Qatar Joins US Visa Waiver Program, Becoming Second Muslim-Majority Nation
Qatar has been granted entry into the US Visa Waiver Program, making it the second Muslim-majority country to join the program which allows its citizens to go to the US without a visa, The Associated Press reports.
The Departments of State and Homeland Security announced the decision Tuesday, citing Qatar’s fulfillment of stringent eligibility requirements. These include a low visa refusal rate, a low rate of visa overstays, and reciprocal treatment of American travelers, who already enjoy visa-free entry to Qatar 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 departments stated in a joint press release. “This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability.”
Qatar’s inclusion in the program comes after its recent efforts in mediating a cease-fire deal in Gaza and its instrumental role in assisting the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. It is the 42nd country to join the program, which primarily includes longstanding states in Europe and Asia. The only other Muslim-majority nation in the program is Brunei.
Program Details and Impact
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating nations to enter the US for business or tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. However, they still need to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system, which involves an online application process.
While Qatar’s population exceeds 3 million, only a small percentage — some 320,000 — are Qatari citizens eligible for the program. The majority of residents in Qatar are foreign workers and expatriates who hold different nationalities.
Future Implications
The US will reciprocate Qatar’s visa-free entry by allowing American citizens to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days, beginning October 1st.
Israel was the last country to be admitted into the program in 2023, despite concerns regarding its treatment of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim American travelers.
