Starting on November 30, 2023 eligible citizens and nationals of Israel will be able to come to the U.S. without a visa for purpose of visiting and business up to 90 days.
1.PROS OF THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM FOR ISRAEL
Time: Instead of applying for a visitor’s visa (B-1 or B-2) at the U.S. Embassy and wait for the interview, Israeli citizens will be able to apply online for authorization to travel to the U.S. through ESTA.
Costs: The ESTA application costs much less than the B-1/B-2 visa.
2. CONS OF THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM FOR ISRAEL
While the VWP is faster and cheaper to obtain, for some people it is still important to come with a visa instead for the following reasons:
- The VWP/Esta does not allow a person to stay over 90 days.
- The VWP/Esta does not allow a person to extend his/ her status
- The VWP/Esta does not allow a person to change status
Thus if one is planning to stay over 90 days a visitor’s visa is more appropriate.
For this reasons, Israeli citizens who already have their B-1/ B-2 visas are encouraged to continue coming under their visa.
