When Immigration Matters

Department of Homeland Security announced today that with immediate effect, eligible Israeli Citizens can travel to the USA without first obtaining a visa.  Previously, this program was scheduled to take effect in November 2023.  Travel is for no more than 90 days, saving time and money in lengthy delays and sometimes costly visa applications.  Israelis will have to register with Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA") in order to qualify for travel without a visa.    

On September 27, 2023, the Biden Administration announced Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver program. Starting November 30, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the US without the need to obtain a B-1/B-2 Visa at a US Consulate. The Visa Waiver Program, recognized worldwide, offers eligible citizens of participating countries a streamlined pathway to enter the United States for tourism, business meetings, or family visits for a period not exceeding 90 days. The traditional visa application process is replaced with a more straightforward Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, making travel arrangements more accessible and hassle-free. Applicants applying under the program would have to file the ESTA application on the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) portal here.