Green Passport

The Green Passport, Israel's ticket to living hand in hand with the blows of the coronavirus, was implemented and tweaked to match infection and hospitalization rates as the pandemic carried on. 


It was first rolled out on Sunday, February 28, 2021, via the Health Ministry under then-prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 


Several thousand Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines first arrived in Israel in late December. The rollout began soon after so that, by the end of February, enough Israelis had been vaccinated that the prospect of opening up communal spaces without mass breakouts was feasible. 


The green passport is granted to individuals once they passed their one-week marker after receiving their second dose, meaning they are fully vaccinated. The pass is also given to those who have recovered from the virus. 


These individuals could show their pass - in physical form or via the mobile app - at the entrance to registered gyms, theaters, hotels, concerts and synagogues and be allowed in. 

Purim Shpiel: Off-Green Pass goes into effect

The following is a satirical article from The Jerusalem Post's annual parodic Purim page, The Jerusalem Roast. Enjoy!

  Israel's Green Pass validity was extended until Thursday on Sunday after the Health Ministry 'traffic light' website crashed, October 3, 2021.
 Children aged 5-11 receive their first first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, at Clallit vaccination center in Jerusalem on November 25, 2021.

COVID-19 in Israel: Testing for schoolchildren may end March 1

A woman shows her green passport at the Khan theater in Jerusalem on February 23, 2021.

COVID-19 in Israel: All you need to know on the new Green Pass policies

 Israel's Green Pass validity was extended until Thursday on Sunday after the Health Ministry 'traffic light' website crashed, October 3, 2021.

COVID-19: Green Pass narrowed to large events starting next week


Israel's COVID-19 Green Pass: To renew or not to renew? - analysis

The conversation has turned to what will come next. Will the Green Pass be renewed, either fully or partially, or will it be cancelled in its entirety?

Israeli rock singer Shalom Hanoch Perform in front  people vaccinated against COVID-19  holding a Green Passport in  Bloomfield Stadium on March 6, 2021.

COVID-19 in Israel: New coronavirus law limits gov't power over restrictions

“Where there is no clear epidemiological justification, it is not possible to cancel the [green pass] restrictions,” said MK Gilad Kariv.

 Shaare Zedek hospital team members wearing safety gear as they work in the Coronavirus ward of Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem on January 20, 2022.

Amid Omicron, Israel must move beyond COVID-19 Green Pass - editorial

Omicron's less deadly implications, especially for the fully vaccinated, means that new ways must be found to create environments that are as safe as possible.

  Israel's Green Pass validity was extended until Thursday on Sunday after the Health Ministry 'traffic light' website crashed, October 3, 2021.

Israel must clarify its confusing COVID-19 rules - editorial

If Israel is to provide a model for dealing with the pandemic and live up to its worldwide reputation as the “vaccination nation,” it’s time for some clarity.

 Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz and Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Nachman Ash speak at a press conference, January 2022

COVID-19: Quarantine for infected to be shortened from 10 to 7 days

COVID czar: With 600 serious patients, Israel might lockdown • 32,000 infected, 222 serious patients • Coronavirus cabinet to meet on Tuesday

  People wait in line for Coronavirus tests at Cinema City, Jerusalem, January 9, 2022

The COVID-19 fear factor won’t work forever - analysis

Israel’s Prime Minister has issued dire warnings about the “fifth wave” of COVID-19 that he says has begun.

 Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is seen holding a special press conference on COVID-19 in Jerusalem, on December 19, 2021.

COVID-19 cabinet approves malls outline - Green Pass to apply in most places

The outline for malls and other shopping complexes, devised by the National Security Council and the Health Ministry, was presented at the last cabinet meeting. 

Shoppers wear face masks and walk around a fashion shopping center in Ashdod, as restrictions over the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) ease around Israel, May 5, 2020

Gov’t slaps on new COVID restrictions as Omicron cases surge

Israeli infected with Omicron dies in hospital.

Hadassah Ein Kerem coronavirus unit

Has Israel gone overboard fighting COVID-19? - editorial

Even though most experts now say that the Omicron variant may be highly contagious but it is also far less severe than originally feared, the government seems to be escalating its war.

 Israelis leaving the country ahead of possible new restrictions due to the Omicron variant, on November 28, 2021.

MK votes 6 days after giving birth to give coalition majority

The coalition's law failed in Knesset even though Yamina MK Shirly Pinto came to the plenum to vote.

 Yamina MK Shirly Pinto arrives at the Knesset plenum with her baby six days after giving birth, December 15, 2021.

Mall entry in Israel to require COVID-19 Green Pass starting Friday

Omicron cases spike to 89 * Health Ministry says unvaccinated have three-fold increased chance of contracting variant

Shopppers in Mamilla.