Qatar Joins US Visa Waiver Program

Charlie Immigration updates 1 October 2024 | Updated On October 4, 2024 | 0

Qatar has become the first Gulf nation to join the United States (US) Visa Waiver Program, allowing visa-free travel for up to 90 days for both US and Qatari citizens.

This inclusion highlights the strategic partnership between the two countries, with Qatar meeting stringent US security requirements, including counterterrorism efforts and information sharing.

US officials are still finalising an exact start date, but visa-free travel for Qatari citizens is expected to begin before December. Currently, American tourists and business travellers can visit Qatar without a visa, but starting October 1, their stay will be extended from 30 to 90 days, allowing for longer visits.

While tourism isn’t Qatar’s primary driver for joining the program, the move could encourage more US visitors. However, US tourism to Qatar remains modest, with only 4% of total arrivals this year.

Since hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Qatar has struggled to sustain high tourist numbers, despite increasing its hotel capacity and offering incentives like stopover packages through Qatar Airways.

Qatar hopes this visa waiver will enhance its global connectivity, attracting more visitors and boosting its tourism sector.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.