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 11 March 2024.
What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
Qatar Family Visit Visa is a type of short-term visa that enables expatriate residents to bring their spouse, children, father, mother, or other relatives of the first and second degrees to Qatar for a short visit. The visa is issued for one month and can be extended for another five months (in some cases).
This article explains the requirements, documents, application process, visa cost, and other details of the Qatar Family Visit Visa.
Please Note: This is a short-term visa for visiting purposes only. Foreign employees who wish to sponsor their families to live long-term in Qatar should refer to the Family Residence Visa Procedure.
- What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Latest News And Updates 2024
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
- Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
- How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa Online
- How To Check the Status of Family Visit Visa
- Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
- Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
- How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
- Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- How To Extend Family Visit Visa
- Other Points To Note
- FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
Qatar Family Visit Visa Latest News And Updates 2024
Ramadan Working Hours: The Ministry of Interior has announced the official working hours of its departments during the holy month of Ramadan. The General Directorate of Passports offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
MARCH 2024 STATUS
Currently, the Family Visit Visa also requires CEID verification for adults. This stage comes after the visa number is issued. The application status on Metrash will be “Under Process” with the visa number. On average this is taking 1-2 weeks.
Since September, Family Visit Visa applications are being accepted for visitors aged 60 and above. Many recent applicants have already received their visa numbers.
Additionally, visit visa extensions of up to 6 months are permitted for spouses and children.
Since the first week of October 2023, there has been a delay in approvals for adults. Some applications are taking 3-4 weeks.
Applications for family visit visas can be submitted online using the Metrash app.
The new Immigration office at Al Duhail is now allowing entry for expatriates who want to make changes to their Visit Visa or Family RP applications or resubmit documents. You can park your car in the basement and proceed to the first floor.
04 December 2023 Update
The Ministry of Interior has clarified the eligibility criteria for Family Visit Visa as follows:
1. Applicant should have a minimum salary of QR 5000.
2. The profession should be a non-labour category.
3 The applicant should have family accommodation duly accredited by relevant authorities.
4. The visitor must have health insurance.
5. The visitor must be a relative of the applying resident within the allowed degrees of relation.
Please note that the information provided above is not based on any official announcement but rather on the recent experiences of applicants who visited MOI Centers. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.
Health Insurance For Family Visit Visa
Health insurance is now mandatory for a Family Visit Visa. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an SMS with a link to purchase the health insurance online.
Applicants can buy health insurance for QAR 50 per month from any of the registered insurance companies listed on the MOPH website. More details about visitors’ insurance are available here.
Attestation For Marriage Certificate
Until recently, most visit visa applications for spouses were approved without an attested marriage certificate. However, nowadays attestation is compulsory for marriage certificates.
For a Family Visit Visa, attestation is not mandatory for children’s birth certificates. It is mandatory for a Family Residence Visa.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
Expatriate residents in Qatar can apply for a family visit visa subject to meeting minimum salary and professional requirements.
Minimum Salary For Family Visit Visa in Qatar
The minimum salary required to apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for spouses and children is QR 5,000 per month.
A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 is required to apply for Family Visit Visas for other relatives.
| Visa Type | Minimum Salary Required |
|---|---|
| Family Visit Visa – Spouse and Children | QR 5,000 |
| Family Visit Visa – Other Relatives | QR 10,000 |
Profession Requirement for Family Visit Visa in Qatar
Most expatriates with the required minimum salary are eligible to apply for a family visit visa. However, some applications may be rejected if the applicant’s profession on Qatar ID is labour-type.
Even if an application is rejected due to an ineligible profession, the Captain at the MOI Service Center has the power to change the decision.
Family Members That Can Be Hosted
- First Degree: Wife, Children, Father, Mother
- Second Degree: Brother, Sister, Grandfather, Grandmother, Grandchildren
- Third Degree: Children of brother or sister, Paternal uncle or aunt (brother or sister of father), Maternal uncle or aunt (Brother or sister of mother)
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
If applying for a visit visa for wife and children
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Wife: Marriage Certificate / Children: Birth Certificate)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Employment details are not required when applying through the Metrash app, as currently labour contracts are linked with the Metrash system.
If applying for a visit visa for other relatives
Only married expatriates with family in Qatar can apply to sponsor other relatives.
