The United States has officially included Qatar in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making travel between the two nations easier for Qatari citizens. Starting no later than December 1, 2024, Qataris will be able to enter the US without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, as long as the purpose of their visit is for tourism or business. This decision was recently announced by the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marking Qatar as the first Gulf country to be part of this program.
What Does the Visa Waiver Program Mean for Qatar?
Once the visa waiver program is fully implemented, Qatari citizens will no longer need to go through the process of obtaining a visa for short-term visits to the United States. Instead, they will be required to apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is a simple online application that all eligible foreign travelers must complete before visiting the US under the VWP.
According to US authorities, the ESTA application process will be updated to include Qataris by December 1, 2024. Once approved, Qataris can enjoy visa-free travel to the US for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes.
Qatar becomes the 42nd country to join the US Visa Waiver Program, and it is the first country to be added to the program in 2024.
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Visa-Free Travel for Qataris and US Citizens
This development not only benefits Qatari citizens but also enhances the travel opportunities for US citizens visiting Qatar. Presently, US citizens are allowed to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days without a visa. However, under the new agreement, US travelers will now be able to stay in Qatar visa-free for up to 90 days, just like Qatari citizens visiting the US.
Continued Use of Existing Visas
For Qataris who already hold a valid US visa, such as the B1/B2 visa, there is no need to worry. US authorities have confirmed that these visas will still be valid and can be used for travel to the US as long as they remain active. The visa waiver program simply provides an additional option for those planning shorter stays or frequent visits for business or tourism.
US Officials Praise Qatar’s Admission to the Program
The inclusion of Qatar in the Visa Waiver Program is being seen as a significant achievement, both for Qatar and for US-Qatar relations. US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas expressed his admiration for Qatar’s efforts to meet the strict criteria required to join the VWP. He emphasized that Qatar’s participation will enhance security for both nations through increased information sharing.
Mayorkas highlighted that Qatar is a major hub for international travel and commerce, making its inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program a crucial step in strengthening security measures between the two countries.
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“The Visa Waiver Program is one of our most successful security initiatives,” said Mayorkas. “Qatar’s participation in the program increases information sharing regarding one of the world’s busiest travel and transfer hubs, strengthening the security of the United States.”
Similarly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the move, describing it as a sign of the growing partnership between the two nations. Blinken said that the inclusion of Qatar in the VWP will not only enhance travel opportunities but will also help improve economic and commercial relations between the US and Qatar.
Strengthening US-Qatar Ties
The decision to admit Qatar into the Visa Waiver Program is expected to deepen the already strong ties between the US and Qatar. The two countries have enjoyed a close partnership in various areas, including trade, security, and regional diplomacy.
The enhanced flow of people and commerce resulting from visa-free travel is expected to further strengthen these ties, with both countries looking forward to future collaborations.