Qatar to Join U.S. Visa Waiver Program by December 2024.
The United States has officially announced that Qatar will soon be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Qatari citizens to travel visa-free to the U.S. for up to 90 days. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Final Rule, published on September 26, 2024, Qatar will be formally added to the VWP by December 1, 2024.
This move marks a significant milestone for Qatar, as it becomes the first Gulf country and only the second Middle Eastern country, after Israel, to gain entry into the VWP.
How the Visa Waiver Program Works
The VWP allows citizens from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without obtaining a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days. However, all travelers under this program must still obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before traveling. It is recommended that travelers apply for ESTA as soon as they begin planning their trip to the U.S.
Currently, 41 countries are part of the VWP, including nations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, most of Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
Eligibility Criteria for the VWP
Under U.S. law, specifically Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (amended by the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2007), countries must meet stringent security requirements to be eligible for the VWP. These requirements include:
1. Maintaining a low refusal rate for U.S. nonimmigrant visitor visas
2. Agreeing to accept repatriation of their citizens removed from the U.S.
3. Reporting lost or stolen passports to the U.S. via INTERPOL
4. Sharing information with the U.S. regarding terrorism and serious criminal activities
5. Meeting electronic passport technology standards
6. Undergoing a DHS-led evaluation of the country’s impact on U.S. security and immigration
7. Undergoing a DHS-led intelligence assessment
Guidance for Business Travelers
Business travelers entering the U.S. under the VWP can engage in certain business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, and networking events. However, they are not permitted to perform substantive employment activities. Employers should ensure that their employees adhere to these restrictions, as a work visa would be required for employment-related activities.
For more specific guidance on business travel under the VWP, legal counsel should be consulted.
This new development underscores the deepening ties between the U.S. and Qatar and is expected to boost travel and business interactions between the two nations.
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