Update: The start date for implementation has been moved up to September 19, 2023.
Original post:
As of November 30, 2023, Israel will be the 41st member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens of member countries of the Visa Waiver Program may enter the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. In return, U.S. citizens may enter member countries under the same conditions. Beginning on November 30th, Israeli citizens may apply online for authorization to travel to the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may travel to the United States as visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining a visitor’s (B-1 or B-2) visa from a U.S. Consulate. VWP admittees may enter for periods of up to 90 days, provided that they are eligible for admission under applicable law.
On September 27, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the designation of Israel in the VWP. Eligible Israeli passport holders with ESTA clearance will be able to visit the U.S. without visas from November 30. There are now 41 VWP countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
Like other VWP travelers, eligible Israeli passport holders must apply for advance authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). VWP travelers are not permitted to board a carrier to travel to the U.S. by air or sea unless they have ESTA clearance.
© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2023