September 25, 2024
2 mins read

US admits Qatar into visa waiver program

Qatar also has played an important role alongside the US in trying to broker a ceasefire to end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News

Qatar has become the first Gulf country admitted into the US visa waiver programme, the United States has announced, in a move that will allow Qatari citizens to travel visa-free to the country for up to 90 days.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security said Qatari citizens would be able to apply no later than December 1.

“Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

“Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris.” Qatar and the US have enjoyed close ties for years, and Washington formally designated Doha as a “major, non-NATO ally” in 2022 in a sign of the countries’ deepening military and economic partnership.

Qatar also has played an important role alongside the US in trying to broker a ceasefire to end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, which is nearing the one-year mark.

In Tuesday’s statement, the administration of US President Joe Biden said Qatar “has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years”.

An administration official earlier told reporters the US has a strong defence relationship with Qatar and praised Doha for taking the lead on pressing the Taliban on human rights in Afghanistan and providing assistance in Sudan, among other issues.

Qatar is the 42nd member of the visa waiver programme, with nations added infrequently. Croatia was added in 2021 and Israel joined last year.

To be admitted to the programme, a country must meet strict requirements related to law enforcement, border management, and other issues.

It also requires reciprocity, meaning that American citizens must be granted the same access to visa-free travel as citizens of a country joining the programme.

US citizens can already travel without visas to Qatar, but they will now be allowed to stay in the Gulf country for as many as 90 days – up from 30 days previously, the statement said.

ALSO READ: US seeks stronger ties with Sri Lanka

Previous Story

World edging towards ‘powder keg’: Guterres

Next Story

AI on focus as MBZ meets tech CEOs in US

Latest from -Top News

Modi lands in Tianjin, set to meet Xi and Putin

Modi’s China trip marks a crucial diplomatic moment as he engages Xi and Putin at the SCO Summit, balancing India’s strategic priorities with regional cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin

Stalin begins UK, Germany trip to woo investors

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin begins week-long tour of Germany and the UK to attract investments, strengthen diaspora ties, and push the state’s trillion-dollar vision. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin

Court smacks down Trump’s trade tariffs

A U.S. appeals court strikes down Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, ruling he exceeded his powers, but the President vows to fight on at the Supreme Court. A U.S. federal appeals court has struck

India, Africa eye doubling of trade by 2030

India and Africa pledge to double trade by 2030, focusing on cars, energy, digital finance, healthcare and value-added growth to empower youth and economies. India and Africa are set to deepen economic
Go toTop

Don't Miss

FM Sitharaman interacts with Sikh diaspora in Washington

Sitharaman also met a group of Tamil diaspora and complimented

DeSantis Challenges Biden and Trump

The Governor even asserted that he is in the “prime