Qatar Becomes the First Gulf State to Join the Visa Waiver Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated Qatar for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  Qatar will be the first Gulf State to join the VWP program which allows for streamlined travel and entry to the United States. Eligible Qatari nationals who have an electronically readable passport (e-Passport) and who have obtained pre-authorization for travel through the Electronic Screening System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system will be eligible to enter the U.S. for business or tourism without a visa for a period of up to 90 days. ESTA authorizations are generally valid for two years.

Starting no later than December 1, 2024, the ESTA online application and mobile app will be updated to accept applications from citizens and nationals of Qatar. Travelers with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use their visa for travel to the U.S. and B-1/B-2 visas will remain an option for Qatari citizens.

Qatar joins a list of 41 countries designated for participation in the VWP.  It will be the third country added during the tenure of the current Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, including Croatia in 2021 and Israel in 2023.

For additional information concerning travel under the VWP, please contact your designated Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.