Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked expressed optimism Jan. 4 that the US will accept Israel into its visa waiver program. Several European countries already enjoy this program, which enables their citizens to arrive in the US and get a tourist visa upon arrival, instead of the long and complicated process of asking for a visa in advance.
Shaked said her ministry had finished answering 250 questions from American authorities regarding Israeli regulations and data. The next step is for a US Homeland Security Office delegation to discuss the issue further. Such a delegation is expected in Israel by the end of the month, though no specific date was mentioned.
