The nation of Qatar has recently been accepted into a program that enables its citizens to travel to the United States without needing a visa. This makes Qatar the second Muslim-majority country, after Brunei, to gain entry into this program. The decision was jointly announced by the departments of State and Homeland Security, citing Qatar’s compliance with strict eligibility criteria, including low visa refusal rates, minimal visa overstays, and reciprocal treatment for American travelers visiting Qatar.
The partnership between the United States and Qatar has been described as robust, with both nations emphasizing their commitment to security and stability. Qatar’s involvement in crucial diplomatic efforts, such as negotiating a cease-fire in Gaza and supporting the U.S. during its withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been highlighted as significant contributions to the strong relationship between the two countries. By meeting the requirements for the visa waiver program, Qatar has further solidified its status as a key ally.
Despite having a population of over 3 million people, only around 320,000 Qataris are eligible for the visa waiver program due to holding valid passports. The majority of individuals residing in Qatar are foreign workers and expatriates who do not possess Qatari citizenship. Under the program, citizens of participating nations can travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Following Qatar’s inclusion in the program, U.S. citizens will be granted visa-free access to Qatar for up to 90 days starting from October 1. The addition of Qatar as the 42nd country in the program reflects a strategic alignment between the two nations and signifies a deepening of their diplomatic ties. Earlier in 2023, Israel was also admitted to the visa waiver program, despite concerns regarding its treatment of Palestinian Americans, Arab Americans, and Muslim Americans compared to other U.S. passport holders.
