On Wednesday, the Biden Administration announced that Israel will be admitted into the US Visa Waiver Program starting November 30, 2023, allowing visa-free travel between the two nations.
What exactly does this mean? Let’s explain.
Israeli Citizens Visiting the USA
Currently, Israeli citizens are required to apply for and be approved for a visa in order to travel to the US. From November 30, this will no longer be the case for qualifying individuals. After that date, Israeli citizens traveling to the US for short-term tourism and business purposes can simply fill out an ESTA application. Once approved, they will be able to travel to the USA for up to 90 days without a visa.
Qualifying for the Visa Waiver Program will greatly simplify and streamline the process for Israelis visiting family already living in the US, as well as Israeli tourists.
US Citizens Visiting Israel
As part of Israel’s admittance into the US Visa Waiver Program, Israel must provide reciprocity to US citizens visiting Israel. Therefore, it is expected that from November 30 onward, qualifying American citizens will no longer require a visa to travel to Israel for short-term stays. This exemption from the visa requirement will extend to all American citizens, including Palestinian-Americans living in the US and living in the West Bank. Part of this reciprocity agreement includes free passage for Palestinian-Americans at Ben Gurion Airport.