By KTA news team |
The US government endorse efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship that benefits citizens of both the U.S. and Israel.
One such effort is collaboration towards Israel meeting the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program. This program is primarily a security partnership between the U.S. and participating countries and the U.S. government is actively working towards Israel’s compliance with all program requirements.
The process of joining the Visa Waiver Program is complicated and time-consuming, with maintaining a non-immigrant visa refusal rate below 3% being just one of the necessary steps. The Israeli government must take swift action, including passing three laws in the Knesset, setting up technical requirements related to data sharing and traveler screening, and ensuring reciprocity of travel for all U.S. citizens, including Palestinian Americans. Time is of the essence, as the deadline to complete these actions is September 2023, the end of the U.S. fiscal year.
Reciprocity of travel is a crucial aspect of the program, guaranteeing equal treatment and freedom of travel for all U.S. citizens, regardless of national origin, religion, or ethnicity, including those visiting or transiting through Israel, including the West Bank via Ben Gurion Airport. We are committed to promoting a secure and efficient travel experience for all Americans.
