The Official Commencement of the US Visa Waiver Program Tomorrow
Doha – November 21, 2024
The Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced to Qatari citizens wishing to travel to the United States of America that the Ministry of Interior will officially launch tomorrow, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the US Customs and Border Protection, the electronic system for travel permits, marking the official start of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In this regard, it indicated the possibility of submitting applications through the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or through the ESTA Mobile app available in the IOS App Store or Google Play Store.
The Department explained that the US Visa Waiver Program allows Qatari citizens to apply for an electronic travel permit to enter the United States without a prior entry visa, noting that the travel permit is valid for two years for multiple trips, provided that the duration of stay does not exceed 90 days. It also clarified that the travel permit becomes invalid when the passport expires.
It also pointed out that Qatari citizens holding valid B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use their visas to travel to the United States, noting in this context that these visas will remain an option for Qatari citizens who wish to stay beyond the period allowed under the waiver program, which is 90 days.