US To Waive Visas For Qatar, In First For Arab Country

US To Waive Visas For Qatar, In First For Arab Country to boost Tourism, travel and smooth movement of Qatari Tourists

The United States says that it will remove the need for visas for citizens of Qatar, making the close Gulf ally the first Arab nation to do so.

The Department of Homeland Security says that the energy-rich Gulf monarchy had satisfied the “rigorous security requirements” and was approved to join the program as the 42nd participant.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the deal “will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries.” This will boost Tourism.

Qatar, whose people comprise only a small portion of the population, has been vying for a larger global role with other affluent Gulf Arab republics.

Qatar, which is home to a significant US air base, has taken the lead in the so-far fruitless efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza and assisted the US in airlifting thousands of friends from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over.

US officials expressed their willingness for additional Gulf Arab countries to someday join the program.

Most of the wealthiest nations in Europe and East Asia are among those whose residents are not required to get a US visa.

After years of conflict, the US included Israel last year and seeing more inflow of Tourists.

Israel pledged to refrain from discriminating against US citizens of Palestinian or other Arab heritage upon their admittance into the program.

Instead of going through the hassle and expense of obtaining a visa, nationals can apply online for pre-clearance to enter the United States under the waiver program.

Even after visiting several nations that have strained relations with the US, like Iran, some candidates are nevertheless advised to apply for a visa.

Compiled by

World Travel News, Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda