Visa Waiver Program

Now it's official: Israel gets a visa exemption from the US

After many years of anticipation and preparation, the US government officially announced the addition of Israel to the list of visa-exempt countries - with the program going into effect this coming November

Illustration (Photo: Chaim Goldberg, Flash90.)

After years of rumors and preparations, now it's official: the US government announced today (Wednesday) Israel's addition to the list of visa-exempt countries, Israelis will be able to enter the country without a visa starting this coming November. Israel is the 41st country to join the American program.

Acting US Ambassador to Israel, Stephanie Hallett, said "I want to congratulate Israel as a 41st member of the Visa Waiver Program - so congratulations. This decision shows the close relationship between the two countries."

However, Hallett clarified that "it's not that Israelis can now fly to the US freely." According to the plan, Israelis will have to fill out a virtual form and apply online, after which a residence visa of up to 90 days will be received within 72 hours. The visa exemption is granted for tourism and business purposes, with the approval valid for two years.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the move and said "This is good news for all citizens of Israel! As we already announced at the beginning of the year, within a few weeks Israelis will be able to visit the United States without the need for a long wait for a visa from the American Embassy. Israel joining the visa exemption program is a political achievement and good news for all citizens of Israel. The visa exemption will contribute to the economy in general and tourism in particular while reducing bureaucracy and costs."

Cohen also thanked the American government for supporting the process and explained: "I thank the President of the United States Joe Biden and my friend Secretary of State Antony Blinken for their support and leadership in granting visa exemptions to Israelis, and especially the outgoing US Ambassador Tom Nides for leading the project here in Israel."

USA Israel Visa exemption Visa Waiver Program

Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.


Gallant blasts ICCs' decision on arrest warrant

Gallant on the arrest warrant against him: "The court's decision will be remembered for eternity"
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Hezbollah document found by IDF reveals all

Shocking: The secret of the Hezbollah organization has been revealed
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

ICC's decision causes a stir

USA: "We firmly reject the decision of the Hague court"
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

What led to civilian Ze'ev Jabos' death in Lebanon?

The Lebanon disaster: Golani brigade’s fatal misstep that led to Ze'ev Erlich’s death
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Jewish Jessica Tisch is NYPD's new commissioner 
Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24

Israeli airstrike in Syria

What was the target? More details about the unusual attack in Syria
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Shocking death of 71 year old civilian in Lebanon

Military police opening investigation into Ze'ev Erlich's death in Lebanon
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Russia: This base is in our crosshairs

Russia fumes over new US base in Poland 
Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24