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
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.
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.
Hi DG Team,
I have a problem with my Metrash where it is not letting me submit a Family Visit Visa Application due to an error that says “Previous Visa Exists for Same Person”. The Ministry helpline says I have to visit the immigration office to fix this. DO you or anyone else know what are the timings for visa related issues at the pearl office? I have been there twice and told to come back at different times. And these people that work at these offices are, as usual, extremely unhelpful, rude and USELESS individuals. So does anyone know ACTUAL timing for visa issues at Pearl office??
Raza
Hi DG,
I have applied family visit for my wife and kid on 29/01 early morning and kids visa was approved on same day and wife’s approved on yesterday.
thanks for the Guidelines and support
Hi DG,
My father/mother/brother-In-Laws are coming to Qatar. I am going to take Family visit visa for them. But the problem is my Father-In-Law’s age is 61. For Indians above 60, only On Arrival Visa is issued as per updates with confirmed booking from Discover Qatar. According to new update, Hayya Card holders above 60 it is not mandatory to have booking from Discover Qatar. Is there a chance to get Family visit visa for my Father-In-Law by visiting MOI or make dummy hotel booking apart from Discover Qatar if coming on On-Arrival-Visa as Hayya Card holders above 60 from india do not have these restrictions. Kindly guide me.
Hi Yuva, As per the current rule, Discover Qatar hotel booking is mandatory for Indians (visa on arrival). Your airline will not allow you to board with any other hotel booking. Hopefully there would be some new updates coming soon.
Hi DG,
i have applied for family visit on 24th jan till now its still showing under process. flight ticket i have put for 1st feb so it will expire tommorow. do they approved visit visa even if flight ticket expire. need your comments on it.
Hi Mohsin, Usually they don’t mind that. In some cases they may ask you to resubmit new ticket.
Hi Anybody have update on 180days gap from last visit visa, are they allowing now, anybody applied with in 180 days and visa submitted, please update as it will be very helpful for people applying as we need to take insurance and air ticket to apply.
Hi,
Just go any immigration but dont go gharaffa. And tell them, i cannot able to apply RP for my family because i didnt meet 15000QAR as minimum salary. So please atlease give me a option to apply a visit visa. Then they will remove the dates for you alone to apply visit visa. This is happened to one of my friend. Just try for it. But dont pay your money to get the visa unofficially to someone. This will be end in few days in shaa allah.
This 180 days requirement is not an issue. I have asked ministry about this. They told me there is no waiting period and you can apply again anytime after expiry of previous visit visa.
Raza
Thanks for the update Raza, inshallah things will get normal and we will be able to bring our families. Inshallha
Hii DG Team.
I want to know that is it mandatory to have booked flight tickets with return Date and Health Insurance before Applying visit visa Application.
What will be the scenario in case the visa Application get rejected?
YOU CAN BUY DUMMY TICKETS FOR 50 RIAL FROM ANY TRAVEL AGENCY.. IF NEED HELP TEXT ME 74747656
And What about Health Insurance?
Hi Chirag, It is mandatory. You can book a flight ticket that has refund option or dummy ticket from travel agencies. You have to buy health insurance from MOPH website. You will be redirected to MOPH from Metrash.
Hi DG team,
I applied family visit visa for my wife and daughter on 16 Jan I got approval for my daughter on 26 th Jan but my wife visa still under process… So I didn’t pay for my daughter visa. Should I wait for my wife visa approval or else I will pay for my daughter.
How long it takes to approval for my wife… Please update me
same here for me, please guide me, thanks
SAME PROBLEM , VISA ISSUE DATE AND VISA NUMBER IS SHOWING IN METRASH BUT UNDER PROCESS ONLY.
usually it will take 2 – 3 working days for approval if visa number is showing and under process..
yes got visa approval for my wife also. thanks all
Hi jayaguru,
Last tym it happened to us. Frst my son then aftr one week only mine approved. U wait and pay.
Can i knw how long they are issuing visit now? For 3 months or 6 month?
Hi Jayaguru, This is normal. Your wife’s visa will be approved in few days.
Is the attestation of marriage certification is mandatory for family visiting visa.?
if you apply after Feb 1st you have to upload attestation of marriage certificate in english.
Hi Nazreen, It was not mandatory earlier, but nowadays many applications are being deferred due to non-attestation. Some are getting approved without attestation also.
Can i change visting visa to work visa .?
Hi Shibi, You need to check with your new employer. For some nationalities you may have to do medical from your home country.
Iam from india so can i do it from india.?
Hi Shibi, Yes, there are Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) in India. You can do medical and other pre-employment process from QVC. Your employer will advise you the steps (if this is needed).
Hi All, please update if anybody can able to apply visit visa if 180 days not completed from last visit. As earlier in first week of Jan 23 many applicants was getting message saying 180days not completed.
