The Gulf nation of Qatar has made history by becoming just the second Muslim-majority country to be admitted into the U.S. visa waiver program, allowing its citizens to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa beforehand. This significant development was jointly announced by the departments of State and Homeland Security, who confirmed that Qatar had met the stringent eligibility requirements for joining the program.
These requirements include a low visa refusal rate, minimal visa overstays, and the commitment to provide reciprocal treatment to American travelers, who can already visit Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days. The statement released by the departments emphasized the exceptional partnership between the United States and Qatar, highlighting the strengthening strategic relationship over the years.
Qatar's pivotal role in negotiating a cease-fire deal in Gaza and its support during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan were noted as key contributions that solidified its position as a strategic partner. With this inclusion, Qatar now stands as the 42nd country to be admitted to the visa waiver program, joining other longstanding allies from Europe and Asia.
Despite Qatar's population exceeding 3 million, only around 320,000 are Qatari citizens eligible for the program with valid passports. The majority of individuals residing in Qatar are foreign workers and expatriates who do not hold Qatari citizenship.
The visa waiver program enables citizens of qualifying nations to enter the U.S. for business or tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. However, travelers must still obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online, eliminating the need for in-person visa interviews.
Starting from October 1, U.S. citizens will also be permitted to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days without a visa. The last country admitted to the program was Israel in 2023, despite concerns regarding its treatment of Palestinian Americans, Arab Americans, and Muslim Americans compared to other U.S. passport holders.
