In a rare grant of diplomatic privilege to a Muslim nation by the United States of America, the Gulf state of Qatar has become the second Muslim-majority country to be included in the US Visa Waiver Programme. This diplomatic privilege allows citizens of Qatar to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa.
The US Departments of State and Homeland Security announced that Qatar had met the rigorous eligibility criteria, which include a low rate of visa refusals, minimal overstays, and reciprocal visa-free entry for US travellers to Qatar.
“Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years,” stated the US departments.
“This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability”, according to a report by Associated press.
Qatar, which has played a significant role in US diplomacy, including efforts in Gaza ceasefire negotiations and supporting the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, now joins the 42 countries in the programme. Most participants are long-term US allies from Europe and Asia.
Before Qatar, Brunei was the only other Muslim-majority country in the scheme.
Though Qatar’s population exceeds 3 million, only around 320,000 Qatari citizens are eligible for the programme, as most residents are foreign workers or expatriates without Qatari passports.
The waiver allows Qatari citizens to enter the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days, though they must still obtain electronic approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an online process that doesn’t require an in-person interview.
From 1st October, US citizens will also be able to visit Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days. Israel, admitted to the programme in 2023, was the last country to join despite concerns over its treatment of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Americans.
Source: AP
