The Israeli Interior Ministry authorities have indicated that they will ease restrictions on the entry of American citizens of Palestinian descent at Ben Gurion Airport, in line with Israel’s effort to be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

As of the middle of July, the Israeli policy will change, allowing any Palestinian with a United States passport (or any other American national – regardless of their origin), to enter Israel and travel the country as a tourist freely like any other American citizen.  As part of this program, residents of the West Bank who hold American citizenship will be able to fly to the United States through Israel’s Ramon Airport without unnecessary delays.

This program is key to Israel’s effort to be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, as the U.S. has emphasized Israel’s need to meet this condition as a precursor to future visa waiver approval, anticipated in October or November of this year, which would allow Israeli citizens to enter the U.S. without a visa.

For more information on this Alert, please reach out to the T&S EMEA team at EMEA@tandslaw.com.