Israel granted visa-free travel to the US in major bilateral boost

Israel has been admitted into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Israelis to travel to the US for tourism or business trips of up to 90 days without a visa. The move solidifies a major boost to bilateral ties between the two countries and comes after years of efforts from both governments. Israel met the key requirement of a visa application refusal rate below three percent, and the US expects to have its electronic systems prepared for Israel's admittance into the VWP by November 30. However, the US reserves the right to suspend or terminate Israel's membership in the program if it fails to comply with the VWP requirements.