Current:Home > MyAs Israel-Hamas war rages, Israelis can now travel to US for 90 days without getting a visa -AssetLink
As Israel-Hamas war rages, Israelis can now travel to US for 90 days without getting a visa
View
Date:2025-04-23 18:31:28
WASHINGTON (AP) — As the Israel-Hamas war intensifies, the United States Thursday launched a visa waiver program allowing Israelis wishing to visit the United States for 90 days or less to come without applying for a visa.
The U.S. announced Sept. 27 that it was admitting Israel into the visa waiver program, adding the country to a select group of 40 mostly European and Asian countries whose citizens can travel to the U.S. for three months without visas.
At the time, the U.S. said Israelis could start traveling to America without visas as of November 30. In a news release, the Department of Homeland Security said the program was operational as of Thursday.
Officials gave no reason for the changed timeline in a news release Thursday. But just days after Israel’s admittance to the visa waiver program, Hamas launched attacks against numerous locations in southern Israel. Since then the Israeli military has relentlessly attacked locations in the Gaza Strip as it prepares for a ground invasion.
Under the waiver program, Israelis first register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. That’s an automated system that helps determine whether the person is eligible to travel, Homeland Security said in the news release. The process can take up to 72 hours. Then they can travel to the U.S.
To be eligible, Israelis must have a biometrically enabled passport. Those who don’t have such a passport still must apply for a U.S. visa, the department said.
Countries that want to take part in the visa program have to meet three critical benchmarks. Israel met two of those benchmarks over the past two years: a low percentage of Israelis who applied for visas and were rejected and a low percentage of Israelis who have overstayed their visas. Israel had struggled to meet the third, for reciprocity that essentially means all U.S. citizens, including Palestinian Americans, must be treated equally when traveling to or through Israel.
Many critics said that despite American assertions, Palestinian Americans were still facing discrimination when traveling to Israel.
veryGood! (42963)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Audit: California risked millions in homelessness funds due to poor anti-fraud protections
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
Ranking
- Michigan lawmaker who was arrested in June loses reelection bid in Republican primary
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Olympic women's basketball bracket: Schedule, results, Team USA's path to gold
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Average rate on 30
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
Travis Hunter, the 2
Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order