Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
Flying on a connecting flight and airport transfer can be quite a hassle for most travellers. Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) is among the region’s busiest airports and sees millions of transit passengers annually.
This article will explain Doha Airport transit requirements and procedures to be followed. It will also brief the facilities available for passengers and the frequently asked questions about transfer through Hamad International Airport.
- About Hamad International Airport
- Doha Airport Transit Visa
- Doha Airport Transfer Procedure
- Time Required For Transit At Doha Airport
- Doha Airport Transfer Desk
- Relaxation Facilities At Doha Airport
- Doha Airport Transit Tour
- Qatar Airways Stopover Program
- Doha Airport Transit Requirements During COVID
- FAQ On Doha Airport Transfer
About Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport (DOH), with an annual capacity of 35 million passengers, is the principal international airport in the State of Qatar. It is certified by Skytrax as a 5-star Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, and security/immigration. The airport saw 7.14 million passengers in the first quarter of 2022.
During the last two years, HIA has been named the World’s Best Airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It is also the first Middle Eastern airport awarded Skytrax’s World Best Airport.
Since 2014, HIA has been home to Qatar Airways, a 5-star Airline that has been voted six times as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax. Qatar Airways connects more than 140 destinations worldwide, and a large number of its passengers are transit passengers.
Doha Airport Transit Visa
One of the most common questions is whether you need a transit visa for connecting flights through Doha Airport. The answer is no, you do not need a transit visa if you are not planning on leaving the airport.
Here is a tweet from Qatar Airways on 18 July 2022 to confirm this:
Earlier Qatar Airways travellers could apply for a free 96-hour transit visa that would allow them to visit the city. However, this service is currently suspended; instead, eligible travellers from 90+ countries can use Qatar’s visa-on-arrival facility.
Doha Airport Transfer Procedure
Doha Airport makes it easy and convenient to transfer to your connecting flight. There is only a single passenger terminal at HIA, which means you can arrive, transfer and depart in the same terminal. You do not have to worry about changing the terminal building,
The terminal building has three levels and five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. Each of these has several passenger gates connected to jet bridges. The below map will give you a rough idea of the airport layout.
Below are the steps on how to transit at Doha Airport:
Step 1: Exit the aircraft
For most flights, you can access the terminal through jet bridges. During peak hours, you may be required to use a bus, which will be guided by staff.
On arrival, Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers, and unaccompanied minors are met by airport staff.
Step 2: Proceed to Transfer Halls
Upon exiting your aircraft, follow the “Transfer” signs. These signs will lead you to the Transfer Halls on the concourses.
Directional signs are available in English and Arabic; some even have estimated walking times.
Please follow the ‘Transfers’ sign for transit, not the ‘Arrivals’ sign. If you wish to exit the airport, please approach the transfer desk for assistance.
Step 3: Collect the Boarding Pass if required
Most airlines will issue you both boarding passes at the first check-in point (country of origin). If you already have the boarding pass for the next flight, you can proceed to the Departures Hall.
However, for some flights, you may be required to collect a new boarding pass from Doha. In that case, go to the transfer desk, and the staff will assist you.
The staff at the desks can answer any questions you may have. They can also help you reschedule or rebook flights, upgrade seats, obtain boarding passes, and exit the airport if you plan a stopover.
Step 4: Go through security screening
Before entering the Departures Hall, you must pass through a security screening. Your hand baggage will be screened for potentially dangerous items. Also, you will be required to pass through metal detectors.
Make sure your baggage does not contain any prohibited items.
Step 5: Check the gate number for your next flight
Several electronic screens with Flight Information can be seen in the Transfer and Departures Halls. Check the screens for your next flight number and the corresponding gate number.
You may not see your gate number if your flight is after a few hours. In that case, you can relax, dine or shop at the terminal. We will discuss those options later.
Step 6: Proceed to your gate
Once your gate information is available, proceed to the gate. You can use the shuttle train service inside the airport for some concourses. If you need help navigating around the airport, ask at the information desk or use the airport maps available throughout the airport.
