Starting October 1, 2024, citizens of the United States will be able to stay within the territory of Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days instead of the current limit, which stands at 30 days.

The extension of the permitted visa-free stay period for Americans traveling to Qatar comes after the US decided to include the country in its Visa Waiver Program, VisaGuide.World reports.

Confirming the news, US Homeland Security said that everyone who has a valid passport for at least three months from the date of arrival and also has proof of having secured accommodation will be eligible for a 90-day visa-free stay.

U.S. citizens already enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar, and beginning October 1, 2024, will be eligible to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days instead of the previous 30-day limit if they have a passport that is valid for at least three months from arrival and a confirmed hotel booking on arrival.

As for Americans who want to stay in Qatar for more than 90 days, they will need to undergo the visa procedures.

Qatar Becomes First Gulf Country to be Added to US Visa Waiver Program

Qatar has become the first Gulf country to be added to the Visa Waiver Program of the US, and at the same time, the 42nd country included in this scheme.

As the US authorities have confirmed, passport holders of Qatar will be able to enter the US visa-free for stays of up to 90 days starting no later than December 1, 2024.

However, it has been stressed that the 90-day visa-free stay is only permitted for Qataris entering the US for tourism and business purposes.

This means that those who plan to enter the country for other reasons that require long-term visas will need to apply for the document and undergo the visa process.

Starting no later than December 1, 2024, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile app will be updated to allow citizens and nationals of Qatar to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa.

Regarding Qataris who currently hold valid US visitor visas, the authorities said that they will be able to continue using the document for as long as it remains valid.

Moreover, the US authorities explained that as soon as Qatar officially enters the Visa Waiver Program, Qataris will need to meet the ESTA requirement by applying for the document online.