Qatar has become the second Muslim-majority country to enter the United States Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which primarily consists of key allies from Europe and Asia, allowing its citizens to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.
On Tuesday, the US Departments of State and Homeland Security announced this development, commending Qatar for meeting stringent eligibility and security requirements.
Qatar will reciprocate by allowing American citizens up to 90 days of visa-free travel to Qatar, starting October 1. The US has clarified that participating countries must adhere to strict standards regarding counterterrorism, law enforcement, document security, and border management.
“Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years,” commented the Departments of State and Homeland Security in a joint statement.
Qatar’s role in mediating a Hamas-Israel ceasefire and assisting the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan highlights its importance in regional security. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Qatar’s inclusion in the visa waiver program will strengthen ties and boost trade and travel between the two nations.
Although Qatar’s population is around 3 million, only about 320,000 Qatari citizens with valid passports are eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme. While the process still requires electronic approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), it eliminates the need for an in-person interview.