DHS Announces Immediate Start of Visa Waiver Travel to the U.S. for Eligible Israeli Citizens

On October 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the immediate start of visa-free travel to the United States for up to 90 days for eligible Israeli citizens. Starting today, Israeli citizens can apply for authorization to travel to the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program by obtaining an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. On September 26, 2023, DHS, in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, designated Israel as a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country. The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible travelers to travel to the United States without having to obtain a visa at a U.S. Consular Office for short periods of time for tourism or business purposes.

ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, travelers are notified of their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. DHS uses the application data to vet travelers before granting authorization to travel to the United States. As part of this vetting process, information that identifies suspected or known violators of the law and other persons of concern will be provided to the appropriate law enforcement, national security, and/or counterterrorism agency.

Participation in the VWP requires that any citizen seeking to enter the United States visa free be from a country that extends to U.S. citizens and nationals the privileges we would extend to their citizens and nationals. Israel has committed in writing to the United States that all U.S. citizens traveling with a U.S. passport may seek to enter Israel without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity. The United States continuously monitors implementation of program requirements by all Visa Waiver Program countries, including Israel, to ensure that they remain in good standing with all program requirements.