Qatari Nationals Can Travel To US Visa-Free; Country Becomes 2nd Muslim Majority Nation To Enter US Programme After Brunei

Despite Qatar’s population of just over 3 million, only 320,000 are Qataris eligible for the programme, provided they hold valid passports. The majority of residents are foreign workers and expatriates without Qatari citizenship.

Qatari has become the second Muslim-majority nation in the world to join a programme that allows its citizens to travel to the US visa free. According to The Associated Press, The Department of State and Homeland Security announced that Qatar successfully met the stringent criteria for the visa waiver program, which includes maintaining a low rate of visa refusals and overstays, as well as ensuring reciprocal treatment for American travellers, who can visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days.

“Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years,” the departments stated. “This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability.”

Qatar has been pivotal in efforts to broker a cease-fire in Gaza and was a key US ally during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. It is now the 42nd country to be added under the programme.

Most the nations, whose citizens can travel to the US without a visa are established allies in Europe and Asia. Brunei is the only other Muslim-majority country included in the programme.

Despite Qatar’s population of just over 3 million, only about 320,000 are Qataris eligible for the programme, provided they hold valid passports. The majority of residents are foreign workers and expatriates without Qatari citizenship.

This programme permits citizens of eligible countries to enter the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must still secure authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is processed online and does not require an in-person interview like traditional visa applications.

Beginning October 1, US citizens will also be able to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days without a visa.

Israel was the most recent country to be admitted to the program in 2023, despite ongoing concerns regarding its treatment of Palestinian Americans, Arab Americans, and Muslim Americans compared to other U.S. passport holders.