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.
Hello dohaguides
Can i apply for family visit visa through metras2 now? Is there any possibility to reject now.?my salary is avobe 5000qr.pls let me know..
Thanks
Hi Khaled, You can apply now, chances of approval in the next two weeks are less. It won’t be rejected but will be kept on hold.
Hi team,
still my rejected family visit visa didnot got removed from metrash its above 6 months now since the rejection….its not getting deleted automatically. what to do now as of now they are not even allowing in immigration for visit visa applications.
Hi Sohail, Wait till the end of December when the normal visa process will start. Visit Gharaffa immigration and request. They will delete it manually.
Hi Team,
Please could you advise me , Can we apply for family visit visa during this period or I have to wait till 23rd December??
Hi Mohamed, You can apply on Metrash now but the chances of approval before 23 December are less.
Hi DG Team,
Thank you for your service,
please assist on below,
1) Is family visit visa will resume on 23rd December 2022?
2) can we renew visit visa for 6 month i/o 3 month(current status)?
3) if my family can re-enter Qatar with new family visit visa 2nd time on Visit visa without requirement of 180 Days outside Qatar after Jan 2023
4) what will be the salary requirement after FIFA for RP visa for family
Hope you can clarify on the same
Thank you
Hi Fazal, Those who visited Immigration Office recently for visit visas were asked to come back after the World Cup. So we believe the normal visit visa services will resume after 23 December. Regarding your other questions, we cannot confirm anything as these will be decided by the Ministry of Interior and they haven’t revealed anything yet. We will update this article if there is any news.
Hi.
I am currently on family visit visa which will expire at the end of December. It got approved in september and only extended for 3 months so am i able to extend for another 3 months? I haven’t bought a match ticket either.
Please advise on what I should do
Hi Z, (1) Since 2021 only 3 months extension is being given for a family visit visa. You can try for an extension by end of December to see if there is any change in policy (not sure if it will be approved).
(2) We are not sure if you will receive a Hayya visa if you buy a match ticket as your current visa is already valid till the end of December. Note that Hayya Visa is valid till 23 January only.
hi i just want to ask if the salary requirements needed is only the basic salary or the whole salary itself meaning basic+allowances+ot.etc im planning to get my wife and daughter by january thank you in advance
Hi Arvie, The whole salary as per your contract including housing and transport allowances is considered. Overtime, commission, bonus etc will not be considered.
HI DG,
My family come to qatar on visist visa and out from qatar 2 motnhs before, so when i can eligable to reapply again for family visit visa. is there any duration for this application.
please guide me
Hi Mehtab, There is a waiting period of 6 months between family visit visas. You can try applying on Metrash and it will show the message if 6 months are not complete.
hi team, need to know at gharaffah immirgration office where to go in building 01 is it in ground floor or first floor for removal of rejected visa from metrash.
Hi Waseem, You can check at the reception. They will guide you.
Hi doha guides,
I need to know whether there is any another payments required other than the amount mentioned in the article?
And if the marriage certificate and birth certificate are in English, attestation is required?
Hi Shilpa, The initial cost is as above. If you need an extension, you will have to pay for renewal and medical tests after arrival.
Hello! Would you know if it is fine to apply for family visit visa now but travel date is after world cup? December 26 to be exact.
Thank you!
hi team, need to know how many months it will take for the rejected visit visa application to be removed from metrash as i visited garafah immigration but they are not allowing asking to come after worldcup. is there any chances it will gets removed automatically without visiting again. by november 10 it will 6 month since i apply the application. need your comment on this.
Hi Shahid, Normally it is 6 months. Try Metrash app after 10 November.
thanks for the information…hoping that it should get removed by nov 10.
one more question please. 6 months get counted from the date of application or date of rejection.
Hi Shahid, Sorry, we cannot confirm this as there is no official information on this. We don’t know how the MOI system is programmed. For most applicants, we have seen it removed after six months.
Hi dohaguide
Sir can you please tell me whether qatar government give approval for new family residence visa after 1 november 2022.means between 1 nov 2022 and 22 december 2022.
If not giving approval during this period then when will they start the approval for that visa?
Hi Naeem, According to officials at Gharaffa Immigration, they are not accepting new applications now. You can still submit your request through Metrash. There is no clear announcement on this. Visa processes are expected to be back to normal by end of December.
Hi team, I want to ask you that a Hayya Card holders can stay in Qatar how many days/months? Like If someone enter in November 1, than how many days he/she can stay there?
Hi Salma, As per the current information, Hayya Card holders can stay up until 23 January 2023. The last day to enter Qatar is 23 December 2022.
