Recently we posted that Israelis can now apply for an ESTA to come to the U.S. without needing a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but Israel is NOT the only country part of the VWP!
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens or nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for stays up to 90 days, without obtaining a visa. Travelers must apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, known as ESTA, at least 72 hours prior to travel. What countries are included in the VWP? A total of 41 countries are included in the program, including Australia, Chile, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Spain. (List of all Visa Waiver countries here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html ). If you are a citizen or national of one of these countries, you most likely do not need a visa to come to the U.S. for business or pleasure and stay for up to 90 days! What will you need to apply for an ESTA?
For how long will my ESTA be valid? In general, ESTA is valid for 2 years, but you will need to update your ESTA before expires if you (1) receive a new passport; (2) change your name; (3) change your gender; (4) change your country of citizenship; or (5) need to change your responses on the ESTA application.
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On September 27, 2023, DHS and DOS announced that, starting on November 30, 2023, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be updated to allow Israeli citizens and nationals to apply to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining an U.S. visa.
On October 19, 2023, DHS announced that the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Israelis would start IMMEDIATELY! Under the VWP, citizens and nationals of Israel who wish to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days do not need to obtain a B visa anymore**. Travelers must apply online for an ESTA up to 72 hours in advance of travel. ESTA authorizations are generally valid for two (2) years, but need to be renewed in certain circumstances, such as obtaining a new passport or name changes. Israelis with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the U.S. ESTA applications may be found at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or download the “ESTA Mobile” app. **In general, foreign nationals who are determined by ESTA to be ineligible for participation in the Visa Waiver Program— because of past immigration compliance or law enforcement issues—will need to apply for a B visa at a U.S. consulate. |
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