Banned from travel to israel but Easyjet won't refund

drtommy

Hi
I recently purchased flights to Israel in August with Easyjet. However, it has become apparent that tourists cannot get permission for an entry permit, so we cannot even travel there (not even if we quarantine upon arrival). Point blank not allowed to enter the country.

I contacted Easyjet as under their travel protection promise, if there is a travel ban in place, I can claim a refund.

However they are repeatedly stating that as the flights are going ahead, all I can do is change the flights and I am not eligible for a refund. I have emailed and called, but keep getting the same answer.

I don't understand as in effect I am banned from travelling to israel.

Anyone got any advice please?

Thanks in advance.

superbigal

On EasyJets Website

Important things to know

WHAT DESTINATIONS CAN I TRAVEL TO?

Check local government restrictions for any destination you’re looking to travel to, along with any specific country requirements.

Onwards to

Here’s who can travel to Israel right now:

• Nationals and residents of Israel.
• Passengers with an A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B3 or B4 visa arriving from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada,  Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom or USA. They must not have been in or transited through Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russian Fed. or South Africa in the past 14 days.

eskbanker

Perhaps also worth noting that clause 11.10 of their Ts & Cs makes it clear that:

You are solely responsible for checking and complying with all Applicable Laws and document requirements (including entry and exit visas or permits, health, medical and other documents) of any countries you are flying to, from or through. You are also responsible for checking government foreign travel advice which may affect your trip.

i.e. inability to secure a visa or permit is a different issue from an actual travel ban.

isplumm

drtommy said:

Hi
I recently purchased flights to Israel in August with Easyjet. However, it has become apparent that tourists cannot get permission for an entry permit, so we cannot even travel there (not even if we quarantine upon arrival). Point blank not allowed to enter the country.

I contacted Easyjet as under their travel protection promise, if there is a travel ban in place, I can claim a refund.

However they are repeatedly stating that as the flights are going ahead, all I can do is change the flights and I am not eligible for a refund. I have emailed and called, but keep getting the same answer.

I don't understand as in effect I am banned from travelling to israel.

Anyone got any advice please?

Thanks in advance.

I thought we could go to Israel?

Caz3121

the government site says "Foreign nationals must also have an entry permit. You should submit all requests for permission to enter Israel directly to the Israeli Embassy in London."
It is not clear from the OP's post whether have applied and been rejected or have not applied but assume they will be rejected

MoJoeGo

_shel said:

isplumm said:

drtommy said:

Hi
I recently purchased flights to Israel in August with Easyjet. However, it has become apparent that tourists cannot get permission for an entry permit, so we cannot even travel there (not even if we quarantine upon arrival). Point blank not allowed to enter the country.

I contacted Easyjet as under their travel protection promise, if there is a travel ban in place, I can claim a refund.

However they are repeatedly stating that as the flights are going ahead, all I can do is change the flights and I am not eligible for a refund. I have emailed and called, but keep getting the same answer.

I don't understand as in effect I am banned from travelling to israel.

Anyone got any advice please?

Thanks in advance.

I thought we could go to Israel?

 From the UK Government advice yes but that doesn't mean Israel will allow it. 

 Same with Australia, no tourists allowed in but U.K. says yes we can go. 

Perhaps we should just draw Mr John Foreigner's attention to that bit in our passport that says "without let or hindrance" when we get off the plane 

silvercar

At the moment you need to be an Israeli passport holder, part of an organised tour group or have a first degree relative in Israel, otherwise you won’t get permission.

movilogo

Under current situation it only makes sense to book travel if

1. it is an abolute emergency
   
2. you are ready to accept the loss assuming no refunds
3. paid by someone else like employer

Otherwise you taking risks as rules may change suddenly. Unless it is airlines' fault they are not bound to refund. For example, if your visa is not correct and destination country refuses to allow you then it is not airline's fault - though technically if you don't have visa and airline allows you boarding then they are later charged a penalty for failure to check your visa correctly.

sheramber

Update 11 July   https://www.touristisrael.com/when-will-travel-to-israel-resume/31963/

• From August 1, 2021, individual tourists will be able to enter Israel subject to several criteria (read on for more). Most Israel package tours and regular tours will resume. This is the date we have all been waiting for!

.....................

Whilst the situation is still dynamic and subject to change, the current plan is that when Israel opens to tourists on August, there will be the following requirement (this is expected to be the process but is not yet officially confirmed):

lisyloo

I wouldn't be surprised if some countries change their rules due to UK cases rising.
It's been said many times but it's a risk booking travel during this very dynamic situation.
Boris hasn't helped with some of his earlier messaging.