Israel signs deal with US to join visa waiver program
Israel’s Ambassador Mike Herzog and US Ambassador Tom Nides signed a memorandum of understanding which should remove the last hurdle on Israel’s way to join the program.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi announced Wednesday evening that Israel and the United States signed a reciprocity agreement, opening the way for Israel to join the American visa waiver program.
The signing does not automatically include Israel in the program, but removes the main hurdle to join it.
The agreement, signed by Israel’s Ambassador to Washington Mike Herzog and by outgoing US Ambassador in Jerusalem Tom Nides, will allow any American citizen to enter Israel via its airports, including Americans residing in the West Bank or Gaza.
Later, when the process is completed on both sides, it will enable Israelis to travel to the United States without a pre-requested visa.
