US grants visa-free entry for Qatari nationals

The United States announced on Tuesday that Qatar has been admitted into its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days. This change will take effect starting from December 1, making Qatar the first Gulf country to join the prestigious program.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State released a joint statement, commending Qatar for meeting the rigorous security requirements necessary to qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

"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", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the statement.

The program permits visitors traveling for tourism or business to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. For a country to be admitted, Washington requires compliance with strict standards on counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security and border management.

According to the statement, Qatar demonstrated a "significant whole-of-government effort to meet all program requirements", particularly in areas such as partnering with the U.S. to share information on terrorism and serious crimes.

Qatar is now the 42nd member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, with new additions being rare. Croatia joined the program in 2021, followed by Israel last year. The program also mandates that countries offer reciprocal visa-free travel for U.S. citizens.

Although U.S. citizens can already visit Qatar without a visa, starting from October 1, they will be allowed to stay for up to 90 days, an increase from the current 30-day limit.

This development is expected to further enhance the strategic ties between Qatar and the U.S., fostering easier travel and stronger business connections between the two nations.

Input from Reuters.