Israel’s ‘green passports’ plan could lead way in reviving world tourism after Covid-19 vaccination programme is complete
- The country has vaccinated more of its population than any other and is in talks with Greece and Cyprus about allowing travel to resume
- Diplomats in Beijing say preliminary talks with China are under way as it looks to set up reciprocal arrangements with other countries
Israel is hoping that its world-leading vaccination programme will allow it to resume tourism later this year and is talking to Greece and Cyprus about reopening their borders.
The country, which has vaccinated a higher proportion of its citizens than any other, started to issue “green passport” certificates last week that show holders have been given two full doses of the vaccine, one of its diplomats in China said.
It is now trying to negotiate reciprocal arrangements with other countries to permit entry to those carrying the certificates.
Israel’s experience is likely to be closely watched around the world as it could become the first country to inoculate enough people to reach the ultimate goal of achieving herd immunity.
“What we are planning to do is to open a programme of green passports, which means everybody that’s been vaccinated could travel to other countries without the need for being tested before, during the visit or being quarantined after visiting the country,” said Yuval Waks, deputy chief of the Israeli mission in Beijing.
He said Greece could be the first country to sign such an agreement with Israel, followed by Cyprus because “it’s also good for their economy” and “tourists from Israel are eager to go”.