Getting an American visa can be challenging, especially for Indians who often face long waiting times and extensive procedures.
However, America has now granted visa-free travel to a Muslim-majority country, making it much easier for its citizens to visit.
Qatar has become the second Muslim-majority country allowed visa-free entry to the United States.
Visa-Free Entry for Qatari Citizens
The US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security announced that Qatar has met the strict criteria of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
This program allows Qatari citizens to enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days for business or travel purposes.
The decision is based on Qatar’s low visa refusal and overstay rates, as well as the visa-free travel it offers to US citizens.
The strategic partnership between the two countries has grown stronger, with this move being seen as a step toward shared security and stability.
Qatar Joins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. This step will strengthen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between Qatar and the US. pic.twitter.com/Xt73SsiIUf
— Qatar Embassy USA (@QatarEmbassyUSA) September 25, 2024
Easy Entry Through ESTA
While Qatari citizens no longer need a visa to enter the US, they are still required to process their travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
This online process eliminates the need for a personal interview, making it a much simpler procedure compared to traditional visa applications.
Limited Number of Eligible Citizens
Qatar has a population of over 3 million people, but only 320,000 of them hold Qatari citizenship and are eligible for this program.
The rest of the population consists of foreign laborers and immigrants. Starting from October 1, 2024, American citizens will also be able to visit Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days.
Qatar’s inclusion follows Israel, which was added to the Visa Waiver Program in 2023.
