Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals who have a biometrically enabled passport book can begin applying for authorization to travel to the United States through the US Customs and Border Protection’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The US Department of Homeland Security announced the start of visa-free travel on October 19 for short-term visits to the United States for eligible Israeli citizens and nationals following Israel’s admission into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The initial implementation date was set for November 30. However, the government recently announced that Israel’s inclusion in ESTA would take effect immediately.

Travelers who possess non-biometric, temporary, or emergency travel documents, or travel documents from a non-VWP designated country, are not eligible for travel under the VWP and may instead apply for a US visa.

Entry into the VWP allows successful applicants to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a US visa. Israeli citizens and nationals with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the United States.

As a condition for participation in the VWP, Israel had to extend reciprocal privileges to all US citizens traveling with a US passport without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity, which it committed to in July.

The United States continuously monitors the implementation of program requirements by participating countries. Thus, Israel will continue to have to meet US requirements of reciprocity and information sharing that other VWP countries are also required to meet.

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