Doha: Qatar has officially joined the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days.
With this induction, Qatar becomes the first Gulf country to join the VWP.
Two separate dates have been announced for the program's enforcement. U.S. citizens will be able to travel to Qatar visa-free for up to 90 days starting October 1, 2024.
For Qatari citizens, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile app will be updated by December 1, 2024, enabling them to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
Those with existing B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use their visas for travel to the U.S.
Qatar is the 42nd member of the Visa Waiver Program, which adds countries infrequently; Croatia was added in 2021, and Israel joined last year.
Benefits of Visa Waiver program
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Simplified travel for citizens: Citizens of VWP countries can travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa, saving time, effort, and costs typically involved in visa applications.
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Enhanced security cooperation: The program fosters deep security collaboration through information sharing, it helps improve counterterrorism, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement efforts.
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Boost to tourism and commerce: By easing travel restrictions, the VWP promotes increased travel, tourism, and business activities between participating countries and the U.S., benefiting both economies.
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Reciprocal benefits: In return, U.S. citizens can travel visa-free to participating countries, which fosters greater connectivity, tourism, and cultural exchange.
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Strengthened diplomatic ties: Being part of the VWP is seen as a sign of trust and partnership. It strengthens diplomatic relationships between the U.S. and VWP members by enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual security and economic interest.
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Streamlined border management: VWP countries must adhere to high standards for document security, immigration control, and border management, which improves overall security on both sides.
Requirements, compliance and monitoring
Qatar’s inclusion into the VWP comes after it fulfilled the the requirements of keeping the nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3%, issuing secure travel documents, offering equal entry privileges to all U.S. citizens regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity, or gender, and cooperating on law enforcement, border management, and other issues.
While Qatar has entered the program, continuous compliance with the program’s security measures will be regularly monitored.