Yeah, I also knew that, but somebody says it will be validate till March , 2023 . That’s why I’m asking you.
Anyway thanks for ur kind information. U r doing good job as usual.
Thank you Salma. So far it is only till 23 January.
Hello DG
1. Did qatar completely suspend approving visa from 1 nov 2022?
2.up to which month is the suspension of whole visas?
3.from nov 1 only hayya card holders are allowed to qatar?
4.did new family yearly visit visa[residence] is allowed during the fifa world cup
Hi Shaheer,
(1) No, Employment visas and those under priority categories will be processed. Visit visa applications are not being accepted now.
(2) Visa processes are expected to be back to normal by end of December.
(3) From 1 Nov, all visitors need Hayya Card. Those with QID, employment visa etc. can still enter without Hayya.
(4) Officials are not accepting new applications now. If you already have an approved visit visa, call 109 to check about the entry.
Hello dohaguide
Qatar governmt announced that visit visa is suspended and allowed for holders of personal recruitment visa.
Can you please tell me what is that personal recruitment visa?
Is it new family residence visa?
Hi Saheed, Personal recruitment visa is normally for domestic workers, house drivers etc. We believe those with new family residence visas can also enter during this period. Please confirm with 109.
Okay thankyou for your information.
Hi DG,
I want to get deleted my old visit visa rejected application from metrash for my wife and daughter.its almost 6 months still application exists on metrash. How much more time it will take to get removed automatically without visiting garafah immigration. If not,then visiting immigration center now will they do it during this time.
Hi Asim, Earlier it used to take 6 months. Nowadays, most people go to Gharaffa and request removal. So we can’t confirm when it will be removed automatically.
Hi DG, thanks for the information. If i go immigration now is it possible to get it removed during this time as world cup is very near will they allow me or ask me to come after world cup.
Hi Asim, This will depend on the officers at the reception. Even if they allow you to remove it, most likely, they will ask you to submit a new application after World Cup. As far as we know, they are not entertaining new applications now.
Hi DohaGuide team
Please can you clarify
my family visit visa can we transfer it to a work visa? Because I got an offer from one company. now I am on a family visit visa.
Hi Upe, If your employment visa is approved, you may be able to change your visa status to employment by paying an additional fee. However, in some cases, the employment medical test should be done through QVC in home country. You should check with your new company’s PRO about this. If that is required, you will have to exit and come back.
Hi DG, any news on family visit visa extension beyond 3 months. I have visa until 9th Dec”22. I hope they give for 6 months extension to avoid congestions at airports. Thank you
Hi Sanjeewa, Until now there is no update on that. You need to check directly in December.
Hello,
I am planning for my wife to visit Doha on December 26, 2022 until January 12, 2023. I will process her documents in Metrash2 on October 23, 2022. Do you think it will be approved or will I face any challenges because of the upcoming FIFA?
Hi Pau, Chances of visit visa approval are very less now as you need a Hayya Card from 1 Nov to 23 Dec. Even if your application gets approved now, it will be valid for one month only (nowadays, you have to enter within one month). So it is better to wait and apply at the end of November.
@dohaguidesteam Thank you for your reply, I thought the validity days will start once she reached Doha?
Hi Pau, The visa period is counted from the date of entry. However, there is a deadline by which you have to enter the country. Earlier it was three months, nowadays most people get only one month (maybe due to World Cup). Even if the visitor enters on the last day, he/she will get 30 days to stay in the country.
Hi,
I am currently working in Doha. 2 weeks ago I sponsored & applied the family visa for 4 family members (wife & children) via Metrash for them to join me in Doha. 3 days after that, 3 of them managed to get the Visa approved.
Unfortunately, our 11 yrs old son didn’t get the Visa until today and the status keep showing “under process”. It has been more than 10 days waiting for the approval. I believed it was some technical problem with it. We tried to reapply but it seems not allowed etc.
Can you please advise me on what to do ?
Thank You
Hi Zainal Hamid, As this issue is for the child only, it may be a technical issue. Please try to visit Gharaffa Immigration with all documents, and they can resolve it.
Hi team DG
MY question is
My wife already completed 180 days on 10 October 2022. Can I now apply for FAMILY VISIT VISA through Metrash2 this week.
Is there any restriction please advise
And for travel insurance how many months we have to get ?
Thanks you waiting for reply
Hi Abdul, Yes, you can apply after 180 days of exit. However, please note that visit visa approvals are now limited due to World Cup. So we are not sure if it will be approved.
It is recommended to take travel insurance for three months (sometimes it gets approved with one month also).