Since Israel's entry into the US Visa Waiver Program, many have wondered why the embassy complex is still open when the procedure can be completed so quickly and easily with the ESSA. Here you can learn about the ESTA, why it is preferable to a US visa in most cases, and why visas are still being issued to Israelis.
What is the visa waiver program for the United States?
Until the end of 2023, every Israeli wishing to travel to the United States was required to have a current and valid visa in their passport. This process involved filling out a long and cumbersome form called DS160, paying a $185 fee, and the longest and most tiring part was scheduling and waiting for an interview at the embassy, and finally arriving at one of the embassy complexes in Israel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to meet with an interviewer from the US Embassy in Israel.
All of these and more were mandatory for every visitor to any state in the United States, even for the purpose of moving to another country (connection flight).
The State of Israel, after many years of political and security efforts, entered the coveted list of countries in October 2023. Visa Waiver Program for the United States, As the 41st country that no longer requires a visa to enter the United States.
Can everyone apply forESTA?
Any Israeli citizen with a valid biometric passport can apply for an ESTA. In the vast majority of cases, if there is no criminal record, there has never been a refusal of entry to the United States or another country, and all the questions on the last page of the ESTA form are answered with a no - the answer will be positive and it will be possible to receive approval and fly immediately.
How to apply forESTA?
The procedure is simple and convenient. You must log in to the ESTA system and fill out the form. At the beginning, you must upload a photo of your personal passport, and then answer questions about general topics, employment details, residential details, and contact information, as well as an emergency contact. At the end of the form, you must go over all the details again and pay the $21 fee.
After paying the fee, you must wait for a response.
How and when is the answer received in the system? ESTA?
Beyond the convenience of not having to get up from the couch at home to fill out and submit the form, the big bonus is the short time the process takes. After completing the form and sending it and paying the fee, you must wait for the system's response, which should take between a few hours and up to 3 days at most. Yes, what you read is correct, there is no need to wait for an interview for months and then wait to receive the visa, you receive the ESTA approval within 72 hours at most.
The answer is received in the system and the confirmation must be printed and used to fly.
why ESTA And not a visa?
Visas to the United States are still being issued to Israeli citizens. First, there are citizens who do not meet the conditions for ESTA (without a Biomary passport, with a criminal history, etc.), and also, there are Israelis who prefer to hold a visa that is issued for 10 years and also has a higher strength than the exemption certificate.
In principle, if it is a trip, a family visit, a conference, or any other tourism or business purpose, and you do not plan to stay in the United States for more than 90 days (the maximum length of stay permitted under the authorization), there is no reason to apply for a visa and it is possible to simply and quickly apply for the waiver program.
Things you should know about theESTA
• Visa exemption approval grants entry to the United States for 90 days only.
• This permit is issued for two years only or until the passport expires or a significant change in its details (personal details), whichever comes first.
• It is not possible to extend your stay in the United States beyond 90 days, but you can leave the United States and, if your permit is still valid, you can re-enter.
• Must print the approval despite the fact that it is electronic and is in the computer systems of the United States Immigration Police. No airline is currently authorized to board a passenger who does not physically possess the approval page.