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?
- Who can apply for an Exceptional Entry Permit?
- Procedure to Apply Exceptional Entry Permit to Return to Qatar
- How to Check Status of Qatar Exceptional Entry Permit
- Applying Entry Permit for Family Members
- Exceptional Entry Permit Validity
- How to Apply for Extension of Exceptional Entry Permit
- Other Conditions
- Documents Needed At Airport
- FAQ on Qatar Exceptional Entry Permit
2024 STATUS
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:
- Passport
- Qatar Residence Permit card
- Exceptional Entry Permit (only if stayed out for 6 months / RP expired)
- COVID-19 PCR Test Report (within 72 hours of arrival)
- Vaccination / Recovery Certificate (if available)
- 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
Who is authorized to apply for an entry permit?
The employer is the only authorized party to apply for the resident’s entry permit. Regarding family members, the resident may submit an entry permit request for them, provided that he/she has an entry permit while being outside the country.
How long is the validity of the permit?
The Exceptional Entry Permit to Qatar is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
What happens if my Qatari Residence Permit was expired?
It is possible to apply for an entry permit for those whose residency has expired while they are outside Qatar.
Can the entry permit application be rejected?
Yes, the concerned authorities can reject the permit application if it does not meet the conditions and requirements for granting the permit
If an entry permit application is rejected, can I apply again?
Yes, it is possible to apply again after fulfilling all the conditions that led to the rejection of the application.
You May Also Like:
- How To Apply For Qatar Return Permit
- Qatar Visa On Arrival Guide
- Qatar Health Card Renewal Online: Step By Step Guide
- How To Calculate End of Service Gratuity in Qatar
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Dont know if this is applicable. I worked in Doha before, then exited in 2017 for a job in UAE.All by the book, no negative record. I’ve been working in UAE ever since up until now, but with a different company. I recently got the job opportunity to go back to Doha now in 2024. Being Filipino, I have been informed, its included in the 6(or 7, not sure) nationalities that have to return to the home country (Philippines in my case) and go through the QVC in the city I’m not from, and start everything from scratch, as if I never left. When I asked what was the QVC for, the answer is to “simplify the process, make it easier & convenient” – this is NOT the case for me unfortunately. This is also beyond expensive if I add up all the food, place to stay, transportation costs involved in staying for weeks- months in that 1 city (the whole time, by that time, I would be technically be unemployed btw) Any respond is well appreciated
MY father arrived in qatar on family visit visa and now he wants to perform
umrah by road , plz guide me how he will return back to qatar
Hi Imran, Family Visit Visa is single entry which means he cannot come back on the same visa. There was an option to apply return visa on Metrash (by paying QR 200). We are not sure if it still works. You can check with any MOI Service Center or call 109.
Hi, I’m not sure if my issue is related to this. But I need some good advice and clarification. I’m an OFW and I’m on vacation now. I’m just worried about not having a renewed employment contract. My contract will end this June 18, 2023, and my residency permit will expire June 18, 2025. I’ll be coming back to Qatar by July 1, 2023. And I already have an OEC (overseas employment certificate). My sponsor said that it’s ok to go back to Qatar as long as I have the QID. Would it be possible for me to enter Qatar without my renewed employment contract?
Hi Bing, If the QID is valid and you haven’t stayed out for 6 months you can return to Qatar. You can double check with Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hello
Mera project visa 3 months ka tha
Muje mere company ne muje 2months extra work karwaya
Ky meai qatar wapas jaa sakta ho
Hi Arvind, You can go back if you were not deported or banned for overstay.
Hi,
During the period Dec 2020 until Feb 2021 I was stuck in the uk awaiting to go back to my work location in Qatar, my company say that my visa process was taking longer then expected to process due to the current covid pandemic at that time. Can somebody confirm this and can anybody help me out with a contact number or email address for the Qatari visa office so I can request a letter from them confirming this also? Thank you.
Hi Lee, It is true that there was a delay in processing of most visas during the COVID period. You can contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. We are not sure if they will issue such a letter. But you can contact them for any help.
I left Qatar on 28 march 2022 due to emergency leave and during leave I also become sick and took operation of hemorrhoids after that I become fit but my QID expired now I want to join my service but I don’t know the procedure about to come back Qatar
Hi Sher Nawas Khan, You need to contact your employer and they need to renew your QID.
Hi Team,
If family member (wife) RP is expired, is it possible to get exceptional
entry permit to get into Qatar. If yes what’s the procedure.
Hi Phani, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 to check about this.
Hi Phani, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 to check about this.
what is the rule/requirment for US Citizen that they want to come to qatar After 23 /Dec /2022
Hi Batoul, Normally US Citizens can get visas on arrival. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-for-us-citizens/
We are awaiting the official announcement for the resumption of the visa on arrival after 23 December.