Qatar Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program, Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Security Cooperation

The United States has announced that Qatar will be included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a decision made today by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas in collaboration with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. The inclusion of Qatar in the VWP will bolster U.S. security interests and promote legitimate travel and commerce between the two countries. This move represents a significant step forward in enhancing the already strong relationship between Qatar and the United States.

Qatar’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is a testament to the nation’s commitment to meeting the rigorous security standards set by the U.S. government. According to both Mayorkas and Blinken, Qatar has proven to be a valuable and dependable partner, and its entry into the VWP will further solidify this partnership. In his statement, Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting, “The Visa Waiver Program is one of our most successful security initiatives. Qatar’s participation in the program increases information sharing regarding one of the world’s busiest travel and transfer hubs, strengthening the security of the United States.”

Secretary Blinken echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Qatar’s compliance with the stringent requirements of the program will foster closer ties between the two nations. “Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries. Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris,” Blinken said.

The Visa Waiver Program is designed to establish comprehensive security partnerships with designated countries that meet strict standards in areas such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, and border management. Countries admitted to the program must maintain a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3%, issue secure travel documents, and offer reciprocal entry privileges to U.S. citizens and nationals regardless of factors like national origin, religion, ethnicity, or gender. Additionally, participating countries are required to work closely with U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies.

In order to gain admission to the VWP, Qatar underwent a whole-of-government effort, which included entering into partnerships with the United States to share information on terrorism and serious crimes. Qatar’s dedication to these efforts has positioned it as the first Gulf country to join the program, a milestone that both Mayorkas and Blinken commend. “I commend our Qatari partners for meeting the stringent requirements in this agreement entails and look forward to our continued work together on behalf of our respective countries,” Mayorkas stated.

As a member of the VWP, Qatar will join a group of 41 other countries that benefit from the program, which facilitates streamlined travel to the United States for business and tourism purposes. Citizens and nationals of Qatar will soon be able to apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an online application and mobile app platform. This authorization will permit stays in the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing to secure a visa beforehand. The ESTA platform is set to be updated by December 1, 2024, to accommodate Qatari travelers.

The ESTA application process is generally straightforward, and once approved, authorizations are valid for two years. Citizens of Qatar who already possess valid B-1/B-2 visas will retain the option to travel to the United States using those visas. This system ensures flexibility for Qatari travelers while maintaining high standards of security.

The VWP is not only a boon for Qatari citizens, but it also enhances travel opportunities for U.S. citizens visiting Qatar. As of October 1, 2024, U.S. citizens will enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar with extended stay privileges. Previously, U.S. citizens could only remain in Qatar for up to 30 days; under the new regulations, this period has been extended to 90 days. To qualify for this benefit, U.S. travelers must have a passport valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and must present a confirmed hotel booking.

The benefits of the VWP extend far beyond ease of travel. The program strengthens the security infrastructure between the United States and participating countries through robust information-sharing agreements. As with all countries admitted to the program, Qatar will be subject to regular reviews—at least every two years—to ensure that it continues to meet the stringent requirements set forth by the U.S. government. This ongoing evaluation process is designed to maintain the security and integrity of the Visa Waiver Program.

In total, Qatar will become the 42nd country to join the VWP, and the third nation added under Secretary Mayorkas’s leadership, following Croatia’s inclusion in 2021 and Israel’s in 2023. This expansion of the VWP highlights the United States’ efforts to foster global partnerships that promote both security and economic growth.

Qatar’s admission into the Visa Waiver Program reflects the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations. By streamlining travel, enhancing security, and fostering greater collaboration, both countries stand to benefit from this new chapter in their relationship. The move is also expected to encourage other nations to work toward meeting the VWP’s rigorous standards, with the potential for further expansion of the program.

For travelers from Qatar who wish to apply for the ESTA, information and instructions can be found on the official ESTA website or by downloading the “ESTA Mobile” app from the iOS App Store or Google Play. More information about the Visa Waiver Program is available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. This program aims to maintain high security standards while encouraging international travel and commerce, reflecting the shared commitment of both Qatar and the United States to promoting stability and prosperity.

The inclusion of Qatar in the VWP represents a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. It will not only promote economic exchange and tourism but will also contribute to the broader goals of enhancing security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts in the Gulf region. As the first Gulf nation to enter the program, Qatar sets a precedent for future collaborations between the U.S. and its allies in the region.