Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog and US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, paving the way for Israel to join the US Visa Waiver program and enabling US citizens to travel to Israel without a visa.
It was an honor for me to sign a memorandum of understanding today on behalf of the Israeli government about the expansion of reciprocal benefits under the visa waiver program.
In terms of Israel entering the program, this is a big turning point. Thank you to everyone who painstakingly worked towards this goal on both sides, particularly my colleague and good friend Ambassador Tom Nides and DHS Under Secretary Rob Silvers, for their important efforts, said Ambassador Herzog, a brother of President Yitzchak Herzog.
The deal was lauded by Tzachi Hanegbi, the national security adviser for Israel, who stated: “This procedure will allow any American citizen to enter Israel and, subsequent to Israel’s approval as a member of the program, will allow any Israeli to enter the USA without the need for a visa.
Any American, regardless of their identity, including those with dual citizenship, those residing in Judea and Samaria, and those residing in the Gaza Strip, will be subject to the full application of the procedure.
The procedure’s implementation enhances the undeniable ties between the two nations and immediately benefits Israel’s security. This significant accomplishment brings us one step closer to fully meeting the requirements set forth by the US government for eligibility in the exemption program.
This accomplishment is the result of numerous individuals in the Israeli and American public systems, led by US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, who worked closely together for many months to ensure its effective completion, according to Hanegbi.
In response, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said: “DHS welcomes these measures by Israel toward satisfying the Visa Waiver Program standards.
On the implementation of its new travel regulations, the Government of Israel will work with the United States.
The mandatory requirements of the Program must all be met in order to be eligible for enrollment in the Visa Waiver Program.
In order to achieve our shared objective of having Israel join the Visa Waiver Program, the Department is closely collaborating with the Government of Israel in its efforts to fulfill those conditions.
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