There is a deep friendship between the world's most powerful country America and the Muslim country Qatar. America established diplomatic relations with Qatar on March 19, 1972. A year later, in 1973, America opened its embassy in Qatar's capital Doha. Since then, the relations between the two countries have been getting stronger. Qatar also stood with America at every step and now after 52 years, it has received a return gift. Qatar has become a part of America's visa waiver program, which means that Qatari citizens will now be able to go to America without a visa.
The US State Department and Homeland Security announced that Qatar has met the stringent rules. The department said that Qatar has been an exceptional partner of the US. Our strategic relationship has grown stronger over the years. This is another proof of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability.
Qatar has tried to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. It has played an important role in US diplomacy, including supporting the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. It has now joined the list of countries exempted from US visas. Most of the countries in this list are allies of Europe and America. Apart from Qatar, Brunei is the only other Muslim country in this scheme of America. However, Qatar has a population of more than 30 lakh. Only 3 lakh of its citizens can take advantage of this exemption of America because most of the residents are foreign workers or migrants without Qatar passports.
With this decision of the US, Qatari citizens will be able to stay in the US for 90 days for business or tourism without a visa. However, they will still have to obtain electronic approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This is an online process that does not require a personal interview.
At the same time, from October 1, US citizens will also be able to go to Qatar without a visa and can stay there for 90 days. Earlier, Israel had joined this plan of America. It joined it last year.
