On Tuesday, the United States announced that it will waive visa requirements for Qatari citizens, making Qatar the first Arab nation to achieve this status. The energy-rich Gulf monarchy has met the “stringent security requirements” necessary to join the visa waiver program, becoming the 42nd member, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that this agreement will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and improve the flow of people and trade.
Read more: Pakistan Granted Visa-Free Access to Tajikistan
Qatar, which has a small citizen population compared to its residents, is seeking a larger global role among other affluent Gulf Arab states.
Home to a significant U.S. airbase, Qatar has played a leading role in mediating efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and previously assisted the U.S. in evacuating thousands of Afghan allies during the Taliban takeover. U.S. officials have indicated they are open to other Gulf Arab nations joining the program in the future.
Typically, countries with citizens exempt from U.S. visas are predominantly wealthy and located in Europe and East Asia. Last year, the U.S. added Israel to this list after resolving previous tensions, with Israel agreeing not to discriminate against U.S. citizens of Palestinian or Arab descent.
Through the waiver program, citizens can apply online for pre-clearance to enter the U.S., bypassing the visa process. However, some applicants may still be required to seek a visa, especially if they have traveled to certain countries that have adversarial relations with the U.S., like Iran.
