By: Hector Chichoni, Esq. and Roy Masuri, Esq.
In our practice, we occasionally encounter issues relating to Israeli ESTA applicants under the VWP program.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated online application used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The VWP is a U.S. government initiative allowing citizens from 40+ specific countries, including Israel, to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. The VWP requires an ESTA approval, an e-passport, and a return ticket.
Israeli citizens applying for an ESTA to enter the U.S. under the VWP must have a valid “electronic passport,” also known as a biometric passport or e-Passport. This passport contains an embedded electronic chip with the passenger’s biographic information and is identifiable by a unique symbol on the cover.
However, some Israeli applicants whose passport numbers start with “2” (often non-biometric, temporary, or urgent travel documents) cannot complete the ESTA application because they do not meet the mandatory U.S. Department of State requirements for a biometric (e-passport) book, which is mandatory for VWP eligibility.
The solution is simple. Those with non-biometric documents must apply for a traditional visa, according to U.S. Department of State. Alternatively, Israeli citizens may apply for a biometric or e-passport, which should be compliant for ESTA purposes.
- There is an exception though. Individuals holding a valid, previously issued US visa on their non-biometric passport may still use it for travel.
if you have any questions regarding your ESTA or visa entitlement, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].