Moving walkways are also available on most routes. Along the way, there are plenty of toilets to freshen up. Below is a video by HIA on how to transfer through Doha Airport.
Time Required For Transit At Doha Airport
Most passengers often wonder how much transit time you need for connecting flights at Doha Airport. There are several factors to consider here:
a) Boarding Pass: If the boarding pass for the second flight is issued from the first airport (point of origin), you can proceed to security check and move to your gate. If not, you will have to queue up at the transfer desk and wait for your turn to collect your boarding pass.
b) Distance Between Gates: Doha Airport is an integrated facility inside a single terminal building, but it is not a small airport. The walking distance between some gates can be up to 15 minutes.
c) Flight Arrival: You also need to consider the possibility of your first flight landing late. If you have a very short connection time, say 1 hour, even 15 15-minute delays in your flight can create havoc on your plans.
d) Disembarkation Time: Even if your flight arrives on time, you may not be able to leave the aircraft at the next moment. Usually, you have to wait 10-20 minutes to leave the aircraft through the jet bridge. It may be longer if you need to take a bus from the aircraft.
e) Gate Closing Time: Remember that gates close 20 minutes before departure time.
f) Seasonal Rush: During peak seasons like holidays, FIFA World Cup, etc., you can expect some delays in security screening.
Considering all these scenarios, a safe margin would be three hours. Shorter durations, like 1.5 to 2 hours, may be doable but can be a risky call. We wouldn’t advise anything below 1.5 hours.
Below are the estimated walking times from Transfers Hall to the gates in each Concourse.
| From Transfers A | From Transfers B | From Transfers D | From Transfers E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Concourse A | 1-5 min | 2-6 min | 10-14 min | 10-14 min |
| To Concourse B | 4-6 min | 3-5 min | 11-14 min | 11-14 min |
| To Concourse C | 2-8 min | 2-8 min | 1-6 min | 1-6 min |
| To Concourse D | 10-11 min | 10-11 min | 1-3 min | 1-3 min |
| To Concourse E | 9-11 min | 9-11 min | 2-3 min | 1-2 min |
In the unfortunate situation of having missed your connecting flight, please contact the transfer desk. The staff will assist you with re-booking a later flight.
Doha Airport Transfer Desk
You can visit one of the transfer desks if you need assistance with your onward flight, including boarding passes, rescheduling flights, or general inquiries.
The transfer desks can also assist you if you are on an extended stopover and wish to visit Qatar before boarding your onward flight. It is important to check visa and immigration requirements before beginning your journey to avoid disappointment and delays.
Relaxation Facilities At Doha Airport
Hamad International Airport has some of the world’s best facilities for relaxing and refreshing during your transit journey.
There are several world-class travellers’ lounges at the terminal. They offer complimentary food, shower facilities, business rooms, and luggage lockers. Depending on your ticket or privilege club membership, you may be entitled to complimentary lounge access, or you can pay to access the lounge.
There are also quiet rooms offering recliners and soft lighting where you can relax.
Doha Airport Restaurants
The airport features a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops to suit international travellers. There is a common food court area near departure (near the Giant Teddy), and coffee shops and restaurants spread all over the duty-free area. Below are some of the dining options available at Doha Airport.
- Azka Restaurant
- Burger King
- Brioche Doree
- Camden Food Co
- Coffeeshop Company
- Costa Coffee
- Del Monte F&B
- Emporio Armani Caffe
- Evergreen Organics
- Great Eastern Market
- Harrods Tea Room
- Harvest Market Restaurant
- Illy
- Jamocha Cafe
- L’ETO
- Le Grand Comptoir
- Negroni
- Red Restaurant
- Red Mango Yogurt & Smoothies
- Spizzico
- Starbucks
- The Burger Federation
- Yumcha
Shopping At Doha Airport
The award-winning Qatar Duty-Free (QDF) shopping emporium is one of the largest in the world. It is home to around 100 retail outlets and restaurants across 40,000 square meters of combined retail, food, and beverage space. Among its many products are designer labels, electronics, gourmet foods, and much more.
