Qatari Travelers Eligible for the US ESTA

The United States announced extending the Visa Waiver Program by admitting Qatar as its 42nd member. Starting no later than December 1, 2024, Qatari citizens will be able to apply for an ESTA, allowing them to travel for tourism and business purposes for a period of up to 90 days.

Qatar will be the second Middle Eastern country and the first Gulf country to get visa-free access to the US. This shows the enhancement of ties between the two countries.

Without a doubt, a visa waiver will significantly simplify travel proceduresand attract more tourists, as well as economic and technological partnerships.

How to Apply for US ESTA

The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa. However, eligible travelers must still register in the ESTA electronic travel authorization system.

The process is uncomplicated and takes place entirely online. Several business days in advance of their air travel to the US, Qatari nationals should complete a form entering their basic personal, passport, and travel information.

It is then necessary to provide a digital copy of the passport and upload a face photo. After covering the fees, the ESTA confirmation will be sent to the applicant's email address.

The processing lasts from a couple of hours to a few days. The approved ESTA will allow tourists or business visitors from Qatar to enter the United States multiple times for 90 days or less during the validity period. It stays effective for 2 years or until the passport’s expiry, whichever comes first.

Strengthening Qatar-US Relations

The United States and Qatar have been close for years, and Qatar’s entry into the VWP is a milestone for diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries,” stated the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in the press release.

Qatar-US relations have grown stronger not only in terms of defense diplomacy but also education, culture, economy, and energy. In 2022, Qatar was named a “major, non-NATO ally”, and its collaboration with the United States is expected to strengthen even more in the upcoming years.

As the Visa Waiver Program requires reciprocity, US citizens will also be able to stay in Qatar without a visa for longer – 90 days, compared to the 30-day period available earlier.