GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The government of Qatar has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, including Guyana, effective immediately.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways, it was noted that citizens of the countries named wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days or 30 days.

Guyana falls into the 30 days category, while The Bahamas falls into the 90 day category.

According to officials in Qatar, they are also considering further enhancements to the country’s visa policy, such as waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or a valid visa from the nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the Schengen countries.

This waiver would allow eligible visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation by completing an online application at least 48 hours prior to travel.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said the announcement, places the State of Qatar as the most open country in the region.

“This is a momentous occasion for Qatar, making the number of nationalities eligible to enter our country without a visa the highest in region, which is something that we are very proud of”, he added.

The visa-free travel arrangement comes at a time when Qatar is trying to build on its tourism numbers as it finds itself facing sanctions from its neighbour over its alleged ties to suspected funding of the terrorist group, ISIS.

The country has denied the claims, but some of the neighbouring countries have closed off their airports to Qatar.