Immigration Update: News Flash! Many Israeli citizens Exempt from Visas to Enter the United States
By Jan Pederson
In a joint statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, it was announced today that many citizens of Israel may now be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on and after November 30, 2023. Under this program, qualifying applicants may be admitted to the United States for up to 90 days for temporary visits or temporary business without obtaining a visa from an American Embassy or Consulate. Under the agreement, American citizens may enter Israel for up to 90 days for tourism, business or transiting without a visa.
However, it is not as easy as jumping on plane with a valid Israeli passport to travel to the United States for tourism or business. Preapproval must be obtained prior to travel and can be done online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. There are a number of categories of persons who cannot use ESTA. So just having an Israeli passport does not guarantee visa fee travel.
Overall, this great news. Our immigration team is available to advise you on the use of this program. You may contact us at jan@wcslaw.com.