US: Visa Waiver Program for Qatari citizens begins today

Qatar officially joins the US Visa Waiver Program this November 22, 2024. Qataris can now apply for ESTA authorization to travel to the USA.

As of this Friday, November 22, 2024, Qatari citizens are included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and can therefore apply for ESTA electronic authorization to travel to the United States.

“The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will launch the electronic travel authorization system (ESTA) on Friday, November 22, 2024,” the Qatari Ministry of the Interior said yesterday.

Thanks to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Qatari citizens can now travel to the USA without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Last September, the US authorities announced that Qatar would become the 42nd country included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) “no later than December 1, 2024”.

US visa waiver for Qatar: a first in the region

Qatar today becomes the first country in the Persian Gulf region to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This decision illustrates the importance of diplomatic efforts to strengthen cultural and economic exchanges with the United States.

The ESTA program is aimed at travelers wishing to visit the United States for a variety of reasons: tourism, vacation, family or friendly visits, participation in social, cultural, academic or professional events, as well as conferences and trade shows.

To benefit from this authorization, it is necessary to submit an online application via the official ESTA website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ or via the dedicated mobile app (iOS | Android). Travelers must claim their ESTA at least 72 hours before departure, and it costs US$21. This process ensures that the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program are met, particularly in terms of security and eligibility.

In 2024, 42 countries and territories are eligible for ESTA authorization to travel to the USA without a visa: