The United States has admitted Qatar into its Visa Waiver Program, facilitating travel for the nation’s citizens.

Announcing the news, the US Department of State and Homeland Security said that by meeting the visa waiver requirements, Qatar becomes the first Gulf country to be admitted into the program, VisaGuide.World reports.

The admission of Qatar into the US Visa Waiver Program means that Qataris will be able to travel to the US without having to obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided that they are entering the country for tourism or business purposes.

Visa-free entry to the US for Qataris will be possible no later than December 1, 2024, and once the measure enters into force, nationals of Qatar will instead need to apply for an ESTA, a requirement which applies to all foreigners who are permitted to enter the US without first obtaining a visa.

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.

As for Qataris who hold valid B1/B2 visas, the US authorities said that they can continue to use the document as long as it remains valid.

The decision to expand the visa waiver program makes Qatar the 42nd member of the scheme and the first country to be added this year.

US Officials Applaud Qatar for Meeting Strict Requirements

The US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken have applauded Qatar for meeting the strict security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program.

According to the officials, Qatar is an exceptional partner of the US, and the relationship between the two countries is important.

Secretary Mayorkas stressed that Qatar’s participation in the US Visa Waiver Program will help increase information sharing and strengthen US security.

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.

The same said the country is looking forward to working with Qatar.

Secretary Antony also welcomed the move, saying that the admission of Qatar to the Visa Waiver Program will deepen the partnership and help to enhance the flow of people and commerce between the two countries.

Qatar nationals are not the only ones who will benefit from the move. US citizens will now be able to stay in Qatar visa-free for up to 60 days instead of the current 30-day limit.