The United States announced on Tuesday that Qatar has been admitted into its Visa Waiver Program, enabling Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days. The program will take effect by December 1, 2024, making Qatar the first Gulf nation to achieve this status.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State commended Qatar for meeting the stringent security criteria required for the program. This includes cooperation on counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Qatar’s inclusion in the program will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and improve people-to-people and commercial ties.
Qatar’s recent diplomatic efforts, including mediation in Gaza, were highlighted as further testament to its growing international role. The country now joins 42 others, including Croatia and Israel, in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.