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NIV & IV Services for Non-U.S. Citizens: Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza
Contributor: Van T. Doan
It is an understatement to say that the past several weeks have been filled with fear and uncertainty for Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis alike. The conflict and crisis in the region have disrupted consular operations, and as the crisis continues, the United States Department of State provides materials to help the people affected understand their current operations.
Suspension of Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) and Immigrant Visa Services (IV)
On Friday, October 13, 2023, the United States Embassy in Jerusalem as well as the Embassy’s Tel Aviv branch office announced the decision to suspend nonimmigrant visa and immigrant visa services. Regular visa services are not currently being offered in light of the volatile conflict and uncertain security.
The Department of State granted approval for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their eligible family members to depart from the Jerusalem embassy and the Tel Aviv branch office. Those visitors who urgently needed to travel to the United States but did not have a valid nonimmigrant visa were instructed to apply as a third-country national through posts in other countries worldwide, requesting an expedited appointment.
The website for the U.S. Embassy in Israel has announced that visa appointments in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will be rescheduled periodically. The rescheduling will be based on ongoing capacity assessments. Applicants with appointments that have been rescheduled have been advised not to keep their original appointment date and time.
Resources for Non-U.S. Citizens in Gaza and Israel
In the event that immigrant visa and nonimmigrant visa processing is able to resume at the U.S. Embassy in Israel, the following information is important for NIV applicants who live in Gaza and need a permit to attend their interview.
If you are a resident of Gaza applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you must complete your DS-160 form and create a user account, selecting the option for Gaza residents. You must then schedule a Consular Section appointment by choosing an appointment date and time reserved for residents of Gaza. To allow sufficient time for the permitting process, select a date at least 60 days in the future. You will then apply for your permit to leave Gaza through the District Coordination Office (DCO). Shuttle service from Erez directly to the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Consular Section, with same-day return service, will be coordinated by the Israeli authorities. Note that the information above applies only to NIV applicants. There is separate guidance for IV applicants and green card holders who reside in Gaza.
For eligible Israeli citizens and nationals, visa-free travel to the United States for tourism or business is available under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). However, travel under this visa waiver cannot exceed 90 days. Israeli citizen travelers who anticipate that they may want to remain in the U.S. for more than 90 days should still consider obtaining a visa. Similarly, Israeli citizens who may wish to change their status once in the United States should have a visa for travel.
Resources for U.S. Citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
U.S. citizens located in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if they have not already done so. STEP provides participants with travel alerts and security updates and, critically, makes it easier for the U.S. government to locate and reach its citizens during an emergency.
There is also a crisis intake form for U.S. citizens and their eligible family members living in Gaza or the West Bank. U.S. citizens who wish to request Embassy assistance to leave the West Bank should complete this form. The crisis intake form is also appropriate for use by U.S. citizens who need an emergency passport but are unable to get to the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or the branch office in Tel Aviv. It is advisable to complete the crisis intake form in order to register directly with the Department of State and prevent communication delays. The U.S. Embassy in Israel may also be reached by telephone by calling 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
The crisis in Israel and Gaza is ongoing with no end in sight; security continues to be unpredictable. Guidance, including the information we have provided here, is subject to change as the situation evolves. Continue to monitor websites for the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Israel. If you have further questions, or need assistance with any immigration matter, please contact our law office to schedule a consultation.
Categories: Immigration Law
