Great news for Qatari travellers! As of November 22nd, 2024, Qatar has officially joined the prestigious US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means Qatari citizens can now travel to the United States for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa.
What is the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The U.S. designed the Visa Waiver Program to streamline travel between the United States and participating countries. It allows citizens of these countries to visit the US for tourism, business, or pleasure for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. However, they do need to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
ESTA Launch for Qatari Citizens
The Qatari Ministry of the Interior, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, announced the launch of ESTA on November 22, 2024. This digital authorization is set to streamline the travel process for Qataris planning trips to the United States.
Qatar Becomes the First Gulf Nation in the VWP
Qatar’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program marks a significant diplomatic achievement. It is the first country in the Persian Gulf to receive this status, highlighting the strengthening of U.S.-Qatar relations. This move is expected to enhance cultural ties, foster tourism, and promote economic and educational exchanges between the two nations.
Benefits of ESTA for Qatari Travellers
The ESTA is suitable for those travelling to the U.S. for various reasons, including:
- Tourism and Vacation
- Family Visits
- Business Conferences
- Social and Cultural Events
- Professional Engagements
To apply for ESTA, travellers need to visit the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov) or use the mobile app available on iOS and Android. Applicants need to submit their request at least 72 hours before departure and pay a $21 application fee.
How to Apply for ESTA: Key Requirements
To qualify for ESTA, travellers must meet the following criteria:
- Submit the application online or through the mobile app.
- Apply at least 72 hours before the scheduled flight to the U.S.
- Pay the $21 fee using a valid payment method.
- Comply with the security and eligibility guidelines outlined by the Visa Waiver Program.
The ESTA ensures a secure and efficient screening process for eligible travellers, emphasizing security and eligibility checks.
Current Countries Eligible for ESTA Authorization
With Qatar’s inclusion, a total of 42 countries and territories are now part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2024. These countries include:
| S.No | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Andorra |
| 2 | Australia |
| 3 | Austria |
| 4 | Belgium |
| 5 | Brunei |
| 6 | Chile |
| 7 | Croatia |
| 8 | Czech Republic |
| 9 | Denmark |
| 10 | Estonia |
| 11 | Finland |
| 12 | France |
| 13 | Germany |
| 14 | Greece |
| 15 | Hungary |
| 16 | Iceland |
| 17 | Ireland |
| 18 | Israel |
| 19 | Italy |
| 20 | Japan |
| 21 | Latvia |
| 22 | Liechtenstein |
| 23 | Lithuania |
| 24 | Luxembourg |
| 25 | Malta |
| 26 | Monaco |
| 27 | Netherlands |
| 28 | New Zealand |
| 29 | Norway |
| 30 | Poland |
| 31 | Portugal |
| 32 | Qatar |
| 33 | San Marino |
| 34 | Singapore |
| 35 | Slovakia |
| 36 | Slovenia |
| 37 | South Korea |
| 38 | Spain |
| 39 | Sweden |
| 40 | Switzerland |
| 41 | Taiwan |
| 42 | United Kingdom |
A Boost for US-Qatar Relations
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program’s inclusion of Qatar marks a strategic step to enhance bilateral relations. This move is expected to boost tourism, foster business partnerships, and encourage academic exchanges, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations.
Final Words
As of November 22, 2024, Qataris can travel to the U.S. via the ESTA program, eliminating the traditional visa. This move highlights Qatar’s global importance and is expected to strengthen cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties, marking a new era in U.S.-Qatar relations.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!
