What kind of COVID tests are there?
This English site has the most complete list of private PCR, antigen (rapid), and serological test centers in Israel.
These tests are primarily for traveling, but they have other purposes, too.
These tests are primarily for traveling, but they have other purposes, too.
Flying FROM Israel
NOTE: As of June 12th, there is no need to test at all when flying to the US.
Q: Which COVID test is needed to travel FROM Israel?
A: That depends on the requirements of the country to where you are travelling. Generally, every country will accept a PCR test. Some countries (like the US) accept Antigen tests, too. Those tests are valid for travel ONLY when paid for privately. You can see a list of 150+ places to do these tests here.
You cannot use a Kupat Cholim or free Pikud HaOref test for travel.
Q: What is the "Rapid" Test?
A: The Antigen test is frequently referred to as a “rapid” test. This test can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Results can be reported within 15 minutes, which is indeed, very “rapid.” See the next question to understand what "rapid" tests are for.
A PCR test is normally done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is generally within 24 hours. For a (hefty) fee, it can be reduced to as low as 3 hours. That is very quick, even express, but for confusion’s sake, should never be called “rapid.”
Q: What is the difference between PCR and Antigen/Rapid test?
A: To get out of quarantine, you must do a PCR test. Some people will pay for faster results, but you cannot use an antigen test for that.
Some countries (US, Italy, others) allow an antigen test to enter instead of a PCR. This is much less expensive and quicker. According to Israel's rules, you must also have an Israeli COVID certificate. The antigen testing centers listed here are accepted by these airlines. Other tests may not be accepted.
Q: Where can I go for a PCR test?
A: PCR tests must be done at a Ministry of Health registered test site, and it depends why you need the test:
Q: Which COVID test is needed to travel FROM Israel?
A: That depends on the requirements of the country to where you are travelling. Generally, every country will accept a PCR test. Some countries (like the US) accept Antigen tests, too. Those tests are valid for travel ONLY when paid for privately. You can see a list of 150+ places to do these tests here.
You cannot use a Kupat Cholim or free Pikud HaOref test for travel.
Q: What is the "Rapid" Test?
A: The Antigen test is frequently referred to as a “rapid” test. This test can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Results can be reported within 15 minutes, which is indeed, very “rapid.” See the next question to understand what "rapid" tests are for.
A PCR test is normally done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is generally within 24 hours. For a (hefty) fee, it can be reduced to as low as 3 hours. That is very quick, even express, but for confusion’s sake, should never be called “rapid.”
Q: What is the difference between PCR and Antigen/Rapid test?
A: To get out of quarantine, you must do a PCR test. Some people will pay for faster results, but you cannot use an antigen test for that.
Some countries (US, Italy, others) allow an antigen test to enter instead of a PCR. This is much less expensive and quicker. According to Israel's rules, you must also have an Israeli COVID certificate. The antigen testing centers listed here are accepted by these airlines. Other tests may not be accepted.
Q: Where can I go for a PCR test?
A: PCR tests must be done at a Ministry of Health registered test site, and it depends why you need the test:
- To end quarantine, you can get tested for free at any Pikud HaOref site (or Kupat Cholim if you have one), or use one of the private options.
- To travel, you must pay for a private test at over 100 locations listed here. Note that some of those listed test centers are antigen-only.
Flying TO Israel
Q: Which COVID test is needed before traveling TO Israel?
A: You can do a PCR test within 72 hours before departing to Israel or an antigen test within 24 hours before departure. Note that though the PCR test is free in many locations, and also allows you more time before your flight. These rules apply to citizens of all countries.
Q: Which COVID test is taken at the airport when landing?
A: Everyone who flies IN to Israel must do a PCR test before they can leave Israel’s airport. Everyone must do this test.
All travelers to Israel must fill out an “entry form” within the 48 hours before they leave to Israel.. As part of that form, there is a link to reserve a test at the in-airport Test&Go service, operated by Femi. (It is OK if your flight is late, so don’t worry about missing your appointment.)
The price of this COVID test is 80 NIS if you reserve ahead of time or 120 NIS if you do not. When you pay, you will receive an email with a barcode. You will need to show that code at the testing.
Q: What happens when I leave the airport?
Quarantine rules change frequently. We cannot cover that here, sorry.
Q: Which COVID test is required to end quarantine?
A: Some people require a pCR while others may be able to use an antigen test The PCR can be a private, paid test (see here) or a free test. Anyone (even tourists) can do a free test at a Pikud HaOref site. See here for the changing locations and times. Israelis can also get tested for free at their Kupat Cholim.
Q: After being released from quarantine, how can I get the "Green Pass" so I can get into restaurants, etc.?
A: There is a great guide what to do with your results at this link: https://aliyajourney.com/pages/covid-travel
A: You can do a PCR test within 72 hours before departing to Israel or an antigen test within 24 hours before departure. Note that though the PCR test is free in many locations, and also allows you more time before your flight. These rules apply to citizens of all countries.
Q: Which COVID test is taken at the airport when landing?
A: Everyone who flies IN to Israel must do a PCR test before they can leave Israel’s airport. Everyone must do this test.
All travelers to Israel must fill out an “entry form” within the 48 hours before they leave to Israel.. As part of that form, there is a link to reserve a test at the in-airport Test&Go service, operated by Femi. (It is OK if your flight is late, so don’t worry about missing your appointment.)
The price of this COVID test is 80 NIS if you reserve ahead of time or 120 NIS if you do not. When you pay, you will receive an email with a barcode. You will need to show that code at the testing.
Q: What happens when I leave the airport?
Quarantine rules change frequently. We cannot cover that here, sorry.
Q: Which COVID test is required to end quarantine?
A: Some people require a pCR while others may be able to use an antigen test The PCR can be a private, paid test (see here) or a free test. Anyone (even tourists) can do a free test at a Pikud HaOref site. See here for the changing locations and times. Israelis can also get tested for free at their Kupat Cholim.
Q: After being released from quarantine, how can I get the "Green Pass" so I can get into restaurants, etc.?
A: There is a great guide what to do with your results at this link: https://aliyajourney.com/pages/covid-travel
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