The prominent luxury brands at QDF include Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Bulgari, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Moncler, Rolex, and Harrods. If you are in a hurry, express stores are also available.
Sleeping Options at Doha Airport
Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge is located within the main duty-free area within HIA’s transit terminal and offers a selection of sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate up to 50 adults and four children. The sleep units provide a soundproof, air-conditioned space where you can relax before or between flights and pay by the hour.
You can choose from the following accommodations at Sleep’n Fly:
- FlexiSuite Sleep Pods (one person)
- YAWN Double Cabin (max. two persons)
- YAWN Double Cabin with kid’s pull-out bed (max. two adults and one child <115 cm)
- YAWN Bunk Cabin (max. two persons)
The average two-hour rates are USD 48 (one person) and USD 77 (two persons).
You can make online reservations at www.sleep-n-fly.com
For assistance, call +974 4467 8993 or email [email protected]
Doha Airport Hotels
Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has two hotels for transit passengers:
Oryx Airport Hotel
Oryx Airport Hotel is conveniently located inside Hamad International Airport’s passenger terminal, offering guests a wonderful place to relax, unwind and recharge before their next flight. The hotel offers hourly rates, fitness facilities as well as spa services for the convenience of every guest.
Daily rates for Superior Rooms start at QR 1,290 (USD 350). To know more about hourly rates, contact the reservations team by email at [email protected] or call +974-40108100.
You can see the hotel reviews and book on TripAdvisor.
Oryx Garden Hotel
The Oryx Garden Hotel is HIA’s newly inaugurated airport hotel located in North Plaza. A total of 100 rooms are available, ranging from king beds to twin beds and suites. All rooms are conveniently located within the terminal, near boarding gates. Bookings can be made around the clock for a maximum of 24 hours.
A variety of retail and culinary options are conveniently located near the Oryx Garden Hotel, as well as complimentary new-generation wireless internet throughout the premises.
Luggage Storage at Doha Airport
Currently, the Hamad International Airport storage lockers are not in operation due to health and safety concerns. However, Tawfeeq Travel offers luggage storage at their Travel Hub inside the airport Metro station. You can find more details about luggage storage here.
Doha Airport Wifi
HIA provides complimentary wireless internet WiFi access throughout its passenger terminals. You can sign up for complimentary WiFi by searching for “HIAQatar Complimentary WiFi”.
There are also internet kiosks and desks with screens and keyboards that offer free web browsing. Kiosks are located throughout the passenger terminal (near the boarding gates).
Purchasing a prepaid calling card from Qatar Duty-Free lets you make international calls anywhere in the world. There are telephone booths throughout the passenger terminal (including at the boarding gates).
Other Facilities
The passenger terminal has smoking rooms, prayer rooms, and phone/laptop charging stations.
Six foreign exchange stores and multiple ATMs are located throughout the passenger terminal. Travelex offers currency conversion of over 40 currencies. There are play areas and activity nodes for children. Complimentary baby strollers and parents’ rooms are also available.
Doha Airport Transit Tour
If your transit is more than 8 hours, you can join a city tour or adventure tour by Discover Qatar. There are three types of tours available. Below are the details:
| Tour Theme | Tour Duration | Price | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Doha – City tour | 3 hours | QR 95 | 08:00, 13:00, 18:00, 21:30 |
| Discover the dunes and inland sea | 4 hours | QR 367 | 07:00, 14:00 |
| Discover the dunes and inland sea (Private – 5 persons) | 4 hours | QR 734 | 06:00, 14:00 |
For more details and booking, check Discover Qatar Transit Tours.
Qatar Airways Stopover Program
You can explore Qatar by booking a stopover holiday with Qatar Airways. Packages start from $14, including luxurious accommodation at 4-star and 5-star hotels. For more information, check the Qatar Airways Stop Over Package.
Doha Airport Transit Requirements During COVID
- A Transit Visa is NOT required for transit passengers who do not plan on leaving the airport terminal.
