On September 24, 2024, the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued a joint announcement designating Qatar as a U.S. Visa Waiver Program country. This designation will allow Qatari citizens and nationals to apply for admission to the United States of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program for permissible tourism or business purposes without first obtaining a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Qatari citizens and nationals with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to apply for admission to the United States using these visas and they will remain eligible to apply for B-1/B-2 visas going forward. According to the announcement, Qatar is the first Gulf country to be approved for the Visa Waiver Program. 

Starting “no later than December 1, 2024,” citizens and nationals of Qatar will be able to submit applications through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) via both the online and mobile applications. ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and in determining whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks. An ESTA approval is required for all eligible citizens and nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries prior to traveling to the United States without a U.S. visa. Upon completion of an ESTA application, the traveler is notified of their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, and these authorizations are valid for two years. Visa Waiver travelers should carry a copy of their ESTA authorization printout along with their valid passport. Applicants may submit their applications via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta or via the ESTA Mobile app (available via Apple or Google Play). CBP recommends submitting ESTA applications at least 72 hours in advance of international travel. 

 Foster will provide additional updates regarding travel and visa matters via our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.