“No later than December 1, 2024”, Qatar will become the 42nd country included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and ESTA electronic travel authorization system.
One year after Israel, Qatar will officially become the first Arab state, the second Muslim country after Brunei, and the 42nd nation overall to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) from December 1, 2024.
In a press release, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken explains that “Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries. Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris”.
“Starting no later than December 1, 2024,” the ESTA electronic travel authorization system’s online portal and mobile app will be updated to allow citizens of Qatar to apply to travel to the US for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a US visa.
This development represents a major step forward in diplomatic relations between Doha and Washington, further consolidating their strategic and economic ties. This rapprochement is not limited to the political sphere, but also extends to practical aspects, facilitating mobility between the two nations.
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