- Ehteraz pre-travel registration is NOT required anymore. Qatar has completely removed the Ehteraz pre-registration requirement from 1 November.
- A vaccination Certificate and COVID-19 PCR Tests are only required if your destination country requires these. If your country of arrival does not demand these, you do not have to present them for transit.
The above information is already available on the Qatar Airways website. Below is a tweet from QA on 07 August 2022 to confirm:
You can check your destination country’s requirements using this tool on Qatar Airways.
Covid Hygiene at HIA
HIA takes extreme care of hygiene, especially after the pandemic breakout. It is mandatory to wear masks and to maintain social distancing inside the airport. It is only permitted for staff members and passengers with valid flight reservations to enter the airport terminal.
265 hand sanitiser dispensers have been strategically placed throughout the terminal. Each passenger touch point is sanitized regularly, and all baggage trolleys and tubs are regularly disinfected. UV disinfection tunnels were installed to disinfect all luggage arriving at the airport.
Other security measures include mobile disinfection robots, plexiglass shields, thermal cameras, contactless elevators, and contactless payment methods. As a result of its efforts, HIA has become the first airport in Asia and the Middle East to receive a COVID-19 5-Star Airport Safety Rating from Skytrax.
READ NEXT: Qatar Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide
FAQ On Doha Airport Transfer
Is a Covid PCR test required for transit through Doha Airport?
No, a Covid test is not required for transit unless your destination country requires an RT-PCR test.
Is it easy to transfer through Doha Airport?
Transfer through Doha Airport is not difficult, as it is an integrated airport with arrival, transit, and departure facilities inside a single terminal building. Signages are well-marked, and all modern facilities for passengers are available.
Is 1-hour transit enough at Doha Airport?
The transit time of one hour may not be enough at Doha Airport, considering that the distance between some gates can be up to 15 minutes. You should also consider the possibility of flight delays, security screening, and gates closing 20 minutes before departure.
Is alcohol allowed at Doha Airport transit areas?
You can carry alcoholic beverages purchased from the duty-free along with your hand baggage, but drinking in public is not allowed. Alcoholic beverages may be available in some lounges.
Related Articles:
- Luggage Storage At Doha Airport: Location and Rates
- Qatar Customs Prohibited Items To Avoid
- Complete Guide To Visiting Qatar
- Guide On Carrying Medicines To Qatar
- Driving in Qatar: Guide For Visitors And Residents
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Images and video courtesy: Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways
I’m a Vietnamese [though I don’t use the VNese passport], I have a US permanent resident card which I always use to travel to Vietnam [from the US] along with a VNese visa. My question, while transiting through DOH, will it be OK to show my US PR card at security checkpoints without any hassle?
Hi Toan, Usually airlines & security check will ask for passport.
Thank you for your response. According to Qatar Airways website, to fly with them there are passport exemption cases like mine which they’ll ask to see my US permanent card (form I-551) instead of passport. I’ve never done transiting through DOH before so I’m just making sure if everybody is on the same frequency, don’t want any hold-up and miss the flight. I’ve flown with all Asian airlines many times before and never had a problem beside a few questions.
Hi Toan, If it is only transit you will not be passing through Qatar Immigration and your travel docs will not be checked by Qatar Authorities. Only Qatar Airways staff will check this at the gate for identification. If their website says PR Card is accepted, it should be fine.
Hi. I’ll be transferring through Doha later this year, only 3.5 hours stopover. I won’t have enough time to check out, leave the airport and get back. Would my friend in Qatar be able to visit me somewhere at the airport, and we grab a coffee or a bite to eat? He’s read about e-gate passes but is not sure if he’ll be able to access the transit area without a boarding pass/plane ticket.
Hi Ben, Your friend cannot enter transit area without a plane ticket. You will need a visa to leave the airport (or get visa on arrival if eligible). 3.5 hours is too short for that.
Hello, my daughter will be arriving on a flight and will have to clear immigration collect her checked bag and recheck in for her next flight.
What sort of time should she allow?
Is this an easy experience?
And is this classified as leaving the terminal?
Thank you so much for your service.
