ALBAWABA - US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Tuesday that Qatar has been added to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Qatar will be the first Arab country and the 42nd in the world to join the program.
A statement from the Departments of State and Homeland Security noted that "cooperation and information sharing are at the core of the Visa Waiver Program, which significantly enhances U.S. security interests while promoting legitimate travel and trade between the two countries."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mayorkas praised Qatar for meeting the stringent security requirements necessary for joining the Visa Waiver Program.
The statement highlighted that "Qatar is an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has grown stronger over the past few years. This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability."
It was explained that "by meeting the Visa Waiver Program requirements, Qatar has become the first Gulf country to enter the program, and we encourage additional partners to meet all program requirements to enhance bilateral and regional security cooperation."
Secretary Mayorkas stated, "Qatar's participation in the program increases information sharing regarding one of the busiest travel and transportation hubs in the world, thereby enhancing U.S. security."
Blinken added, "Qatar's compliance with the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and trade between our countries. Qatar's entry will make travel between the U.S. and Doha safer and easier for both Americans and Qataris."
The statement clarified that "the Visa Waiver Program builds comprehensive security partnerships between the United States and designated countries that meet stringent requirements related to counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration, document security, and border management."
These requirements include maintaining a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate of less than 3% in the previous fiscal year and issuing secure travel documents. The mutual entry privileges apply to all citizens and U.S. citizens regardless of national origin, religion, race, or gender, and work closely with U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies.
According to the statement, Qatar has made significant efforts at the government level to meet all program requirements, including entering partnerships with the U.S. to share information on terrorism and serious crimes.
Starting December 1, 2024, the electronic travel authorization system will be updated to allow citizens of Qatar to apply for travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa.
These authorizations are generally valid for two years. Travelers holding valid B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use their visas to travel to the United States, and B-1/B-2 visas will remain an option for Qatari citizens.
American citizens can travel to Qatar without a visa, and starting October 1, 2024, they will be eligible to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days instead of the previous maximum of 30 days, provided they have a passport valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and a confirmed hotel reservation upon arrival.
