On Tuesday, Qatar marked a significant milestone by becoming only the second Muslim-majority country to gain entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This move, confirmed by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security, allows Qatari citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourism without needing a visa, provided they meet certain conditions.
The inclusion of Qatar follows the country’s adherence to stringent criteria set by the United States, including maintaining a low visa refusal rate, minimizing visa overstays, and ensuring reciprocity for American travelers. U.S. citizens are already permitted to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days, which is a key aspect of the reciprocal agreement.
In a joint statement, the U.S. government hailed Qatar as a strong and reliable partner. “Qatar has been an exceptional ally for the United States, and this step further cements our strategic partnership, underlining our mutual commitment to security and regional stability.”
Qatar is the 42nd country to join the Visa Waiver Program. Historically, the program has been dominated by European and Asian nations, with Brunei being the only other Muslim-majority country to be included. Qatar’s entry highlights its growing global influence and the solidification of U.S.-Qatar relations, particularly following Qatar’s vital role in diplomatic negotiations in Gaza and its assistance during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Despite Qatar’s population exceeding 3 million, only approximately 320,000 Qatari citizens, holding valid passports, will be eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S. The majority of residents in Qatar are expatriates, largely foreign workers, who are not Qatari citizens and thus do not qualify under the VWP.
While the program grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days for business or tourism, Qatari travelers will still need to secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their journey. This is an online application process that differs from traditional visa applications, as it does not require an in-person interview.
In a reciprocal gesture, U.S. citizens will also benefit from extended visa-free stays in Qatar, with the duration set to increase to 90 days from October 1st.
Qatar’s inclusion in the VWP follows Israel’s entry into the program in 2023, although Israel’s admission raised concerns about equitable treatment of certain groups, such as Palestinian Americans. Nonetheless, Qatar’s acceptance into the program reflects its ongoing strategic importance in U.S. foreign relations and its commitment to upholding the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program.