Hi Shane, Minimum 4 hours transit is the recommended time for this. 6 hours will be comfortable. Note that she will need a visa or get visa on arrival (if eligible) to cross the immigration. Arrival and Departure are inside the same terminal on different floors.
Hello. i need to transit through Doha, on my way to China. What are the requirements?
Hi Howard, If you are travelling under a single booking and you will not leave the airport you don’t need a transit visa. Nothing else needs to be done.
Hi!
My friend is travelling from Ireland to India via Doha. Her transit time is 19 hours. Can she exit the airport and visit me since i reside in Doha?
Pls advice.
Thank you.
Hi Saroja, Currently online transit visa service is suspended. Sometimes Qatar Airways office can arrange transit visa. If your friend is Indian citizen she will need Discover Qatar booking to get visa on arrival. If your friend is citizen of Ireland, she can get visa on arrival. If your friend is a resident of Ireland, she can apply for ETA Visa. It costs QR 100. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
Hello, I’m flying from Gatwick to Doha and then Doha to Bangkok next week, on two separate tickets. I only have 2 hours 15 mins between landing and needing to catch next flight. First flight is BA business, second flight is Qatar economy. I’m really worried I’m not going to have enough time to make the transfer if BA don’t link my luggage to the Qatar flight. Some say they might because of Oneworld Alliance, others say they won’t – also getting conflicting advice from both airlines. When I land at Doha, would I be able to check my luggage onto the Qatar flight at the Transfer desk, or will I have to go through Departures, check in, then go through Security again? I’d be really grateful for any advice please.
Hi Nicola, Since you have booked separate tickets, most probably you will be required to exit, collect your baggage and check-in again (this is the normal procedure). You can check with your airline if Oneworld Alliance is applicable in this case.
Can I collect my luggage from first flight on Turkish Air and re-check-in luggage to my next flight on Qatar Airways without going through immigration?
Hi Gigi, Luggage collection is outside the immigration counter. So you will need to go through immigration.
If you have booked both flights under one booking (through the same airline), they will do the transfer.
Hello,
I am considering having my 2 Nigerian passport holder relatives to fly from Lagos to Brazil via Doha. Can you please tell me if they need transit visas for Doha? they will be holding visas for Brazil. Thank you
Hi CD, If they are not leaving the airport they don’t need transit visa.
Hello,
I am a Medicinal Cannabis user. I am flying home from Thailand to Spain via Doha, both flights with Qatar. I want to know if there is any possibility of being randomly profiled, screened or tested for “drugs” during transit at HIA. I will not be traveling with any cannabis. Thanks in advance for your response!
Hi John, You don’t have to worry if you are not carrying any cannabis. They don’t randomly test travellers.
I sincerely thank you for this information and your rapid reply. It was difficult to find clear information online regarding this matter. Peace of mind is invaluable. Thank you very much!
You are welcome John. Best wishes!
Hello,
My mum is traveling to Canada via Qatar Airways and she will be having 7 hours of transit in Doha, I will like to know if she can get her boarding pass from online checking so she will not need to face the hassle of checking in counter in Cape South Africa when shes boarding?
If she can do a self-check-in and not need all the airport trouble since she only has a carry-on bag and no luggage to check in only her handbag.
our last born mentioned the last time he transits through Doha he had an issue with the Qatar airline staff when he was boarding his connecting flight in transit, So am wondering if they have to go through immigration passport control while in transit.
I will like to know this before her traveling date, Thank you and your response will be highly appreciated,
Thank
Hi Zandile, Only some airports have the facility of issuing online boarding pass. We are not sure if it would be possible in South Africa as it is not Qatar Airways hub. Regarding passport control during transit, normally it is not needed if both flights are with Qatar Airways and you have made a single booking (single PNR number). As these will be different on case-by-case, kindly check both these questions directly with Qatar Airways.
As a US citizen, flying on single booking using AA, QA, and Oman Air, not leaving HIA at any time, would I be required to have a visa and go through immigration? Just verifying before travel in June 2023.