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
Qatar Family Visit Visa fee is QAR 200 for 30 days. The entry visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month.
- Medical check-up: A medical check-up for a visa extension costs QAR 100.
- Fine for overstaying: The fine for overstaying beyond the allowed period is QR 200 per day.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
Qatar Family Visit Visas are initially issued for one month (30 days). After the visitor enters Qatar and undergoes a medical test, the visa can be further extended for another five months for spouses and children (total 180 days) and two more months for other relatives (total 90 days).
Health insurance needs to be taken for the additional period.
As the rules may change from time to time, an extension beyond 90 90-day stay is not guaranteed. If you are planning to extend for 5 more months (after one month) please confirm with the Immigration Department before purchasing additional insurance.
Number of Days To Enter Qatar After Visa Approval
Once the visa is approved, it will have the “visa valid till” date printed on the top. This is the last date for entry to Qatar (not the last date of stay in Qatar). Currently, it is 90 days from the date of visa approval. Visitors cannot use this visa after this date.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
Traditionally, applying for a family visit visa was to visit any Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre and submit copies of the documents along with the printed application form.
In 2018, Qatar introduced an online system where residents can apply for family visit visas through the Metrash2 mobile.
Through this service, you can upload all the required documents in the specified fields. You can also track the application status and pay the fees electronically once approved.
How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa Online
Below are the steps to apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa using the Metrash mobile app.
Step 1. Open the Metrash2 app on your mobile and log in
If you haven’t registered for Metrash2, see our comprehensive Metrash2 User Guide.
Step 2. Click on the “Visa” icon
Step 3. Click on the “Issue Visa” icon
Step 4. Click on the “Family Visit” icon
Step 5. Select “Family Visa Application”
Make sure to select “Family Visa Application”, not “Family Resident Application”.
Step 6. Click on “New Application”
Step 7. Fill up the details of the visitor
The details to fill up include Gender, Relation, Nationality, Date of Birth, Passport Details etc.
Step 8. Click on the “Validate” button
Step 9. Upload the required photos or scans of the documents
- Document scans/photos must be clear and readable.
- For documents with multiple pages, you must combine both photos/scans to create one JPG file.
- When uploading passports, photo and bio pages should be on the same side.
- For “Marriage Certificate (Others)”, you can upload the attested backside of the marriage certificate.
- Often a birth certificate is asked to prove your relationship with the visitor. If this is unavailable, you can also use any other document proving the relationship.
Step 10. You will receive an update after a few days
If there are any missing or mismatched documents, you will be notified to make the required changes. After verifying and approving the application, you will receive an application number.
The application status will change to “Under Process”, “Under Review” and again to “Under Process” before getting approved.
Step 11. Pay the required fee
Once the visa is approved, you have to pay the visa fee (QR 200) online via Metrash. To make the payment, go to the “Visa Fees Payment” icon on the “Visa Operation” page.
Step 12. Buy health insurance
From April 2023, health insurance needs to be taken after the visit visa is approved (not during application).
Once your visa is approved, you will receive a message to buy the insurance. While buying the insurance, enter the visa number and it will be updated in the Metrash system. The visa can be printed only after insurance has been purchased.
After this, you can download the visa copy and send it to the visitor for travel.
How To Check the Status of Family Visit Visa
You can see the status on your Metrash app itself.
You can also check the family visit visa status on the Ministry of Interior website under Inquiries >> Visa Services >> Visa Approval Tracking (link).
Enter the application number and application date or sponsor’s QID number. Make sure all the required details are filled in correctly, and you’ll be able to check your visa status.
Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) no longer entertains offline applications for family visit visas. You are required to apply via the Metrash mobile app.
Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
There may be several reasons why your family visit visa application is rejected. Often it is due to submitting wrong or insufficient documents.
If the document photo is not clear or not attested (in the case of a marriage certificate), you can do the attestation and resubmit again. However, it is imperative to understand the reason and fix it before applying again.
Applications can also be rejected if the applicant (a Qatar resident) does not comply with the required conditions (salary or profession). If the application is rejected due to the applicant not meeting the salary requirement, it would be difficult to get approved again.
However, in case of rejection due to profession, you can try to meet the Captain at the Immigration Office in Duhail, and request for reconsideration. Sometimes he would approve if the profession is acceptable.
