In a significant development for travel between Qatar and the United States, Qatar has officially joined the US Visa Waiver Program. This marks a historic moment, as Qatar becomes the first Gulf nation to meet the program’s stringent requirements. The announcement, made by the US Department of State and Homeland Security, signifies a deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations.
This new agreement will allow Qatari nationals to travel to the US for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without needing a visa. This visa-free travel is expected to commence by December 1, 2024. Instead of applying for a visa, Qatari citizens will only need to obtain an ESTA, an electronic authorization required for all visitors under the Visa Waiver Program. Those holding valid B1/B2 visas may continue to use them until they expire.
Qatar’s inclusion brings the total number of members in the Visa Waiver Program to 42, and it is the first country to be added this year. Both US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken have praised Qatar for fulfilling the rigorous security criteria for joining the program. Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the enhanced information sharing and strengthened US security that will result from this partnership. Secretary Blinken highlighted the deepening relationship between the two nations, promoting smoother travel and commerce.
This agreement not only benefits Qatari citizens, but also US citizens. They can now stay in Qatar visa-free for up to 90 days, an extension from the previous 30-day limit. The move is expected to further strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries, facilitating a more seamless exchange of people and ideas.
