United States Visa RequirementsFor Qatar passport holders
Qatari citizens require a B1/B2 tourist and business visa to enter the United States. Qatar is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. The US Embassy in Doha processes applications, with interview wait times currently 150 to 250 days. Qatar Airways offers direct nonstop flights to multiple US cities.
Qatar passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at ceac.state.gov to complete the DS-160 online form. Pay the $185 USD MRV fee, then schedule your interview at the US Embassy in Doha (22 February Street, Al Luqta District, Doha). Book your appointment as early as possible; current wait times are 150 to 250 days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended US stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable fee paid online
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy Doha website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements showing funds sufficient for the trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, or family ties in Qatar
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates, purpose, and accommodation details
Current Travel Situation
Qatar to United States: What You Need to Know
Qatar is not a participant in the US Visa Waiver Program, and all Qatari passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States for tourism or business purposes. The US Embassy in Doha processes these applications.
Despite the strong US-Qatar diplomatic and military relationship (the US maintains a major air base at Al Udeid), this does not translate into VWP membership for Qatari nationals. All Qatari travelers must complete the standard B1/B2 application process, including an in-person interview.
Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy Doha are typically 150 to 250 days. Plan your application at least 9 months before intended travel. Qatari nationals with strong financial profiles, stable employment, and clear travel purpose generally fare well in consular interviews.
Qatar Airways operates one of the world's most extensive direct route networks from Doha (DOH) to US cities, making onward travel straightforward once a visa is obtained. Destinations served include New York JFK, Washington Dulles, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.
How to Get There
Qatar Airways operates direct nonstop service from Doha (DOH) to New York JFK, Washington Dulles, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco. This is among the most comprehensive direct connections from the Gulf region to the United States. Emirates via Dubai and Etihad via Abu Dhabi offer additional nonstop options to US cities for those traveling from Qatar.
Money & Banking
The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). Qatari bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at US merchants, hotels, restaurants, and ATMs. Notify your bank of international travel plans before departure.
Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the world. The US, while expensive by global standards, is generally comparable to or less expensive than Qatar for luxury goods and services, though daily US city travel at mid-range costs around $200 per day.
Tipping is expected in the US. In restaurants, 18% to 20% is standard. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect tips. This is culturally distinct from Qatar, where service charges are sometimes included.
ATMs are widely available across the US. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere.
Practical Tips
Apply well in advance. Allow 9 months before intended travel for the appointment wait and any subsequent processing.
Demonstrate ties to Qatar. Employment with a Qatari government entity, major company, or family business, property ownership, or family responsibilities are all relevant. Even with a strong financial profile, the officer must be satisfied you intend to return to Qatar.
Qatar Airways direct access. Once your visa is approved, Qatar Airways operates extensive nonstop service from Doha (DOH) to over 10 US cities, making travel arrangements straightforward.
Biometrics at US entry. On arrival in the US you will be fingerprinted and photographed by CBP. Facial recognition is used at major airports. Have your hotel booking and return flight confirmation accessible.
Note on visa validity. B1/B2 visas are often issued with 5 or 10 year validity, with multiple entries allowed. This provides long-term flexibility once the visa is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Qatari nationals need a US visa?
Yes. Qatar is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Qatari passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 tourist and business visitor visa at the US Embassy in Doha before traveling to the United States.
How long are the interview wait times at the US Embassy in Doha?
B1/B2 interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy Doha are currently approximately 150 to 250 days. Plan your application 9 to 12 months before intended travel and check current times at ceac.state.gov.
What airlines fly direct from Qatar to the United States?
Qatar Airways operates one of the most extensive nonstop route networks from the Gulf to the US, serving New York JFK, Washington Dulles, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco from Doha (DOH). This is among the most comprehensive direct connections available from any Gulf country.
What ties to Qatar do I need to demonstrate for a US visa interview?
The consular officer must be satisfied you will return to Qatar after your US visit. Relevant ties include employment with a Qatari government entity or major company (bring an employer letter and payslips), property ownership, business interests, and family responsibilities in Qatar. Bank statements showing financial capacity are also helpful.
Does having a US-based relative affect my Qatari visa application?
Having family in the US is not automatically a negative factor. What matters most is demonstrating strong ties to Qatar. Employment, property, family members remaining in Qatar, and business interests all help establish non-immigrant intent. Be transparent about US family connections and clear about your visit purpose.
Can I apply for a US visa if I have previously been refused?
Yes. Previous refusals must be disclosed on the DS-160. A new application that directly addresses the reason for the previous refusal with stronger documentation has the best chance of approval.
Is the $185 visa fee refundable if my visa is refused?
No. The $185 MRV fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.
How long is a US B1/B2 visa valid for Qatari passport holders?
US B1/B2 visas for Qatari nationals are often issued with 5 or 10 year validity, with multiple entries permitted during that period. The length of each individual stay is determined by the CBP officer at the US port of entry, typically up to 180 days per visit.