A few weeks ago we reported here that there is concern about the cancellation of the US visa exemption, due to the fact that Americans living in the West Bank are not allowed to enter Israel. The ban stemmed from a curfew, but Israel is now changing its policy and will allow American passport holders living in the West Bank to enter Israel.
It is important to emphasize that entry into Israel will be approved only after approvals from Israeli security officials, which every applicant for entry into Israel from the West Bank will have to obtain. Entry permits into Israel for West Bank residents holding a U.S. passport are part of the clauses of the visa exemption agreement between Israel and the United States.
Israelis will be able to continue entering the US without a visa, Photo: Reuters
Following the decision, the concern about the cancellation of the visa exemption is decreasing at this stage. Anyone who is approved to enter Israel will be able to stay in Israel for 90 days as a tourist, in accordance with the approvals of the Israeli security authorities. At the beginning of the Iron Sword War, the visa exemption was approved for Israeli citizens who belong to a small group of just over 40 countries whose citizens are allowed to enter the United States without a visa.
At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Israel resumed operating tourist visa services after several weeks in which the U.S. Embassy did not process tourist visas. Currently, there are two options for entering the U.S. from Israel, either under the visa exemption or through a visa.
The difference between the two options is that someone who holds a visa for 10 years will be able to stay in the United States for six months rather than just three months like someone who enters under the visa exemption. In addition, it is possible to apply to extend their stay in the United States for another six months, which is not possible for those who enter the United States without a visa. The visa exemption certificate is valid for only two years and costs about $21, significantly cheaper than issuing a visa, which costs about $140, but in most cases is valid for much longer.
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