The United States announced on Tuesday, 24 September, that Qatar will join its visa-free travel list. By doing so, it becomes the first Arab country and the second Middle Eastern destination in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 

The Visa Waiver Program is a reciprocity system enabling citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa and vice versa. So far, 41 countries have made it onto the list, which isn’t just a way of boosting tourism but also secure better economic and security ties with other Visa Waiver Program countries. 

“The Visa Waiver Program is one of our most successful security initiatives. Qatar’s participation in the program increases information sharing regarding one of the world’s busiest travel and transfer hubs, strengthening the security of the United States”, said US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

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 US visa. As far as US citizens go, they already enjoyed 30-day visa-free travel to Qatar, a duration that will now be extended to 90 days. 

Qatar Joins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. This step will strengthen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between Qatar and the US. pic.twitter.com/Xt73SsiIUf

— Qatar Embassy USA (@QatarEmbassyUSA) September 25, 2024

Qatar will be the 42^nd country to join the program, proving to meet strict requirements related to counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security and border management. “Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris.”

The addition of Qatar to the VWP doesn’t come as a surprise, since the two countries have enjoyed close ties for years. In 2022, Washington even designated Doha as a “major, non-NATO ally”. More recently, Qatar and the US have been playing an important role in trying to broker a ceasefire to end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Qatar has been hosting the largest US military facility in the region, Al Udeid Air Base.