United States: Israeli Nationals Eligible for Visa Waiver Program Starting November 30

The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without first obtaining a B visa. For B-1 business visitors, activities in the United States must conform to certain allowable B-1 business activities.

To travel under the VWP, applicants must apply through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) online application, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) up to 72 hours in advance of travel. 

ESTA authorizations are generally valid for two years, but foreign nationals must re-apply in certain circumstances such as obtaining a new passport, a name change, or a change in circumstances that affects eligibility. ESTA authorizations are not a guarantee of admission to the United States; CBP makes an admissibility determination at the port of entry.

The United States and Israel had been in discussions for some time regarding Israel’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver program. In July 2023, Israel made updates to its own entry policies in order to meet Visa Waiver Program requirements to extend reciprocal entry privileges to all U.S. citizens without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity. Israel’s rules had previously placed restrictions on Palestinian-Americans and other U.S. citizens with dual nationality in certain Middle Eastern countries. Since July, DHS has monitored Israel’s implementation of these requirements and, as with all VWP countries, will continue to monitor implementation.

Eligible Israeli nationals and their employers will benefit from eased requirements on business visitor travel to the United States as a result of Israel’s inclusion in the VWP. Advance planning will remain important, however, as ESTA authorization takes at least 72 hours and can extend beyond that timeframe. 

Foreign nationals deemed ineligible for participation in the Visa Waiver Program by ESTA, perhaps due to prior law enforcement or immigration compliance issues, will generally need to apply for a B visa at a U.S. consulate. Israeli travelers with existing B-1/B-2 visas may to continue to use those visas for visitor travel to the United States.