How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
If your application is still under review or process, you can cancel it by clicking on the right arrow on the status page. If this option is not available, you will have to visit any MOI Service Center.
Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Visa printout
- Two-way flight tickets
- Health insurance
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How To Extend Family Visit Visa
As the initial visa is issued for one month only, the sponsor has to extend it within the first month to avoid any penalties.
Relatives wishing to stay beyond one month must undergo a medical test within a few days. Here is the detailed process of the medical test for a visit visa extension.
Once the medical examination is passed, the visit visa can be extended online using the Metrash mobile app (Visa –> Visa Services –> Extend Visa) or by visiting any MOI service centre.
Other Points To Note
If the return ticket is after 30 days, some airlines may not allow visitors to board the flight since the initial visa is only for 30 days. So make sure to book a flight ticket that can be modified with a minimum change fee. In this way, once the visitor reaches Qatar, the ticket dates can be modified.
As this is an online visa, some airlines may require an “OK to Board” status in their system before departure. You can get this status by showing the visa copy to the airline’s Doha office.
“Null” Status on Visit Visa Application Receipt
Some of our readers have raised concerns that the receipt they received after application submission shows “null” in most fields.
Please note that this is normal for all applicants. This document is only an acknowledgement that they received your application. Your application details will be in the system.
Visit Visa Application “Under Process” and “Under Review” Status
Applicants often get confused about changes to their visit visa application status. It is normal that each visit visa application moves through “Under Process” and “Under Review” statuses multiple times before approval.
If your application status changes between these two, you do not have to do anything. In most cases, the application will be approved within days of a status change.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Approval Time
As of 2024, the average approval time for a Family Visit Visa is 1-4 weeks. Please note that applications are processed in batches and may not be on a first-come first-serve basis.
Here is a video explaining the Family Visit Visa application process:
You can also watch the same video with Malayalam and Hindi audio. Please subscribe to the Doha Guides YouTube channel for more videos.
READ NEXT: How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
What is the salary requirement for a family visit visa in Qatar?
To apply for a family visit visa for your spouse and children, a minimum salary of QR 5,000 is required; for other relatives, a minimum salary of QR 10,000 is required.
What is the cost of a family visit visa in Qatar?
A Qatar family visit visa costs QAR 200 (USD 55) per month.
How can I apply for a family visit visa in Qatar via Metrash?
You can apply for a family visit visa online by filling in the visitor details and uploading document scans or photos. Step-by-step instructions can be found on this page.
How can I extend my Qatar family visit visa?
You can extend the one-month visit visa after a medical check-up. There is a renewal fee of QAR 200 per month for each additional month.
Can I convert my family visit visa to a residence visa in Qatar?
Yes, if you are eligible to sponsor your spouse and children, you can convert your family visit visa to a residence visa.
Is Qatar Family Visit Visa multiple entry?
No, the Qatar Family Visit Visa is a single-entry visa.
I cannot find the option to upload health insurance in Metrash. What to do?
From April 2023, health insurance need not be uploaded on Metrash. You have to buy the insurance after the visa has been approved. While buying insurance, add your visa number and it will be automatically updated in the system.
READ NEXT: Visa Changing Process via Abu Samra Land Border
Related Guides:
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure and Requirements
- How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
- Medical Test For Family Visit Visa Extension
- Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements, and Procedure
- Medical Test For Family Residence Permit in Qatar
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Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
Hii Doha guide…For permanent resident visa if we have visited Qatar on visit visa do we need to complete 180 days duration outside the country ?? Or this rule is applicable till fifa only
Hi Chetan, The 180 days rule applies to family visit visa applications only. You can change to a permanent resident visa at any time.
What if the salary is 4930 riyals and working in Qatar Airways? Any chance to get the family visit visa?
Hi Maha, You can try applying as your salary is almost there and you are with QA.
Hi
Is it open now in Metrash the Family Visit visa for other relatives or 2nd degree?
Hi Marites, Visa applications are open, but there is a delay in processing and rejection rates are high. You can try applying.
Hi,
What should be the validity/period of health insurance, in case of family visit visa.
Is it 1 month or total 3 months(including extension)
Hi Mohsin, It is better and cheaper to get three months’ insurance at once, or it will be more hassle during the extension.
