Qatar Becomes Second Muslim-Majority Nation to Join US Visa Waiver Program

Qatar has become the second Muslim-majority country to join the US Visa Waiver Program, allowing its citizens to travel to the United States without the need for a visa. The US Departments of State and Homeland Security announced that Qatar met the strict eligibility requirements, which include low visa refusal rates, minimal overstays, and a reciprocal visa-free entry for US citizens travelling to Qatar. The inclusion of Qatar in the Visa Waiver Program reflects the strengthening of the strategic relationship between the Gulf state and the United States. Qatar has played a key diplomatic role in recent years, contributing to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and supporting the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. A US statement described Qatar as an “exceptional partner” and highlighted the significance of this development in enhancing security and stability. Qatar now joins 42 other countries in the program, most of which are long-standing US allies from Europe and Asia. Prior to Qatar, Brunei was the only other Muslim-majority country included in the scheme. Despite Qatar’s population of over 3 million, only approximately 320,000 Qatari citizens are eligible for the visa waiver, as the majority of residents are foreign workers or expatriates without Qatari passports. Under the program, Qatari citizens can enter the US for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days but must still obtain electronic approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is an online process that does not require an in-person interview. Starting October 1, 2024, US citizens will also be able to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 90 days. Israel, admitted to the program in 2023, was the last country to join, despite concerns regarding its treatment of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Americans.

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