The United States announced on Wednesday that Israel has been granted admission into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision follows years of collaborative efforts between the two governments.
Israelis, who previously faced lengthy visa application processes, will now only need to complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form a few days before embarking on trips to the US for tourism or business purposes, with a maximum duration of 90 days.
While the US is currently working to prepare its electronic systems to accommodate Israel’s inclusion in the VWP, officials from the Biden administration, during a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, expressed their anticipation that these systems will be ready by November 30.
The official announcement was made by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday.
In an earlier briefing to Israeli journalists, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Hallett extended congratulations to Israel, labeling it the 41st nation to join the VWP. She described this development as “yet another reflection of the strength of our bilateral security, economic, and cultural relationship.”
