From 1st December 2024the Qatar will be the 42nd country to join the prestigious US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), a decision that marks a significant turning point in relations between the United States and this Gulf emirate. This initiative will allow Qatari citizens to travel to the United States for stays of up to 90 days without needing a visa, subject to obtaining a electronic travel authorisation (ESTA) before their departure. This step forward underlines the growing partnership between the two nations, both economically and diplomatically.
From 1 December 2024, the Qatar will become the 42nd country to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). This development represents a major milestone in relations between the United States and Qatar, allowing Qatari citizens to travel without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This decision will pave the way for simplified business and tourist travel, while strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Le US Department of State recently announced that the Qatar would enter the US Visa Waiver Programme from 1 December 2024. This makes Qatar the first Gulf Arab country to obtain this status, a sign of the evolving relationship between Washington and Doha. The programme allows citizens of participating countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without the need for a traditional visa.
A historic partnership
This decision is the result of ongoing cooperation efforts between the two countries. Qatar has succeeded in meeting strict security, border management and counter-terrorism requirements to qualify for this programme. Alejandro N. MayorkasSecretary of Homeland Security, congratulated Doha on its security achievements, underlining the strength and importance of the partnership with the United States.
Simplifying travel for Qatari citizens
With this new measure, Qatari citizens will be able to travel to the United States for business or tourism without the delays and complications of a normal visa process. Instead, they will simply need to obtain a electronic travel authorisation known asESTA before their departure. This represents a significant step forward for travel, and offers greater opportunities for Qataris wishing to explore the United States.
How ESTA works
To apply for ESTA, Qatari travellers should visit the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov or use the mobile application "ESTA Mobile". The process involves filling in an online form and paying a small fee of USD 21. The authorisation obtained is valid for two years or until the passport expires. Private agencies also offer assistance with this process.
Economic and security impacts
Qatar's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program should boost trade between the United States and Qatar. Facilitating business travel could encourage investment in key sectors such as energy, technology and infrastructure. In addition, on the security front, this new collaboration strengthens information-sharing projects in connection with the Al-Udeid airbase, which plays a strategic role in US military operations.
Other partner countries
Qatar joins an exclusive group of 41 other nations that also benefit from ESTA. These countries include long-standing US allies such as Germany, France, Japan and the United KingdomThese countries, like Qatar, can send travellers for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days without a visa, but with the obligation to obtain ESTA authorisation beforehand.
This move towards easing visa requirements, by including Qatar in the Visa Waiver Programme, could also attract the interest of other countries in the region, as mentioned in speculation about future integrations, including Cypruswhich could be one of the next nations to benefit from such a programme.
Comparison of travel conditions for Qatar and other ESTA countries
| Criteria | Qatar | Other ESTA countries |
| Admission to the programme | 1st December 2024 | Already admitted |
| Maximum length of stay | 90 days | 90 days |
| Prerequisites | ESTA authorisation required | ESTA authorisation required |
| Validity of the ESTA | 2 years or until passport expires | 2 years or until passport expires |
| Entry formalities | Filling in an online form at a cost | Ditto |
| Easy access for business | Yes, will encourage partnerships | Yes, already in place |
| Reciprocity | Not yet in force (90 days for Americans) | Already in force |
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