25/09/2024
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25/09/2024
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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 31: U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in the Oval Office on January 31, 2022 in Washington, DC. — Tom Brenner-Pool/New York Times/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, Sep 25: The United States announced that Qatar has been included in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), recognizing the country’s successful fulfillment of stringent security requirements necessary to join the program.
The United States announced on Tuesday that Qatar has been included in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), recognizing the country’s successful fulfillment of stringent security requirements necessary to join the program.
Beginning December 1, 2024, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be updated to allow Qatari citizens to apply online or via a mobile app to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these authorizations will be valid for two years.
“By meeting the VWP requirements, Qatar has become the first Gulf state to join the program. We encourage additional partners to meet all program requirements to enhance bilateral and regional security cooperation,” the DHS statement read.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded Qatar’s accomplishment: "Qatar’s fulfillment of the strict security requirements to join the VWP will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and trade between our two countries.” He added that Qatar’s inclusion will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer and more convenient for both Americans and Qataris.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas echoed this sentiment, stating that Qatar’s entry into the visa waiver program “enhances US security,” and commended Qatar for meeting the “stringent requirements outlined in this agreement.”
The Visa Waiver Program establishes comprehensive security partnerships between the United States and participating countries that meet strict criteria related to counterterrorism, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.
According to the DHS statement, requirements for the VWP include a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate of less than three percent in the previous fiscal year, issuing secure travel documents, providing reciprocal entry privileges to all US citizens regardless of origin, religion, race, or gender, and close collaboration with US law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities.
The statement also highlighted Qatar’s significant efforts to meet all program requirements, including establishing partnerships with the United States to share information on terrorism and serious crimes.
“As with all VWP countries, the Department of Homeland Security will continuously monitor Qatar’s compliance with all VWP requirements,” the statement concluded.
Qatar is now the 42nd country worldwide to join the Visa Waiver Program and the third to be added since President Joe Biden took office.
