Members of Congress will be debating a new bill proposing that Israel be admitted as a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.  If the bill is passed, it would enable Israeli citizens to enter the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes without having to first apply for a visa.

The Visa Waiver Program currently allows citizens of 37 countries to visit the U.S. without a visa, including western and central European countries, Singapore, Australia, and most recently, Taiwan.

Several efforts have been made in the past to add Israel to the list of Visa Waiver member countries, but these measures have never passed the Senate.  The current bill was drafted by Reps. Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Brad Sherman (D-California), and introduced in the House of Representatives by 49 additional House members.  Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) is expected to support the proposal in the Senate.

Israel is one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East and and has been lobbying to join the Visa Waiver Program since 2005.  However, because not all Israelis have biometric passports (a requirement for the program) and the U.S. visa rejection rate for Israelis is higher than 3%, the country has never been added.  In addition, Israeli officials have urged the United States to enforce a more thorough security check for U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin who enter the Israel; the U.S. has demanded that all U.S. citizens be subjected to the same entrance requirements regardless of background.

“I’m pleased to reintroduce the Visa Waiver for Israel Act with 50 bipartisan colleagues in Congress,” said Congressman Sherman.  “U.S.–Israel cooperation in biotechnology and medical research, green energy, homeland security, and information technology generates jobs and much-needed economic growth.  Adding Israel to the Visa Waiver Program will boost business here in the U.S. and enhance cultural ties between our two nations.  Israelis can visit most of Europe, Latin America, Canada, and several other countries around the world, visa-free, but not the United States.  It is time we add our closest friend and democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel, to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.”

We will provide any updates as soon as they become available.