Hi
I am resident in Qatar with a QID (originally from UK) and my husband came with me on a voa in July. His voa expires towards the end of September. We applied for a family visit visa which got rejected. Is the only other way of his staying with me to country hop and come back into Qatar on VOA? He will be attending fifa world cup and has a Hayya card. Is there any other method? Can we try apply for family visit visa again?
Thanks
Hi Maria, Visa on arrival is the best option as of now. Hayya card holders can enter visa-free from 1 November onwards.
Thanks
Will he have to leave and re-enter Qatar on 1 Nov with Hayya card?
Hi Maria, There is no announcement about that yet. If he has a visa till 1 November, you can check with the Immigration office. If his visa expires before 1 November, he will have to leave.
Hey, My visa was applied by my husband on august and it was said that its taking time for approval..It got approved on 1st sept..The date of issue shown is 31st august and date of expiry is sept 30 but my ticket is booked for october…Is there anyway I can change the expiry date because its impossible for me to visit qatar within sept…Please advice
Hi Ayesha, Nowadays, you get only 30 days’ validity. Your husband can request directly with the MOI service centre, but the chances of approval are less. If not approved you have to change your travel date.
But I checked metrash and it says issue date as 31st august and there is no end stay date given…What does that mean?
It would be shown only after you enter the country. The date of expiry is the date within which you should enter.
Hey, I wanted to know can I book ticket for 30th sept as My visa is expiring on 30th sept itself. I hope there wont be a problem If I be in the country on the same date…Pls reply
Hi Ayesha, You can stay until the last date mentioned on your visa.
When did your husband applied for visa
how much time it took for approval
Hi I have applied for family visit for my wife on Aug 28 night initially it was showing under process and then the status changed to under review on 29 Aug until now the status is same
Could you please tell me how much time it will take for approving
Hello, found your article online and I needed your help. I went with a family visit visa and can’t re-enter the country until 180days are over. Is there another way I can enter the country because I have an examination I’m doing in October?
Hi Winnie, You can re-enter if you are eligible for a visa on arrival. If not, please check directly with the government helpline: +974-4406 9999.
Dear All Pakistani
Anyone who call his/her family on visit visa please guide on below.
1. Documents eequired
2.i have marrige certificate and Birth certificte MOFA attested only,what is further attestaion requirements.
3 how to get valid insurance
4.what abt return tickets if we have plan max stay.
Anyone guide on the above i will be thankfull.
Thanks
Anwar
Hi,
i Apply for family visa on 1st August and Got Approval, and now will be expire on 30 October and i buy a ticket for 5 October , as per Update August 2022, ” Once The family visit visa approved, the visitor is now required to enter the country within 30 days of the visa approval date. . . . . .. ” so i can Bring on 5 October ? is this Rule Apply on My family visa Please Guide ? Thank You and Best Regard.
Hi Saif, if your visa has an expiry date mentioned as 30 October, you can bring your family any time before 30 October. This does not apply to your case.
Hi,
For family visit visa total salary requirement is 5000QR whether it is including all (Basic + Accommodation allowance & Travel allowance) or only basic salary.
After completion of first visit after that can we apply it immediately or any time period is there.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Anas, 5000 is the total salary required, including all allowances. After one visit, you have to wait six months to apply again.
HI,
1) Is family visit visa issuing now a days?
(Heard some news that majority of applications got rejecting without any reasons).
2) If visa is issuing, then Up to how much duration can be extended?
(Some news circulating that only 1 month can stay. no extension)
Kindly clarify since most of the peoples have confusion.
Hi Emaad, Some family visit visa applications are still being approved, but the rejection rate is high. For approved visas, you must enter within one month of approval (not three months like before). There is no announcement regarding visa extension.
Hello…
Can’t husband apply only for my child’s visit visa who is 4.11 year old.
I am an Indian.
Thank you.
Hi Azza, Yes, the father can apply family visit visa for the children.
Hi
I applied for family visit visa for my mother through Metrash and immediately next day its showing Visa Application Cancelled. What does it mean, what shall I do next.
Hi Pari, Is your mother above 60?