Thank you.
Hi Kate, You do not require transit visa if all your flights are booked through same airline. You will only need it if you are leaving airport or collecting your baggage to check-in again.
Hello,
My brother is travelling from India to Canada via Doha connecting flights. I am planning to take Transit Visa for him to explore the Doha for 3 days. Please advise which documents are needed and what is the procedure. As above mentioned, Transit visa is suspended.
please clarify the doubt.
Hi Vaib, You can contact Qatar Airways local office for transit visa. If they can’t provide, you can apply for newly launched tourist visa. More details are here: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi,
Im trying to clarify something, im travelling to the Maldivies via Doha from Manchester with Qatar Airways and my passport expires in 5 months is this ok to transit through Doha as my final destination only needs 3 months??
Many thanks
Hi Jon, Passport validity is only considered for issuing visa. Since you are on transit it is OK in Qatar. Please check the minimum validity required for Maldives.
Hello – my 15 year old daughter, and two 15 year old friends will be transiting in DOHA from Madrid to Brisbane. Is their a service we can purchase where someone from Qatar Airways accompanies the 3 minors from one flight to the next? the layover is 3 hours. Thank you and Best Regards
Hi Miguel, You can make use of Qatar Airways Al Maha Service: https://www.qatarairways.com/en/hia-hamad-international-airport/al-maha-services.html
After transit when passenger go to connecting flight so they need check in gate no. Where some security Disturb, ignoranse, offload and harassment to passenger who many of them could not fly and losser. We want to know What the responsibility of security who given power to security that they docs verifierer! Its not right to them becoz passenger is on transit and He will be verified from first detination to immigration of final distination. So Now doha transit Security no need to check more to passenger. Becoz from first way passenger hold 2/3 Boding. So Security not should check reply.
Hi Shajahan,
I will like to ask a few questions from you, Have you transited in Qatar Doha in the past?
What is your experience with transit in Doha for 3 hours?
When you are going to board your connecting flight at the gate, Do you experience another strict security check with document verification?
it sound like your experience is not so good with security personnel trying to verify document again in transit before boarding your connecting flight.
So am asking because I have a little sister who is identified as lesbian but was registered as male on his passport, Do you think this can be an issue if they recheck his passport when he’s in transit to board connecting flight?
please share your experience with me because help is flying next month, you can reach me here at [email protected]
We are flying Qatar Airlines from Australia into Doha (for a 3 hour stop) and then onto Paris. When I booked the tickets I entered an Aus-Paris flight and the ones I have bought are are all on the same booking, so I believe this means we are only in transit in Doha, and do not have to exit transit. Does this sound right?
The reason we are concerned about this is that we have an 18 year old with us who identifies as transgender and they are very concerned they may be approached by police/airport security/searched. At this point, their passport indicates a male gender, and they were assigned male at birth so there should be no reason for anyone to guess they are transgender, however they look feminine in appearance (long blonde hair) and although they will be wearing neutral clothes, they are concerned someone might confiscate their phone and see content which indicates their transgender views. This is causing a great deal of fear given Qatar’s laws which are currently that being transgender is punishable by death. Do you have any information which can be reassuring for us? Is there any full body scanning when you are in transit or only luggage screening?
Hi Erin, If you have booked both your flights as a single booking (paid only once), you are considered a transit passenger. You will not be leaving through immigration and will not need a visa.
There will be security body scanning for metals and harmful objects, but your co-traveller do not have to worry about being LGBT. Qatar is a visitor-friendly country and do not charge anyone unless they break a law on purpose. Although there are certain Islamic laws that can be used against LGBT, these are very rarely used and transit passengers do not have to worry. As you said, this person can chose to wear neutral clothes, just to avoid unwanted attention from other travelers.
hi
I am flying from Dublin to Phuket transiting through Doha. (Qatar airlines) I am on the understanding I do not require a visa etc as I will not be leaving the airport. On my return I am in Doha for 13 hours and was thinking of booking into the lounge, however on reading terms & conditions it states no alcohol will be served during Ramadan. I would be in Doha on 22nd April and I see Ramadan finishes 20th April so I take it all services would be back on. Also it the lounge accessible going through transit. Many thanks
Hi Lisa, The lounge is accessible for transit passengers also. If you are booking a lounge that serves alcohol, it would be back to full services by 22 April.
