Qatar Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program, Strengthening Ties as Second Muslim-Majority Nation

Qatar has officially become the second Muslim-majority nation to join the U.S. visa waiver program, allowing its citizens to travel to the United States without first obtaining a visa. This announcement was made on Tuesday by the departments of State and Homeland Security, confirming that Qatar met the program’s stringent eligibility requirements.

The criteria for admission included a low visa refusal rate, a minimal rate of visa overstays, and a commitment to reciprocal treatment for American travelers. As of now, American citizens can visit Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days.

“Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years,” the statement from the departments noted. “This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability.”

With a population of just over 3 million, only about 320,000 Qataris hold valid passports, making them eligible for the program. The majority of Qatar’s residents are foreign workers and expatriates who do not possess Qatari passports.

The visa waiver program allows citizens from qualifying countries to enter the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days, although they must still secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which can be completed online without an in-person interview.

Starting October 1, U.S. citizens will also be able to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days. Israel was the last country to be admitted to the program in 2023, despite concerns about its treatment of Palestinian and Arab Americans.

(With AP Inputs)