Waiving visas for Qataris by US is a culmination of bilateral relations, says Interior Minister
Published: 26 September 2024
Qatari citizens can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining an entry visa
NT Bureau
Doha
H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), has said that the inclusion of the State of Qatar in the US Visa Waiver Program reflects the level of the strategic relationship between the State of Qatar and the United States, and is a culmination of the bilateral relations that link the two friendly countries in various fields.
This is “in addition to the fact that the State of Qatar is at the forefront of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa in the field of security and safety according to international indicators, in addition to its commitment to international standards in the security fields,” the Minister said.
The Visa Waiver Program allows Qatari citizens to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining an entry visa, and in return, US citizens will enjoy the same privileges when traveling to the State of Qatar.
Qatar became the first country in the region and Arab world to join Visa Waiver Program, as part of the ongoing development based on strategic partnerships between the State of Qatar and the United States.
“The Visa Waiver Program is one of our most successful security initiatives,” said US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “Qatar’s participation in the program increases information sharing on one of the world’s busiest travel and transit hubs, enhancing US security.”
“I commend our Qatari partners for meeting the stringent requirements of this agreement, and I look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of our two countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, Qatari passport holders travelling to the United States of America (US) for tourism and business purposes will be able soon to apply for a 90-day non-extendable travel authorization, an official source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)’s Department of Consular Affairs said.
The move is pursuant to the State of Qatar’s accession to the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Qatari nationals can apply for a two-year travel authorization via esta.cbp.dhs.gov or the mobile application (ESTA Mobile) through the IOS app store or Google Play store. The authorizations are valid for two years.
The travel authorization is deemed void upon the expiration of the passport, the source said, adding that the implementation and requirements of the VWP will be announced in due course.
