U.S. Admits Qatar to Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

As of May 26, 2025, Qatar is the only nation included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. This development signifies a milestone in U.S.-Qatar relations and is anticipated to strengthen bilateral ties and economic cooperation. Here we will discuss the U.S. Admits Qatar to Visa Waiver Program.

26 मई, 2025 तक कतर एकमात्र ऐसा देश है जो यू.एस. वीज़ा वेवर प्रोग्राम (VWP) में शामिल है, जिससे कतर के नागरिक बिना वीज़ा के 90 दिनों तक अमेरिका की यात्रा कर सकते हैं। यह विकास यू.एस.-कतर संबंधों में एक मील का पत्थर है और इससे द्विपक्षीय संबंधों और आर्थिक सहयोग को मजबूती मिलने की उम्मीद है। यहाँ हम यू.एस. द्वारा वीज़ा वेवर प्रोग्राम (VWP) में कतर को शामिल किए जाने पर चर्चा करेंगे।

Comprehending the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with the U.S. State Department, allowing nationals from selected countries to enter the U.S. for short visits without undergoing the standard visa procedures.

To be eligible, countries must fulfill strict criteria related to security, law enforcement, and information sharing, which include:
Issuing secure, biometric passports
Providing information on individuals who are known or suspected terrorists
Reporting lost and stolen passports
Quickly repatriating their citizens who breach visa conditions

Qatar’s successful application to join the VWP demonstrates years of partnership in meeting security and compliance standards.

Qatar Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The VWP program

A visa waiver program is a program of the American government that allows specific countries and nations to travel through the world for business purposes, travel for 90 days without having a Visa.

Partnership

American citizens can visit and stay in Qatar for 90 days, provided they have a valid passport for at least three months from the date of arrival and a confirmed hotel booking.

Traveler Eligibility

People of Qatar can apply for travel through the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) or use a mobile application to use the visa waiver program(VWP). The authorization is valid for two years. People with valid visas can continue to use them for travel in America

Collaborative efforts

Qatar’s entry with VWP indicates its close ties with America and other countries. Especially its efforts in diplomacy and its contribution to global security.

ESTA application process

To travel under ESTA, Qatari nationals must have obtained an electronic system travel authorization. The process of applying is straightforward.

Open your favorite web browser and visit the official website
Fill out the required personal data and travel plan
Pay the application fee of $21 USD
After submission, you will get a quick response in just a few minutes

Conditions

For the qualification, you must fulfill some requirements

You must have a valid passport for six months beyond your planned date of arrival
You must have a strong reason for travel, like business purposes, etc
After your visit, you have to return with your ticket
You should not have been denied a previous u.s visa
You are not allowed to stay there after the 90-day period ends

Applying for ESTA: a 2025 guide for Qatari travelers

Step 1:open the U.S ESTA official site

Link: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
This is the link to the official ESTA website for applying in 2025 under the visa waiver program

Step 2: Create a new application

You have to create your new application. The process is as follows

Select a “new application”
Choose “individual” or “groups” according to your travel needs

Step 3:enter your information

You need to enter the required data:

Full name
Birth date and place of birth
Passport no and issuance/expiry date
Contact information
Travel details
Employment details
Security and requirements question

Step 4: settle the fee

The fee is 21 USD (as of 2025)
You can pay with PayPal/credit or debit card

Step 5:send your application

After completing the information, you have to apply, and you get a confirmation number
It may take a few minutes or at least 72 hours

Step 6: track yor ESTA

You can track your ESTA status with your confirmation number

Track progress
Modify travel details
Save a print-proof

Statements from Officials

U.S. Secretary of State (hypothetical quote)

The inclusion of Qatar in the Visa Waiver Program highlights its dedication to global security and its alignment with U.S. standards regarding travel and border safety. This is a powerful indication of the trust and strategic importance we assign to our bilateral relationship.

Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs (hypothetical quote)

This is a moment of great pride for Qatar and an important advancement for our citizens. We value our partnership with the United States and anticipate enhancing cooperation in areas such as education, trade, tourism, and investment.

Impact on Qatari Citizens and Businesses

With visa-free travel to the U.S. now accessible, Qatari citizens can gain advantages in several areas:

Business and Investment: Enhanced access for entrepreneurs and business groups to explore U.S. markets and establish partnerships.
Tourism and Family Visits: Streamlined travel for vacations, family gatherings, or special occasions.
Education and Research: Potential students can more easily visit campuses before applying to U.S. universities.
Healthcare Access: More straightforward travel for patients seeking specialized care in the U.S.

Boost for U.S.–Qatar Relations

Qatar’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program underscores the strengthening strategic ties between the two countries. Over the last ten years, Qatar has become an essential regional ally for the U.S. in several areas, including:

Collaboration on counterterrorism

Diplomatic efforts and mediation in the region

Investment and security in energy

Military cooperation, including the hosting of the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base

The VWP designation is regarded as a recognition of these contributions and a motivation for enhanced collaboration.

Travel Guidelines for Qatari Citizens

To be eligible for visa-free travel under the VWP, travelers from Qatar must:

Possess a valid biometric e-passport.
Submit an application for authorization via the ESTA portal at least 72 hours before departure.
Not have exceeded the duration of any past visits to the U.S.
Restrict their stay to 90 days or less.
Not pursue employment or long-term residency through entry under the VWP.

Important Details

The ESTA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first
Enter several brief visits, Limited to 90 days per stay
Work study or long-duration visits are not permitted under ESTA
Make sure you fly with an approved airline and arrive at a valid entry point

Conclusion

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) enables travelers to make multiple short visits to the United States, each lasting up to 90 days, over two years or until the traveler’s passport expires. However, it is important to note that ESTA is not intended for study, work, or long-term stays. To utilize ESTA, travelers must arrive in the U.S. via a participating airline and pass through an approved port of entry.

इलेक्ट्रॉनिक सिस्टम फॉर ट्रैवल ऑथराइजेशन (ESTA) यात्रियों को संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका में कई छोटी यात्राएँ करने में सक्षम बनाता है, जिनमें से प्रत्येक 90 दिनों तक, दो वर्षों में या यात्री के पासपोर्ट की समाप्ति तक चलती है। हालाँकि, यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि ESTA अध्ययन, काम या लंबी अवधि के प्रवास के लिए अभिप्रेत नहीं है। ESTA का उपयोग करने के लिए, यात्रियों को भाग लेने वाली एयरलाइन के माध्यम से यू.एस. में आना चाहिए और प्रवेश के स्वीकृत बंदरगाह से गुजरना चाहिए।

FAQ’s

How can I get a Qatar visa from Pakistan?

Pakistani citizens can apply online through the Qatar government’s official website or via the Hayya platform.

Who is eligible for the visa waiver program?

Applicant must have a valid refugee or immigration status.

Who is qualified for a fee waiver?

As a parent or partner under 10 years route. As a partner under the five-year route