Connect with us

CBS News

Under new arrangement, Americans can visit Qatar for longer and Qataris can travel to U.S. without visas

Avatar

Published

on


U.S. passports can now be renewed online


U.S. passports can now be renewed online

03:10

A new arrangement will soon allow American citizens to visit the Gulf country of Qatar for longer periods of time and give Qataris access to visa-free travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes, the Biden administration announced Tuesday.

Qatar will become the latest country — and first Gulf nation — to join the Visa Waiver Program, which allows certain foreigners to travel to the U.S. without visas if their countries’ governments agree to enhance security and information-sharing arrangements with Washington. The arrangements with Qatar include the U.S. government gaining access to passenger records and databases on serious criminals and known or suspected terrorists, U.S. officials said on a call with reporters.

While American officials said they are still working on finalizing a specific date, visa-free travel to the U.S. for Qataris is set to start before December.

As part of the arrangement, the government in Doha will allow American travelers to stay longer in Qatar. American tourists and business travelers already enjoy visa-free travel to the Gulf country. But starting on Oct. 1, they will be able to stay there for up to 90 days — instead of the current 30-day limit.

“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’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris.”

The Visa Waiver Program applies to nationals of 42 countries, most of them U.S. allies in Europe. While it allows citizens of those countries to travel to the U.S. without visas, the program’s participants are still screened by American officials before being permitted to enter the country.

Qatar would be the third country added to the program under the Biden administration, which has also made Croatia and Israel part of the initiative. 



Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

9/24: The Daily Report with John Dickerson

Avatar

Published

on


9/24: The Daily Report with John Dickerson – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Lindsey Resier reports on the intensifying strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, the takeaways from President Biden’s final address to the United Nations General Assembly, and why the Department of Justice is going after Visa.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

Tracking Helene’s path – CBS News

Avatar

Published

on


Tracking Helene’s path – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Tropical Storm Helene is churning in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to hit the Florida coast in the next few days, possibly as a major Category 3 hurricane. Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

NATO secretary general warns about Putin threats on NATO over Ukraine

Avatar

Published

on


NATO secretary general warns about Putin threats on NATO over Ukraine – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Speaking at the U.N. Tuesday, President Biden said President Vladimir Putin’s war “failed” to destroy Ukraine and weaken NATO. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the war. He urged allies to make decisions on allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia, despite Putin’s threats against it.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024 Breaking MN

Log In

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.