Emergency Memo 1651-0111 Qatar

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528

November 25, 2024
TO:

Richard Revesz, Administrator
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
Office of Management and Budget

FROM:

Eric Hysen, Chief Information Officer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Digitally signed by ERIC N

SUBJECT:

ERIC N HYSEN HYSEN
Date: 2024.11.26 13:51:01
-05'00'

Approval Request for Arrival and Departure Record and Electronic System for
Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Paperwork Reduction Act

This memorandum requests an emergency approval to revise the existing collection of
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) for U.S. Customs and Border
Protection’s (CBP) Arrival and Departure Record and Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA) to account for the designation of Qatar to the Visa Waiver Program
(VWP). As an ESTA is required for any travel to the United States under the VWP, DHS is
revising the collection to include citizens and nationals of Qatar. This information collection is
approved under OMB control number 1651-0111.
Emergency Justification
DHS is requesting an emergency information collection revision under 5 C.F.R. § 1320.13, with
the intention of carrying out all the regular requirements for publication and review after
implementation.
On September 20, 2024, the Secretary of Homeland Security designated Qatar as a VWP
participant, to become effective on September 24, 2024.1 On September 26, 2024, DHS issued a
final rule adding Qatar to the list of countries designated for VWP participation at 8 C.F.R. §
217.2(a), also effective that same day.2 At the time, DHS projected an implementation date of
December 1, 2024, announcing that “Starting no later than December 1, 2024, the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile app will be updated to
allow citizens and nationals of Qatar to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or
business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa.”3 Consistent with past
practice, DHS indicated that it would seek a change to the subject information collection on an
emergency basis.

1

See Memorandum for the Secretary from the Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans Silvers, Initial
Designation of Qatar to the Visa Waiver Program (Sept. 18, 2024).
2
See 89 FR 78783
3
See DHS Press Release, Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken Announce Designation of Qatar into the Visa
Waiver Program (Sept. 24, 2024). [insert link]

This information collection is essential to the agency’s mission, and the agency cannot
reasonably comply with the regular clearance procedures under the PRA because delayed
implementation would likely cause public harm . See 5 C.F.R. § 1320.13(a)(1), (2)(i)-(ii). In
particular, prompt implementation is necessary because Qatar’s designation in the VWP serves
U.S. law enforcement and security interests through requisite enhancements to the U.S.-Qatar
security partnership, including Qatar’s improved screening of travelers, its increased sharing of
information on known and suspected terrorists, and its automation of the real-time exchange of
biometric information in support of immigration and border vetting. These programs only
become fully effective with the implementation of the VWP. Without immediate approval of this
information collection, public harm is reasonably likely.
With OMB approval, following implementation of the revised collection to expand the
respondent group, CBP will undergo the regular PRA revision process, beginning with a 60-day
notice for public comment as described at 5 C.F.R. § 1320.10, within 45 days of approval. After
publication of the FRNs required under the PRA, DHS will address comments and concerns as
necessary and submit the information collection to OMB for three-year approval within the
required timeframe.
Thank you for your consideration of this Emergency.