Hi
I applied for family visa through metrash2 it is rejected because of my company not updated my employment contract my salary is above 5000QR .. now they are updated my employment contract.. I want to apply again.. but in metrash2 portal I can’t applying.. in that not showing the option..
please kindly guide us tq
Hi Kiran, You must go directly to Gharaffa Immigration Office and remove the old application from the system.
Hi
I applied yesterday for a Family Visit Visa, and provided the proof of inbound/outbound flights showing that family will arrive to Qatar on the 18th of September.
Today early morning I got approval of the visa but the date of expiry is on the 16th of September (one month after approval, that is 2 days before my family arrives. How can I extend the visa or is it possible to clarify the period of validity before arrival? Do I need to change the flights? Or should I consider now apply for Visa on arrival?
Hi Alex, The easiest solution is to change the flight booking if there is not much difference in price. Or else you will have to visit the Immigration office and check directly. Not sure if they would allow that.
Hello,
I am Filipino citizen and i would like to apply visa for my parents, its not showing in my Metrash. Can someone help me on how to apply visa for parents? Thank you!
Hi,
I just applied for Family Visit Visa for my wife and daugter. The status now is “Need Original Document” then I went to Gharrafa Immigration but I was told to go to Sanaiya Immigration (which I cant search for the location). Also, I only have scanned copies of the documents, Do I need to get the original or photocopy is fine?
Hi Peter, Normally, photocopies are accepted for passports, birth certificates etc. Check if the submitted photocopies are clear or not. When going, take whatever originals you can with you.
Hi,
On 15th August 2022 i applied family visit for my childrens through metrash it has been approved within 15 mnts but validity of visa printing and payment is showing one month only but before it was three months for entry time to inside the country.
Please note that there are two dates on visa, one is validity of visa (generally it is 3 months) within which visitor must enter Doha and after his/her arrival, they can stay for one months(30days).
Hi Sageer, It is now one month only for most applicants. It may be due to travel restrictions planned during Nov-Dec.
Hi….I want my parents to visit Qatar and their age is above 70 how do I apply for visa.They will come from india.and also do they need 1 day hotel booking.
Hi Arwa, Currently, it is difficult to get a family visit visa approved for people above 60 as there is an age limit. You can try applying, but most probably, it wouldn’t be approved. Visa on arrival is possible for those above 60, but vaccinated travellers from India should book Discover Qatar hotel stay for the full duration of their stay. Note that this is a regular hotel stay, not a quarantine. The visitor can go out of the hotel but cannot cancel the booking after arrival.
Hiii, after leaving qatar in family visit visa ,after how many days can i apply for family visit visa again…
Hi Neha, It is 180 days for family visit visa.
Hi, you say on this website that you have to be fully vaccinated to obtain a family visit visa – I cannot find this requirement anywhere on the MOPH or MOI websites as I am in the process of getting one and my family member is not fully vaccinated? could you show me where this is written? Thanks
Hi Dee, The vaccination requirement is not for issuing visas but for Ehteraz approval. Unvaccinated visitors from Red Health countries would not be allowed to enter (even if they have an approved visit visa). In case of unvaccinated visitors from Standard Health countries, they have to undergo five days of hotel/home quarantine. We have rewritten the article to clear this confusion. If your relative is from a Standard Health country, he/she can travel with quarantine. Please check the MOPH website for other requirements like PCR test.
Hi. Any one tell me family visit visa one month calculate based on the visa approve date or actual arrive date. because of my wife will come september 7. So I applied visa erly at 8th of august because of some person told me some time It will take 3,4 week to approvel. But my visa approved withn a one day and now it expired date 9th of september. Thats mean she will have more 2days to stay hete as per the visa expire date.
Hi Lakmal, Don’t worry, she will get 30 days from the date of entry and you can extend later. But make sure she comes before 9th Sept.
Hi @doha guides team.
Her visa will expire 9th of September, and it is valid for one month, But as per your comment, If she will, come 7th of September. She can stay here until 7th of October without extent. And also 7th of December with 2 months extend. PLs if you can check it again. Because one of my friends applied a few days before me, and it has motioned for 3 month validity period. I think some rules were changed a few days ago.
Hi Lakmal, The validity mentioned on the visa paper is the period up to which the visitor can enter the country. The actual visa period starts from the date of entry.
Could you please clarify what was the case with your friend – your question is not clear.
DOHA GUIDES TEAM : Understood, Thank you