US opens up visa-free entry to another country! But no joy for SA…
The United States will add Qatar to its visa waiver program, allowing visa-free travel for Qatar passport holders for stays of up to 90 days.
Khaleejtimes reports that Qatar is the first Gulf country to be admitted to the US Visa Waiver Programme,
The United States Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State said that Qatar had met various requirements that must be fulfilled to be considered for waived visa-free entry.
Qatar made a “significant whole-of-government effort to meet all program requirements,” including on partnering to share information on terrorism and serious crimes, according to the statement.
STRENGTHENED TIES BETWEEN US AND QATAR
For admission to the United States Visa Waiver Program, which allows visitors travelling for tourism or business purposes to stay up to 90 days without a visa, the United States requires countries to meet requirements on issues such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.
“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.
QATAR PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE
That said, Qatar has played a pivotal role in mediating talks with Hamas and Israeli officials. This is concerning the ongoing war in Gaza; and the release of hostages captured by the Palestinian group.
Furthermore, Qatar and the United States have a significant defence relationship.
The United States has commended Qatar for taking the lead in discussing human rights issues with the Taliban.
UNITED STATES VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Qatar becomes the 42nd member of the United States Visa Waiver Program. This list does not change very often. Croatia was added in 2021 and Israel was added in 2023.
The program requires countries to allow American citizens similar visa-free entry. The visa-free arrangement is in fact expected to be implemented for Qatar by 1 December 2024.
SOUTH AFRICA
A number of years back there was speculation, that South Africa was eligible for admission to the United States’ Visa Waiver Program.
This was thought to be due to good relations between the two countries as well as a low visa-rejection rate, at that time.
Unfortunately, the excitement and anticipation were unfounded when South Africa was not added to the list but other countries in the global south were added.
South African passport holders still require visas for entry to the United States of America. These must be obtained before travel.
However, Qatar allows visa-free entry to South African nationals, for stays of up to 30 days.
What are your thoughts on US visas?
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