I am traveling on Qatar Airways, and have a connecting flight in Doha. My passport expires in 5 months. Will I be able to take a city tour, or am I required to stay in the airport?
Hi Will, Normally 6 months passport validity is required for visa on arrival. Before booking a city tour, check with your airline if 5 months validity will be accepted.
Hello,
I saw the response to the other commenter about different airline flights, but wanted to clarify further. I am a US citizen and have 2 separate flights from Male to Doha in economy on Qatar on cash and Doha to Dallas, USA in business on an American Air award ticket (due to an equipment change/error that kicked us off the Male to Doha leg). I do not plan on leaving the airport and will spend the down time in the airport lounges.
Given that I would need to pick up check-in luggage and re-check in for the business class itinerary, would I need a transit visa?
I appreciate the response as this is a situation I have not received clear answers on, even from Qatar Customer service and it is also my first time at DOH.
Thank you!
I apologize if it was not clear, but both flights are on Qatar.
Thank you!
Hi Bryce, Have you booked both flights separately? What is your nationality?
I am a US national. I had to book a separate cash ticket because they could not accomodate what would have been my first leg from Male to Doha. I had to have American Air reissue the ticket to start my award travel from Doha (as instructed by a Qatar phone agent).
Hi Bryce, In this case you will have to exit through the immigration, collect baggage and check in again. As a US citizen you would be eligible for visa on arrival. You will need hotel booking (which you can cancel later) and health insurance from MOPH website (costs USD 14). More details: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/
Thank you for the clarification and details. In terms of making a hotel booking, would you have suggestions on hotels that would allow a free cancellation?
Hi Bryce, You can check booking .com. You will find options with free cancellation.
Hello,
Thank you for this comprehensive guide. Just want to clarify: if I’m flying from Manila, Philippines to Doha, Qatar via Philippine Airlines with a connecting flight to Tbilisi, Georgia via a different airline: flydubai (7 hours layover), do I need a transit visa?
Highly appreciate your response as it’s my first time doing transit in Doha.
Hi Bea, You have two options: (1) If you book both flights under different PNR numbers (means the airlines are not code sharing), you will have to exit through immigration, collect the baggage and check-in again. This means you will need a visa to enter Qatar. Unfortunately, Transit Visa service is currently suspended and Philippines nationals are not eligible for visa on arrival in Qatar. So please discuss with your airline and decide.
(2) If you book with one airline and they offer a connection flight through Doha (code sharing with another airline), you will not be passing through immigration counter and hence a visa is not needed.
Grateful for the prompt response! Just one last thing: if I do option 1 above and have a Hayya With Me Voucher, can I use that as transit visa or visa on arrival?
Hi Bea, Hayya voucher is an excellent option in your case. Just make sure you complete all requirements and get an approved Hayya Entry Permit. That will give you multiple entries until January 2024. Please see our video on the steps: https://youtu.be/I_ZVDCIRyns
Hi there.
I’ve booked a flight from Copenhagen to Doha with Turkish Airlines arriving on the 17th of February at 00.50 and then I have an onbound flight at 9.35 on the 18th of February with Qatar Airlines – I’ll have to leave the transit area, get my luggage and then check in again. I’ll spend 8 hours in Doha.
Do I need a Visa, can I get it upon arrival when traveling with Turkish Airlines and what documents does it require? Furthermore, do I need a Health Insurance from Qatar? And am I required to book a hotel in Doha during my 8 hours layover?
Thanks a lot – All the best
Hi Jasmin, You will need a visa and health insurance through MOPH website. If you are Danish citizen, you will be eligible for visa on arrival. Please note that a hotel booking may be required to get a visa on arrival (even for 8 hours). So please book a hotel and cancel after arrival. More details: : https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/