For example, Ilanit, a resident of Ashkelon, is scheduled to fly to the USA in about a week with her two children. Two days ago she received an email announcing the digital entry permit, which constitutes entry to the USA without the need for a visa. But yesterday she received a new email in which it was written that her trip is not approved and she is not allowed to enter the US, along with her two daughters. “I called the embassy and realized that other Israelis received this message and it is still not clear what it is about and why, I am still waiting for answers along with other people who are stressed due to the upcoming flight and at the moment it is not known what we should do.”
A few hours later, in the evening, the status in the dedicated ESTA application changed to “approved” again. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that an unexpected malfunction occurred that affected the entry permit systems to the U.S., and in a message distributed to the aviation authorities, it was stated that passengers must double-check the status of their trip in the application or through the official website only.
The recommendation is that anyone who received an email that their visa is not approved, should re-enter the ESTA website, enter details in check status, and withdraw the visa approval again, at no additional cost.
As mentioned, this is a global glitch that affected many people around the world who received the email rejection message from yesterday.