Qatar Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program, Allowing 90-Day Visa-Free Travel
The Biden administration has officially included Qatar in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, permitting Qatari citizens to visit the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
The announcement was made by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who stated that Qatar’s participation “increases information sharing regarding one of the world’s busiest travel and transfer hubs, strengthening the security of the United States.” He added that this development will “deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries.”
Qatar’s ambassador to the U.S., Meshal Al Thani, expressed pride in this milestone, emphasizing that the move reflects the deepening ties between the two nations. He noted that the designation will boost cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, illegal financial networks, and human trafficking.
Under the program, the U.S. Electronics System for Travel Authorization will be updated by December 1, allowing Qatari citizens to apply for visa-free travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens can already enter Qatar visa-free and, starting October 1, will be able to stay for up to 90 days, an increase from the previous 30-day limit.
Qatar’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program makes it the 42nd member and the third country admitted under the Biden administration, following Croatia in 2021 and Israel in 2023. The program requires countries to meet stringent security, counterterrorism, and immigration enforcement standards while offering visa-free privileges to U.S. citizens.
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