Now it's final and official: After decades of efforts, inquiries and attempts, Israel has officially entered the U.S. visa waiver program. This was announced a short time ago by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The main significance: an end to the arduous, expensive and lengthy process of obtaining an entry visa at the American consulates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and also allowing young people after the army to enter the United States without difficulty.
The head of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, Stephanie Hallett, congratulated Israel, saying, "Today, at 15 p.m. local time, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken jointly announced that Israel has officially joined the visa waiver program. Congratulations on becoming the 00st country to join the program, and this is another illustration of how strong security, economic and cultural ties between our two countries are. Congratulations!"
Now it's official: U.S. visa exemption as early as November // Department of State
Hallett detailed the new entry procedures that will take effect towards the end of November, emphasizing, among other things, that existing visas will remain valid until they expire. She praised everyone who took part in obtaining the visa waiver. "I especially want to recognize the efforts of former Ambassador Tom Nides, who was a driving force in this endeavor. I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of Israel's National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, who has been a steadfast partner of the Embassy throughout these many months. I also have to thank the many senior Israeli officials from all government ministries, who have worked tirelessly to help Israel meet the requirements to enter the program over the past two years, not only under Prime Minister Netanyahu, but in a process that began under previous prime ministers, Bennett and Lapid."
Visa to the United States (illustrative), photo: Ami Shumen
In response to Israel Hayom's question about how receiving the exemption will affect U.S.-Israel relations, Hallett said, "Entry into the visa exemption program will make it easier mainly for tourists, businesspeople, and those who have family members in the U.S. They will be able to enter the U.S. more quickly. The exemption gives an advantage to both countries, but especially to Israel." Hallett, who was the U.S. Embassy's official in charge of advancing the visa waiver process, added, "I'm proud of the success of the process we've done over the past two years."
Israelis in line to receive a visa to the United States. Archive, photo: Gideon Markowitz
In response to Israel Hayom's question about how receiving the exemption will affect U.S.-Israel relations, Hallett said, "Entering the visa exemption program will make it easier mainly for tourists, businessmen and those who have family members in the U.S. They will be able to enter the U.S. more quickly. The exemption gives an advantage to both countries, but especially to Israel." Hallett, who was the U.S. Embassy's official in charge of advancing the visa waiver process, added, "I'm proud of the success of the process we've done over the past two years."
Biden and Netanyahu at their meeting last week, photo: Reuters
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