Exceptional Entry Permit To Return To Qatar (Guide)

Exceptional Entry Permit to Qatar was a temporary service provided to the residents who could not return due to the COVID-19 flight restrictions. However this permit is not required anymore since 2021.

This article explains the step-by-step process of applying for a permit to return to Qatar.

Who needs an Exceptional Entry Permit?

Qatar residents who were outside Qatar for more than six months or whose RP has expired need an exceptional entry permit due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Who can apply for an Exceptional Entry Permit?

The permit applications can be made by:

• a) Employers (whether individuals or companies, government or private sector) to apply for an entry permit for their employees.
• b) Residents to apply for an entry permit for their family members.

Procedure to Apply Exceptional Entry Permit to Return to Qatar

If this is the first time you are using Qatar Portal, you need to create a new Tawtheeq (National Authentication System) account. Here is the detailed guide on how to create a Tawtheeq account. If you already have an account, you can directly proceed as below:

Step 1: Go to the Qatar Portal webpage

Step 2: Click on “Apply for Exceptional Entry”

Step 3: Click on “Apply Online”

Step 4: Login to Qatar Portal using NAS login page

Enter username and password. Click on “Continue”

Step 5: Select Type of Application

If you are applying for Company Employee, you have to enter Establishment ID and Applicant QID.

If you are applying for Family, you can select either all family members or a specific person.

Read terms and conditions and prepare all required attachments before starting the application.

Step 6: Fill in the application details

Enter the application page and fill in the required information correctly and completely as shown in the passport. Enter your email correctly to receive approval on your application.

Step 7: Once approved, the entry permit will be sent to your email

After approval of the application, you will receive an email containing a copy of the entry permit. The resident can also contact the employer to obtain a copy.

The time frame for approval varies from person to person. While some applicants were approved within days, some applicants needed a few weeks to be approved.

The permit and quarantine undertaking sent to the email must be printed out to be presented to the airport officials.

How to Check Status of Qatar Exceptional Entry Permit

You can check the status of the application by logging into Qatar Portal (as done during the application process above) and clicking on the “My Applications” button on the top right.

Alternatively, you may call the Government Contact Center on 109 inside Qatar or +974 44069999 outside the country.

Applying Entry Permit for Family Members

If the sponsor is in the country, he/she can apply for an entry permit for his/her family members directly through Qatar Portal.

If the sponsor is outside the country, he/she must obtain an entry permit from his/her employer first. Only after obtaining the permit the sponsor can apply for his/her family members through Qatar Portal.

For newborns up to six months, a visa upon arrival will be granted. So it is not required to apply for an entry permit.

Exceptional Entry Permit Validity

The validity of the entry permit is one month (30 days) from the date of its issuance.

UPDATE ON 27 OCTOBER 2020: Exceptional Entry Permit for residents stuck abroad due to COVID-19 can now be extended for another 30 days. The extension of the entry permit can be done via Qatar Portal as explained below:

How to Apply for Extension of Exceptional Entry Permit

• Log in to your existing account on the Qatar portal and access “My Applications” screen.
• Click on “Extend Application” to extend the validity of the targeted permit.
• Pay appropriate fees if available (Depending on the duration of staying outside the country and the validity of the Qatar Residence card).
• Print the permit that got automatically extended by the electronic system for 30 days, and that includes the new expiration date.

Other Conditions

• The holder of the permit must download the EHTERAZ application upon arrival.
• The competent authorities reserve the right to accept or reject the permit application following the conditions and requirements of issuing the permits.
• The applicant must acknowledge that all data and information stated in the entry permit application are correct. If any discrepancy or misinformation is proved, legal liabilities for the same will apply in accordance with the regulations and laws of the State of Qatar.
• Establishment data shall be updated at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs before submitting the application.
• The Wage Protection System must be adhered to.
• There shall be existing projects and justifiable reasons for return.

Documents Needed At Airport

The following documents are needed at the airport:

1. Passport
2. Qatar Residence Permit card
3. Exceptional Entry Permit (only if stayed out for 6 months / RP expired)
4. COVID-19 PCR Test Report (within 72 hours of arrival)
5. Vaccination / Recovery Certificate (if available)
6. Hotel Reservation (if not eligible for exception)

For more information, you can call on 109 inside Qatar or +974 44069999 outside Qatar.

You can also find more information on the MOPH website.

FAQ on Qatar Exceptional Entry Permit

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