Israel is on the brink of joining the United States’ visa exemption program, marking a significant milestone in international relations. An unofficial communication from the US has confirmed that Israel satisfies all the prerequisites for inclusion in the program.
On September 27, 2023, the world will be awaiting the signature of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, expected to endorse Israel’s “candidacy” for the visa exemption program. Merely a day later, the US will formally announce Israel’s membership in this program.
The past week’s news has shed light on Israel’s steady progress towards joining the Visa Waiver Program, signifying the final leg of an enduring journey. However, this journey can be delineated into two distinct stages: the initial phase, involving entry into the program, and the subsequent, culminating phase symbolizing full exemption and the official inauguration of the program.
According to senior Israeli officials, cautious optimism prevails, with authorities refraining from making overly assertive declarations. A statement from Israeli officials underscored the necessity for patience, asserting, “We must await the official announcement. The ultimate decision regarding the program’s commencement unequivocally rests with the Americans, and the situation remains subject to variables. We shall sustain our optimism and hope for the best.”
Implementation of visa exemption to take a little over a month
Both Israeli and American sources suggest that the implementation phase of the program may span between one to one and a half months. Unless unexpected obstacles surface, Israeli citizens may potentially travel to the US without the requirement for entry visas by December of this year.
For citizens hailing from countries participating in the exemption program, compliance necessitates registration on the ESTA website. A nominal fee of $21 facilitates the acquisition of permission to enter the US for a two-year duration.
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