Qatar Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program, Effective December 2024

Qatar Joins the Visa Waiver Program

The U.S. government has officially announced that Qatar will become a part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), permitting Qatari citizens to travel to the United States for specific purposes without needing a visa. The effective date of this new designation is set for no later than December 1, 2024, with preparatory changes commencing on October 1, 2024.

Eligibility and Application Process

Under this program, Qatari nationals are allowed to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, they need to apply for authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA application can be easily accessed online or through a mobile app.

Once the ESTA authorization is granted, it will remain valid for two years, permitting multiple trips within the duration, with each stay limited to 90 days. For those Qatari citizens who already possess a valid B-1/B-2 visa, the existing visa can still be utilized, and they also have the option to apply for these visas for longer stays beyond 90 days.

Reciprocal Benefits for U.S. Citizens

Interestingly, U.S. citizens have been enjoying visa-free travel to Qatar. Starting October 1, 2024, they can extend their stay in Qatar up to 90 days, compared to the previous limit of 30 days. This is contingent on having a passport valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and a confirmed hotel reservation.

To qualify for the VWP, Qatar had to meet stringent requirements such as issuing secure travel documents, extending visa-free travel privileges to all U.S. citizens, cooperating closely on law enforcement and counterterrorism measures, and maintaining a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3% in the previous fiscal year.

Enhancing Security and Cooperation

Qatar’s inclusion in the VWP is expected to fortify security and information sharing between the two nations, particularly in crucial areas like counterterrorism and law enforcement. The move is seen as a significant stride in strengthening diplomatic and collaborative ties between the U.S. and Qatar.

As the latest member of the VWP, Qatar becomes the 42nd country to join this initiative and the first from the Arabian Gulf. This designation marks a historic milestone and is a testament to the robust relationship fostered between the two countries. Notably, Qatar follows in the footsteps of Croatia and Israel, who were admitted to the program in 2021 and 2023, respectively, under the guidance of DHS Secretary Mayorkas.