U.S. Expedites Israeli Entry Into Visa Waiver Program

United States fast-tracks Israeli inclusion in waiver program allowing Israelis 90-day visa-free U.S. travel amid escalating Israel-Hamas conflict.

The U.S. has expedited Israel's entry into its Visa Waiver Program, now operational as of October 19, 2023, initially announced for November 30.
Under this program, Israelis can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes without needing to apply for a visa.
To be eligible for the program, Israelis must possess a biometrically enabled passport and register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, a process that can take up to 72 hours.
The decision comes amidst the escalating Israel-Hamas war and just days after Israel's admittance into the visa program, Hamas launched attacks against numerous locations in southern Israel.
Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program must meet three critical benchmarks, including treating all U.S. citizens equally when traveling to or through the participating country, although many critics allege Palestinian Americans still face discrimination while traveling to Israel.
Senate Democrats have previously raised concerns about Israel's compliance with the program's regulations, alleging the existence of a 'two-tiered system' that discriminates between different groups of U.S. citizens.