Effective October 19, 2023, Israeli citizens traveling to the U.S. for business or pleasure are now able to apply to enter the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program by obtaining ESTA Travel Authorization instead of a visitor visa.

Under this directive, Israeli citizens traveling to the U.S. will no longer be required to obtain visitor visas at U.S. Consular posts and undergo the months-long visa application process and wait time for the purpose of securing visitor visas (B-1/B-2). The Department of Homeland Security initially scheduled this directive to take effect on November 30, 2023, but has now advanced the effective date.

As explained in our recent alert, the Visa Waiver Program allows citizens and nationals of Israel to apply online for authorization to travel to the United States in accordance with ESTA. The ESTA authorization for entry is generally valid for a period of two years and may be renewed indefinitely. ESTA also requires that the applicant be over the age of 18 and be in possession of a biometric passport valid for ten years.

For Israeli citizens seeking employment or pursuing studies in the United States, work and student visas are required to be secured from U.S. consular posts in advance of entry to the United States. The criteria for admission to the program mandates the applicant country have a high visa acceptance rate and low visa overstay rate. The ESTA program permits visitors to remain in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa and will not permit visitors to change or extend their stay after entry.

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