13 Visa Updates That Could Derail Your 2025 Travel Plans

5. Israel and the U.S. Visa Waiver Inclusion—With Caveats

In late 2023, Israel joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, allowing its citizens to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. However, the rollout has been rocky. Arab and Muslim travelers—particularly those with dual nationalities or from occupied territories—report increased scrutiny, secondary questioning, or denied ESTA approvals. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about profiling and inconsistent application of the program. While the waiver is a win for many Israeli tourists, those with complex travel histories should remain cautious. In 2025, ensure your paperwork—passports, names, travel records—are meticulously clean and consistent.