The United States announced on Tuesday that Qatar will be admitted into its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State issued a joint statement commending Qatar for meeting the rigorous security standards required for entry into the program, which will take effect no later than December 1. This development makes Qatar the first Gulf nation to join the program.
The move follows a period of heightened diplomatic collaboration between the two nations. Qatar has played a crucial role in mediating talks between Hamas and Israeli officials in connection with the ongoing Gaza conflict, including negotiations over hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. A U.S. administration official highlighted the broader significance of the relationship, noting Qatar’s efforts in addressing human rights issues with the Taliban and its assistance in Sudan. The official also emphasized the strong defense partnership between the U.S. and Qatar, underscoring the deepening ties between the two countries.
Reuters writes:
“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,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
For admission to the program allowing visitors traveling for tourism or business purposes to stay up to 90 days without a visa, Washington requires countries to meet requirements on issues such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.
Qatar is the 42nd member of the program, with nations added infrequently. Croatia was added in 2021 and Israel last year. The program requires countries to allow U.S. citizens similar visa-free travel.
U.S. citizens can currently travel to Qatar without a visa, but starting on Oct. 1 they will be allowed to stay for up to 90 days instead of 30.
Qatar has been accused of being a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Qatari government also had help from inside the Biden circle in achieving their goal of unrestricted travel to the United States. Earlier this year, new details surfaced about Jim Biden’s foreign fundraising efforts during proceedings in a Kentucky bankruptcy court. Testimony revealed that President Joe Biden’s brother had collaborated with Qatari government officials in a bid to secure financing for U.S. healthcare ventures. These revelations raised questions about Jim Biden’s business practices and his connections to foreign entities as he sought funding for his projects.
The testimony came from fund manager Michael Lewitt, a former business partner of Jim Biden, who disclosed that two companies involved in the fundraising efforts were partially owned by members of the Qatari government. Lewitt’s account provided insight into the scope of Jim Biden’s efforts to obtain foreign backing for his ventures and sparked renewed interest in the role foreign entities may have played in his business dealings.
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