Dear DG Team,
I tried to apply for my wife and kids family visit visa on Metrash today, however, upon submission I got a prompt saying “this persons visa already exists”. However, my wife and kids dont have an existing visit visa as their previous visit visa expired in December 2022. I have, however, currently applied for their Family Residence Permit as well. Can I not apply for Family Visit Visa while the Family Residence application is under process?
Raza
Hi Raza, you have not received any pop message on submission saying 180 not completed from last exit as u said ur family exited Qatar in Dec 22. Most applicants was getting pop message while applying visit visa if 180 days not completed from last visit. Please update as it mey helpful to people who are willing to apply for visit visa but 180days not completed.
Hi Mohammed,
My family left Doha on 9th December 2022 (their Visa was valid until 16 December 2022). We had been granted that visa on 16th September 2022 (with two month extension). So they left well within 180 days.
Raza
Hi Raza, Normally you can apply for visit visa while residence visa application is under process. Go to MOI Visa Inquiry page and search using passport number.
My mother Family Visit visa Approved today (30-1-2023)…I given Application on Wednesday (25/01/203) – By Metrash2
Thank You
Hi Ersh, Congratulations and thanks a lot for updating here. It would be helpful for others.
How long is the stay for visit visa for immediate relation like children and spouse? Is it 3?months or 6 months. I heard its 6 months again. I juat need to knw of its true😭. Pls clarify
Hi Isha, The initial visa is for one month only. You will know the full validity while renewing (after medical test). Most people haven’t renewed yet because new visas were issued recently. This week one of our readers checked with MOI and they said he can renew for up to 6 months. However he hasn’t renewed the visa yet. We can only confirm once someone actually does the renewal. We will update the article when there is any confirmation.
Hi DG my salary 13.5 can I apply family residency visa? Plz
Hi Surekha, If you are in private, it may not be approved as 15k is the standard now. Anyways, you can try applying and hope for the best.
Hi doha guides team,
How long can be visit visa extended for children?
Hi Isha, The rules are same for adults and children.
Good morning team, I had applied for family visit visa for my mother 2 weeks back, which was rejected in 2 days, stating “sponsor does not meet the conditions”. However, I managed to go to MOI and speak to the captain.. He went through all the documents and said everything is fine and that he approved it (This happened last thursday – 26 Jan). However, in metrash, it is still showing it as ‘under process’, but visa number and visa issue date is now present in metrash. Any idea how much time it takes for approval? My mother is travelling this friday..
Nowadays its takes around 3 to 4 working days for visa ready to print… Don’t worry u already got the visa number …
Hi DGT
I want to know is driver profession comes under labor category? Can we apply for family visit visa with profession driver mentioned on QID
Hi Aisha, There is no clear definition of labour category, but those under “Driver” profession were getting approvals until recently (if they have 5k salary). So you can definitely try.
Hi Doha Guides Team,
Need to change profession to apply for family visit visa? Is it new requirement?
I think once your salary is More than 5000 u can apply.
Am not applying for family residence please let’s check again for me am confused
Thks
Hi Ali Mbah, Sometimes they won’t approve visit visa if your profession is labour category (even with 5k salary). You can try your luck by visiting Gharafa again (after few days).
For applying family visit visa on metrash it asks to upload travel insurance, while health insurance from MOPH approved insurance companies has been made mandatory for visitors from february 1! !
So we need to purchase both or health insurance is enough??
Hi Nasida, you need only one insurance (if it is purchased from an approved provider).
Hello, went to immigration. Was told visit visa can now be extended for 5 months. Just said I should inform u.
Hi Joan, This is great news. Thanks a lot for updating. Were you able to extend?
Hello Mr.Joan,
Its a Great News.. Did you extend??
No went to actually inquire on behalf of someone. But the person haven’t extended it yet so I can’t say for sure if they’ve actually started approving it.
Hello Doha Guides Team,
I applied for family visit visa and got rejected: ”sponsor does not meet the conditions” this is the message I received on metrash and I went to Gharafa they told me to come after 1 month then I went to Rayyan government services at the reception they check and Said they rejected because of my profession ( plaster worker) my salary is 7000
Please what to do?
3099 7905 call me i can guide u
Ok Mr. Ali
Hi Ali, You will need to change your QID profession. Please discuss with your employer.
As reported by the Ministry of Health yesterday, visitors to Qatar must have a health insurance policy from February 1, 2023. so is Health insurance also required for those family visa visitors who already has approved and planning to travel on Feb 23?
pls advice?
Hi Ali, Please check this article: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/ If your insurance company is among the MOPH listed ones or meets all the listed conditions, you can proceed with same insurance. Or else you need to check with MOI.