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Pioneering Moves: US Abolishes Visitor Visa Requirement for Israel Nationals


In a series of pioneering moves, the United States has made a historic decision. It will abolish the visitor visa requirement for Israel nationals. The United States has officially abolished the Israel visitor USA visa requirement. This ushers in a new era of hassle-free travel for Israeli citizens.

This monumental change in visa policy signifies a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between the two countries. Israeli nationals can now enjoy streamlined access to the United States. This fosters greater opportunities for travel, tourism, and business exchanges between these two nations.

The USA Department of Homeland Security announced that Israeli nationals will no longer require a visitor visa after Nov. 30, 2023 and can enter US with the ESTA Visa Waiver program

With ESTA, Israelis can travel to the USA for up to 90 days without going through a visa interview process. One can apply for ESTA on their mobile phone. These authorizations are generally valid for two years.

📣However, ESTA holders (unlike visa holders) cannot change nonimmigrant status inside USA. If the ESTA visitor wants to get an F1 Student visa, for example, they have to return to Israel. Then they can apply for the F-1 visa via consular processing.

By November 30, 2023, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be updated. It will then allow Israeli citizens/nationals to travel to the United States. This applies both for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. Within those 90 days, there is no need to obtain a U.S. visa. This further strengthens the security, economic, and people-to-people ties between the United States and Israel. Following updates in Israel’s travel policies, all U.S. citizens may request entry to Israel for up to 90 days. This applies for business, tourism, or transit without obtaining a visa.

Israel Travel Visa News from the USA Department of State:

“The designation of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program is an important recognition of our shared security interests and the close cooperation between our two countries,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This designation, which represents over a decade of work and coordination between the United States and Israel, will enhance our two nations’ collaboration on counterterrorism, law enforcement, and our other common priorities. Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program, and the stringent requirements it entails, will make both of our nations more secure.”

“Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program represents a critical step forward in our strategic partnership with Israel that will further strengthen long-standing people-to-people engagement, economic cooperation, and security coordination between our two countries,” said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. “This important achievement will enhance freedom of movement for U.S. citizens, including those living in the Palestinian Territories or traveling to and from them.”

The recent groundbreaking decision to eliminate the Israel visitor USA visa requirement has opened new doors for Israeli travelers. It will facilitate access to the United States. Under the revised policy, Israel visitors to the USA will no longer need to navigate the complexities of obtaining a visitor visa. This will streamline their travel experience.

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