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From the Liveblog of Thursday, October 19, 2023

Israel’s entry into Visa Waiver Program takes effect today

By Jacob Magid

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19 October 2023, 10:49 pm Edit

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

Passengers look at a departure board at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, as flights are canceled and delayed because of a massive surprise attack by Hamas, on October 7, 2023. (Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP)

Passengers look at a departure board at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, as flights are canceled and delayed because of a massive surprise attack by Hamas, on October 7, 2023. (Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP)

As of today, Israelis are eligible to travel to the US without a visa, the Israeli Embassy in Washington announces.

The US admitted Israel into its Visa Waiver Program on September 27 but said up to two months would be needed to have measures in place for Israelis to be able to begin taking advantage of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

American authorities managed to finish their preparations well ahead of time, allowing the announcement to be made today.

Moving forward, Israeli citizens with a biometric passport will be able to travel to the US by applying for an ESTA application up to 72 hours before their trip. They will be able to visit the US for up to 90 days on business or tourist trips.

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