Qatari Citizens Can Travel to the U.S. Without a Visa

In a significant development for international travel, Qatar has become the second Muslim-majority country to gain admission into the United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Announced on Wednesday by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security, this achievement allows Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without the need for a visa, effective no later than December 1, 2024.

The decision to admit Qatar into the VWP is based on the nation meeting strict eligibility criteria, which include maintaining a low visa refusal rate, minimizing visa overstays, and ensuring reciprocal visa-free access for American travelers.

Currently, U.S. citizens can visit qatar for up to 30 days without a visa, and this will be expanded to 90 days starting October 1, 2024, for Americans who meet specific requirements, including having a valid passport and confirmed hotel booking.

The VWP is designed to enhance security partnerships between the U.S. and participating countries. To qualify, nations must fulfill rigorous standards concerning counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.

Qatari travelers will apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) via an online application or mobile app, which will soon be updated to include Qatar. These travel authorizations are typically valid for two years. Meanwhile, those with existing B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use them for travel to the U.S.