Qatar has become the first Gulf nation to be included in the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The development, effective December 1, 2024, allows Qatari citizens to visit the US for up to 90 days without needing a visa, provided they secure pre-travel authorization through the ESTA system. US citizens will similarly enjoy extended visa-free travel to Qatar.
The move is said to mark a deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations, enhancing both travel convenience and bilateral cooperation.
Qatar: Latest Nation to Join US Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
In return, these countries must grant similar visa-free access to US citizens.
The program is, however, highly selective, with stringent security and immigration requirements, covering areas such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration control, and border management. The inclusion of Qatar marks its commitment to meeting these rigorous standards.
Qatar is the 42nd country to join the VWP, following Croatia in 2021 and Israel in 2023. This new status will significantly streamline travel for Qatari citizens to the US, while also extending visa-free stays for American travelers in Qatar from 30 to 90 days.
Implications for Travelers
By December 1, 2024, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile app are expected to be updated to allow Qatari nationals to apply to travel to the United States under the VWP.
The US stands to benefit from easier access to one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East. While American tourism in Qatar remains relatively small, the enhanced flow of business travelers and tourists could open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.
The US market has not historically been a significant source of visitors to Qatar, with American tourists making up only 4% of total arrivals. In 2024, Qatar welcomed 129,000 US travelers out of a total of 3.28 million.
However, with the new visa-free arrangements, Qatar’s tourism authority is hoping to see a boost in these numbers.
Diplomatic and Security Implications
Qatar’s inclusion in the VWP is not just a tourism boost; it signals a growing strategic alliance between Qatar and the US. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, emphasized that Qatar’s fulfillment of stringent security requirements will deepen the bilateral relationship. This achievement reflects Qatar’s proactive efforts to meet US standards, including partnerships in sharing information on terrorism and serious crimes.
Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, noted that Qatar’s entry into the VWP strengthens security cooperation between the two nations, especially as Qatar serves as a crucial hub for international travel and trade. The program will increase information sharing, making travel between the US and one of the world’s busiest transit hubs more secure.
Next Steps
The final rule granting Qatar’s VWP status took effect on September 26, 2024. US authorities will update the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by December 1 to allow Qatari nationals to apply for visa-free travel online or via a mobile app. ESTA registrations are generally valid for two years, streamlining repeat travel.
Travelers from Qatar who hold B-1/B-2 visas can still use these for entry, but the waiver program will likely be the preferred route for many, given the reduced paperwork and costs.
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Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
