WASHINGTON — The United States announced on Tuesday that Qatar will join its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Qatari citizens to travel to the US without a visa. This marks a significant milestone as Qatar becomes the first Arab nation and the second country in the Middle East to gain this status, following Israel, which joined the program in September 2023.
The VWP is a reciprocity initiative enabling citizens of approved countries to visit the US for short stays without obtaining a visa. Qatar’s inclusion comes after years of close collaboration with the US, joining 41 other countries currently on the list. Countries such as Argentina, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and Brazil are still pursuing entry into the VWP to enhance tourism and strengthen economic and security ties.
Administration officials emphasized that the VWP is fundamentally a security partnership, requiring participating countries to meet rigorous standards in counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.
Qatar has reportedly made significant adjustments in areas related to information sharing, allowing US access to passenger name records and advanced traveler information, as well as databases of known or suspected terrorists. This will enhance the US’s ability to monitor who is traveling to and from Qatar.
Officials praised Qatar as a valuable partner that has met all necessary requirements. The US and Qatar have cooperated closely on various issues, including negotiations for a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, with the Biden administration commending Qatar’s diplomatic efforts.
During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called for restraint from Israel towards Gaza and Lebanon, asserting that conflict will not bring security or peace. He emphasized that achieving a just peace is essential for stability in the region.
Despite ongoing tensions in Gaza, US officials noted that the partnership with Qatar is multifaceted, highlighting the nation’s longstanding role as a reliable US ally in the Middle East. Qatar hosts the largest US military facility in the region, Al Udeid Air Base, and played a crucial role in representing US diplomatic interests in Afghanistan following the 2021 evacuation of Americans.
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