Qatar has officially become the first Arab country to be included in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), according to an announcement by US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday.
With this development, Qatar joins 41 other nations in the program, which allows visa-free travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Qatar, which becomes the latest country to join the program after Israel, which was added in 2023.
In a joint statement from the US Departments of Homeland Security and State, officials emphasized the importance of collaboration and information-sharing as central components of the Visa Waiver Program.
The program, they stated, not only enhances U.S. security interests but also promotes legitimate travel and trade between the two nations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas both praised Qatar for meeting the strict security requirements necessary for admission into the program.
The statement noted the deepening of the strategic partnership between the US and Qatar in recent years, highlighting this development as further evidence of their shared commitment to security and stability.
Qatar now becomes the first Gulf nation to participate in the program, a move officials hope will encourage other countries in the region to meet the requirements for future inclusion.
Mayorkas stressed that Qatar’s participation enhances the exchange of vital travel and transportation information between one of the world’s busiest hubs and the United States, further strengthening US national security.
Blinken added that Qatar’s compliance with the program’s stringent security criteria underscores the depth of their strategic relationship and will simplify travel for both Americans and Qataris, boosting both tourism and commerce.
The Visa Waiver Program strengthens security cooperation between the U.S. and participating nations by setting rigorous standards in areas such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration, border security, and document integrity.
To be eligible, a country must have a non-immigrant visa refusal rate below 3%, among other security and enforcement requirements.
Qatar has worked closely with the US government to meet all of these criteria, including partnering on efforts to share information on terrorism and serious criminal activity.
As a result, starting December 1, 2024, Qatari citizens will be able to apply for travel authorization to the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for stays of up to 90 days without needing a visa.
These authorizations will generally be valid for two years, allowing Qatari citizens to visit the US multiple times for tourism or business. Additionally, Qatari travelers with valid B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use them, as those visas will remain a viable option.
The US already enjoys visa-free travel to Qatar, and starting October 1, 2024, U.S. citizens will be able to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days—an increase from the previous 30-day limit—as long as they meet entry requirements, including holding a valid passport and confirmed hotel reservations.
