Visa Waiver Program allows hassle-free entry into the United States
The United States said it would exempt citizens from Qatar visa requirements, making Washington’s close Gulf partner the first Arab country to benefit from the move.
By exempting the energy-rich Gulf emirate from “strict security requirements,” it becomes the 42nd country to benefit from Visa Waiver Programaccording to the US Department of Homeland Security.
The agreement “will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and trade between our two countries,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
Qatar hosts a major U.S. air base and has played a leading role in efforts, so far unsuccessful, to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Doha previously helped the United States extract thousands of Afghan allies from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of Kabul.
US officials have expressed openness to eventually including other Gulf Arab states in the program.
The countries whose citizens are exempt from US visa requirements are wealthy and mostly in Europe and East Asia.
The United States added Israel last year after years of wrangling.
In order to enter the program, Israel made promises not to discriminate against American citizens of Palestinian or other Arab origin.
Under the waiver program, citizens apply online for advance permission to enter the United States instead of going through paperwork and incurring visa expenses.
Some applicants are still required to obtain a visa, including if they have visited countries that are hostile to the United States, such as Iran.
