The DOS and the Department of Homeland Security have announced that Israel has been added as an eligible country in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Israel marks the 41st country added to the Visa Waiver Program list of participating countries.

Beginning by November 30, 2023, the ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, will allow citizens/nationals of Israel to apply to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without having a visa. Additionally, all U.S. citizens can also request entry to Israel for up to 90 days for business, tourism, or transit without needing a visa.

In the announcement, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed that adding Israel into the Visa Waiver Program is a big step forward for the partnership between the United States and Israel. In order to be added as a participating country, Israel was required to meet all of the VWP requirements, pass new laws, incorporate information sharing systems, and put into place new entry procedures for U.S. citizens.

Read more about the Visa Waiver Program.

How to Apply for Travel Authorization from Israel

In order to apply to travel to the U.S., Israel nationals/citizens will apply online for travel authorization through ESTA (beginning on November 30, 2023). Typically, authorization is valid for two years. This update only affects those who want to travel to the U.S. and do not have a valid visa. Those Israeli citizens who hold a valid B1 or B2 visa can continue to travel to the United States.

To apply for ESTA, you’ll need the following information:

• Valid passport from a VWP country
• Email address
• Home address and phone number
• Emergency point of contact phone and email

You’ll also need to pay an application fee of $21 USD. This can be paid using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), or PayPal.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows eligible citizens, nationals, and passport holders from 41 approved countries to apply to visit the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days or less without having to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, as long as they meet certain eligibility requirements. 

Additionally, participating countries in the Visa Waiver Program also must permit U.S. citizens to travel to their countries for up to 90 days for business or tourism without having a visa also. The agreement works both ways between countries.

Full eligibility requirements to apply for travel and participating countries can be found in our U.S. Visa Waiver Program Guide.