In a historic move, the U.S. government announced on Wednesday that it is admitting Israel into a program that will allow visa-free entry by Israeli citizens starting November. 30.
Israel’s Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that his country’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) serves to bolster the security, economic, and interpersonal connections between the United States and Israel.
As of November 30, 2023, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will undergo updates, enabling Israeli citizens and nationals to apply for travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes, granting them a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. This significant step further enhances the bonds of security, economy, and people-to-people relations shared between the United States and Israel. Concurrently, with Israel’s amendments to its travel policies, all U.S. citizens can seek entry to Israel for up to 90 days, be it for business, tourism, or transit, without the need for a visa.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken underscored the importance of this development, characterizing Israel’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program as a pivotal advancement in the strategic partnership between the two nations. He emphasized that this achievement will not only facilitate the movement of U.S. citizens, including those residing in the Palestinian Territories or traveling to and from them, but also foster enduring people-to-people interactions, bolster economic cooperation, and strengthen security coordination between the United States and Israel.
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which already encompasses countries like France, the UK, Spain, and 38 others, now warmly welcomes Israel into its fold.
