and hotels in Israel… With the announced change, there will be one less traveller anxiety to encounter.”