WASHINGTON – In a significant move to enhance security cooperation and facilitate easier travel, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, in consultation with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, announced the designation of Qatar into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, marking Qatar as the first Gulf country to join the program after meeting the stringent security requirements set by the U.S.
The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa, with stays of up to 90 days. Qatar’s inclusion is set to streamline travel and commerce while also fostering stronger information sharing, particularly related to counterterrorism and law enforcement.
“The Visa Waiver Program is one of our most successful security initiatives,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “Qatar’s participation strengthens the security of the United States by enhancing information sharing and ensuring that one of the world’s busiest travel hubs is well-coordinated with U.S. security protocols.” Secretary Blinken echoed this sentiment, stating, “Qatar’s entry into the VWP will deepen our strategic partnership and make travel between the U.S. and Qatar safer and more secure.”
Qatar will officially be integrated into the VWP no later than December 1, 2024. From that date, Qatari citizens can apply for travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which will allow them to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism without a visa. Additionally, Qatari travelers with valid B-1/B-2 visas will still be able to use them, and U.S. citizens will enjoy extended visa-free stays in Qatar, up to 90 days.
Qatar is the 42nd nation to join the Visa Waiver Program and the third to be added during Secretary Mayorkas’s tenure, following Croatia in 2021 and Israel in 2023. The VWP ensures that countries involved meet strict requirements related to security, including counterterrorism cooperation, immigration enforcement, and secure travel documentation. Qatar’s inclusion demonstrates its commitment to security collaboration and international stability.
For more information on the VWP and the upcoming changes for Qatari travelers, visit www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program.