US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Tuesday the inclusion of the State of Qatar in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Qatar will be the first Arab country and the 42nd member worldwide in the Visa Waiver Program.
Israel was the last country to join in 2023.
A statement issued by the Departments of State and Homeland Security stated that "cooperation and information sharing are at the heart of the Visa Waiver Program, which will greatly advance US security interests as well as encourage legitimate travel and trade between the two countries."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mayorkas commended Qatar for meeting the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program.
The statement stated that "Qatar is an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has grown stronger over the past few years. This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability."
“By meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, Qatar has become the first Gulf country to enter the program, and we encourage additional partners to meet all program requirements to allow entry in the interest of enhancing bilateral and regional security cooperation,” he explained.
“Qatar’s participation in the program increases information sharing regarding one of the world’s busiest travel and transportation hubs, enhancing the security of the United States,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
For his part, Blinken said, “Qatar’s meeting of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and trade between our two countries. Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Doha safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris.”
The statement explained that “the Visa Waiver Program builds comprehensive security partnerships between the United States and designated countries that meet stringent requirements related to counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration, document security, and border management.”
These requirements include having a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate of less than 3 percent during the previous fiscal year, and issuing secure travel documents. Reciprocal entry privileges extend to all U.S. citizens and residents regardless of national origin, religion, race, or gender, and work closely with U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities.
According to the statement, Qatar has made significant efforts across the government to meet all program requirements, including partnering with the United States to share information on terrorism and serious crimes.
The statement indicated that as of December 1, 2024, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization online and mobile application will be updated to allow citizens of Qatar to apply for travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa.
These permits are generally valid for two years. Travelers holding valid B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use their visas to travel to the United States, and B-1/B-2 visas will remain an option for Qatari citizens.
US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar, and starting October 1, 2024, they will be eligible to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days instead of the previous maximum of 30 days if they have a passport valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and a confirmed hotel reservation upon arrival.
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