Tuesday 24 October 2023

Update
On 27 September 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the State Department, designated Israel as the newest country on the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), to go into effect by 30 November 2023. On 19 October 2023, DHS announced that the start of visa-free travel through ESTA for Israeli citizens and nationals would begin immediately.

This acceleration is critical, as due to the ongoing crisis in the region both the Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv have suspended nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services as of 16 October 2023 and are not offering normal visa services. Travelers with an emergency need to travel to the US have been instructed by the US Embassy to apply outside of Israel for a US visa, noting that US Embassies and consulates worldwide can assist with expedited appointments for emergency travel. It is unknown when the Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv will resume normal visa services. With the VWP now available to citizens of Israel, Israeli citizens and nationals without access to consular services in Israel can apply online for authorization to travel to the US without first obtaining a US visa.

Background
Citizens and nationals from 41 designated countries are permitted to visit the US without a visa for business and tourism purposes for temporary periods of stay lasting up to 90 days under the VWP. Eligible nationals and citizens of these countries obtain authorization for US admission through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is a fully automated, electronic system that screens passengers before they travel. Generally, ESTA authorizations are valid for two years at a time and allow multiple trips. As a part of the reciprocity agreements the US has with members (“program countries”), admitted countries must extend visa-free admission to all US citizens for business and tourism purposes for comparable periods of stay. ESTA applications may be submitted at esta.cbp.dhs.gov and applicants will receive a response within 72 hours. Currently, the application is only available in English but is expected to be available in other languages by 1 November 2023.

If you are an Israeli citizen or national and would like assistance to determine if you are eligible to apply for ESTA, contact your Laura Devine Immigration attorney or enquiries@lauradevine.com.