The United States did not like the Foreign Ministry's announcement that Israel would receive the long-awaited permit to enter the country without the need to issue a visa. According to estimates, the official announcement on the matter will be made this coming Thursday, but the same confirmation does not mean that Israelis will be able to fly to the United States as we currently fly to France, Italy or any other country in Europe.
To enter the U.S., you will need to issue a certificate called ESTA. This is a form that can be filled out online (to enter the website and fill out the form click here) and to which a response is given up to 72 hours from the moment it is submitted, with many reporting that they receive a response within a few hours.
The road to the United States has never been shorter. Statue of Liberty, USA, photo: Getty Images
The permit in question will be valid for two years and will cost $21. Those who were previously denied a visa application for criminal reasons or for fear of settling in the United States, and those who remained in the country beyond the permitted time without a permit, will have difficulty obtaining a permit to enter the United States in this format, and may be referred to the embassy for the purpose of issuing a visa. Of course, for those who still have an old valid visa, there is no need to carry out the process.
In the form we will have to answer many questions, including date of birth, biographical data, passport information, questions regarding previous periods of stay in the United States, illnesses, arrests, convictions for criminal acts, etc. Once the Americans announce the approval of the visa exemption, the decision is expected to take effect within one to two months, which means that it is very likely to happen during November.
It is important to emphasize that only biometric passport holders will be able to benefit from the visa exemption, which means that almost half of Israelis will not be able to use the short process at the end of which they receive ESTA, since only a little more than half of Israelis have a biometric passport. As a result of the move, the Population Authority offices are expected to be overwhelmed with applications for biometric passports.
Very soon, more Israelis will be able to get there. The sign of Hollywood, USA,
The Americans have the right to submit queries regarding Israelis about whom there is concern about granting a visa-free entry permit, but this is a mutual matter signed with the Americans that also allows Israel to request information regarding Americans who wish to enter Israel. In any case, this is a limited and pre-agreed number of requests.
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