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Qatar is first Gulf state to join US visa waiver programme

By Shane McGinley
US President Joe Biden meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2022; the US has announced new visa waiver arrangements between the two countries Leah Millis/Reuters
US President Joe Biden meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2022; the US has announced new visa waiver arrangements between the two countries
  • Qataris can visit US for 90 days
  • Agreement starts December 1
  • Extended Qatar stays for US citizens

Qatar has become the first Gulf state to join the US visa waiver programme, allowing Qatari citizens to visit visa-free for up to 90 days from December 1.

The US Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State said in a statement on Tuesday that the move would help to “significantly enhance the security interests of the United States in addition to encouraging legitimate travel and commerce between the two nations”.

Qatar is the second Arab country, after Brunei, and the second Middle East nation, after Israel, to be admitted to the programme, but more may follow.

“Qatar becomes the first Gulf country to enter the program and we encourage additional partners to meet all program requirements to allow for entry into the program,” the statement said.

From December 1, Qatari citizens can apply to enter the US through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) online application and mobile app.

US citizens already enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar, but from October 1 they will be able to stay in the Gulf state for up to 90 days instead of the previous 30-day limit.

According to the Department of Trade website, Qatar has invested more than $45 billion in the US economy. This includes a liquefied natural gas project in Texas between ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy. 

“Investments in the United States account for the majority of Qatari outward investment flows worldwide,” the Department of Trade said. 

Qatar, home to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US Air Force installation outside the US, was designated a major non-Nato ally in January 2022 by President Joe Biden.

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