Following Israel’s admittance to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the start of visa-free travel for short-term visits to the United States for qualified Israeli residents and nationals. Beginning October 19, 2023, eligible Israeli citizens and nationalities can begin applying for travel authorization to the United States via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
In September 2023, the Biden administration made an official declaration that Israel is set to become a participant in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means that individuals from Israel will have the privilege of traveling to the United States for a maximum of ninety days without the need for a visa.
To be eligible for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens from any country seeking visa-free entry into the United States must come from a nation that reciprocates privileges offered to U.S. citizens and nationals. Israel has made a written commitment to the United States, ensuring that all U.S. citizens traveling with a U.S. passport can enter Israel without any discrimination based on their national origin, religion, or ethnicity. The United States maintains a continuous monitoring process to verify that all VWP countries, including Israel, adhere to the program’s requirements and remain compliant.
How Do I Qualify for the Visa Waiver Program as an Israeli Citizen or National?
For Israeli citizens and nationals to qualify, they must hold a passport book with biometric capabilities. Travelers with non-biometric passports, temporary documents, emergency travel documents, or travel documents from countries not designated under the Visa Waiver Program cannot utilize this program and should instead apply for a U.S. visa. The processing of ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours, with the application currently available only in English, with plans to make it accessible in other languages no later than November 1, 2023.
All countries must satisfy the United States’ criteria on various matters including counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration control, document security, and border oversight. Additionally, they are obligated to offer equal treatment to all American travelers.
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