The VWP will allow Qatari citizens to apply for an electronic travel permit to enter the U.S without a prior visa.

The travel permit will be valid for two years for multiple entries of up to 90 days. The travel permit will be rendered invalid once the passport expires.

The foreign ministry also noted that Qatari citizens holding valid B-1/B-2 visas can still use these visas to travel to the U.S. should they wish to stay beyond the allowed period of up to 90 days under the visa waiver programme.

Upon announcing the decision in September, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the designation had come after Qatar met “strict security requirements”, noting that the decision was evidence of Doha and Washington’s “strategic partnership”.

“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,” the statement said.

“Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris,” it added.

Member nations of the progamme would require a rate of nonimmigrant visa refusals below three percent during the previous fiscal year.

Doha’s ambassador to Washington Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani said the decision was symbolic of “the deepening of the already strong relationship” between both countries.

“This development will bring significant benefits for both countries, and we look forward to increased bilateral cooperation in commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange in the years to come,” Al-Thani added.

“We are proud of this significant development in our partnership and remain committed to further advancements between our two countries,” he noted.

In 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) as he met with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Washington.