The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that starting Oct. 19, 2023, Israeli passport holders are eligible to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which, once granted, will allow them to travel to the United States for business or tourism without having to first apply for and obtain a visa.

As reported in a September 2023 GT blog post, the original effective date for Israelis’ eligibility for ESTA was Nov. 30, 2023, but it appears that, given the closure of the U.S. embassy and consulate in Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, DHS has decided to move the date up to allow Israelis to apply for the ability to travel to the United States.

As a reminder, visits to the Unites States via the visa waiver program are limited to 90 days per visit. Applicants should visit the ESTA website to apply.