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.
Even my Kid as well as my wife visit visa are still under process y they are delaying for approval that too this is just a visit visa only for 3 months. others got in quick in session. Does anyone facing a same problem like me, Yazdani & Muhammed.
Hi DG,
I applied for family visit visa through Metrash2 on 08-03-2023, my son visa application is approved on 09-03-2023, but my wife visa application still under process, should I visit MOI service center for follow up? please suggest..
Hi Yazdani, Average processing time is now 1-2 weeks. For children it would be faster than adults. You can visit MOI if you want.
Thanks DG, now both visa application are approved.
Congratulations Yazdani! Thanks for updating here.
Hi DG
I applied for Visit Visa through Metrash on 08.03.2022 still under process, many people are telling me they got approval within 3 days….
Before I applied for a Family RP application, it is also Under process status..
Hi Muhammed, There is no standard timeline applicable to everyone. Visit visa is taking 1-2 weeks nowadays.
I got my family visit visa issued through metrash 2. Unfortunately there is a typo error in date of birth for my kid. I sent an email to [email protected] but still no response. What should I do next? Can they travel with this error from India since name and passport number are ok?
Hi Zubair, A minor change is DOB is OK as long as the name and passport number are the same. If you have time before travel you can double check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. Alternatively you can also check with your airline as they are the ones who will check this during departure.
Hi Zubair,
You can check in metrash there is update option under visa services (Visa update) which allows to change few passport details where you can change the same.
Thank you DG, at least your responding to our concerns and giving hope but *OTHERS* are least bother.
You are welcome Ratal. Good luck!
Hi DG,
I Applied visit visa on 13th March for my kid and wife still both application is under process. I heard and seen with many of them that for kids they getting approval with in 24 hours than y in my case this delay in approving kid. I am eligible for applying visit visa but still delay
Hi Ratal, In some cases children are getting approved soon, but not in all cases. We have seen cases where parent is approved but child’s application is pending. You have applied only two days back. This is normal and nothing to worry.
hi Ratal, sorry i can ask, has your family visa been approved? how many days for approval because until now my visa status is still under process. it’s been more than 10 days. my sponsored from private companies.
Hi DG,
I applied Visit visa for my wife and kid on 13th Mar the receipt what I received to my registered mail is showing all NIL but in metrash2 it is showing with details and still under process why like this? y I got receipt like NIL details without any information about visitors and visa number in mail. & I heard with so many that for kids visa is approval happening with in 1day itself in my case y it is delaying
Hi Ratal, It is normal to have all fields as “Null” as this is only a receipt. We have already explained that in the article.
May Family came in Qatar 12march with RP visa but I have some emergency I go back in may country after 2 days 14march without making I’d card and medical
So I want come back in Qatar I applaud new visa or can anything happened may old RP renew or what I do next pls explain it
Hi Annil, Usually the entry permit for RP is for one time use only. Please check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 what to do.
Hi Annil,
are you in private sector or Govt.
Govt
Do we need to book hotel also for family visit visa for cousins?
Country India
Hi Alim, If you have pre-approved family visit visa, hotel booking is not needed.
Can we apply family visit visa for cousins. How we will proof the relationship, what documents can be provide.
My father’s sister’s son.
Hi Alim, We are not sure if it will be approved as only first and second degree relatives are included. You can check in your Metrash by starting the visit visa application. There will be a drop down list of eligible relatives.
Hi ,
Please I just want to know if there is any duration between a rejected family visit visa and new apply , or it doesn’t matter ?!
Also if always the family visit visa ( relatives visa “sister ” ) is approved or not
Hi Rania, There is no such duration. If your application is rejected you can apply again immediately. Try to find the reason for rejection and fix it in the next application.
Family visit visa for relatives like sister the salary requirement is QR 10,000.
Hello, Doha guides,
I have applied the RP for my family last month but still the status is under process.
Meanwhile Can I apply for the visit visa as well?
If the visit visa is approved then, later is there any chances for the RP getting approved?
Is there any possibility to enter inside the country with visit visa then later changed to RP?
Hi Antony, Yes, you can apply for Family Visit Visa while the Family RP is under process. If the RP gets approved while the person is inside the country, you can convert the visit visa to RP without exiting (by paying QR 500 at MOI Service Center).
Hi Doha guide,
I was applied Family RP visa application it was under process status and i am in parivate company
2days before applied Family Visit Visa also but it also showing Under proces
My company CR is expired , is it effect my Application???
Hi Abdul, If your QID is valid, it should be OK.
Still waiting for my visit visa…I took 1 month of insurance only, so it will come to any problem for my application…..if i get approval how i renew my insurance for to extended visit visa
Hi Abdul, You can call the insurance company’s helpline to extend the policy.
Still, APPLICATION IS UNDER PROCESS….08.03.23 applied
I Abdul . Now u can get family visit visa approved
Hi,
I would like to ask marriage certificate attestation required for family visit visa. I have original one issued by government of india( official website).
Please help me
Hi Reddy, As per the rules attestation is required. But sometimes it is getting approved without attestation also. Depends on the officer.
I have applied on Jan 26 for family visit visa still showing under process, can any body help me when visa will be open .I am an Indian.
Hi Khan, Family visit visa is already open. Since it is already 6 weeks, you can visit Gharaffa Immigration for follow-up.
Hi . Can i ask How many months duration family visit visa ? 6 or still 3 months.? Pls urgent help if anyone know
Hi Cagdas, Still it is 3 months (30 days + 60 days extension).
Hi, just uploaded family visit visa last 2 days and today I received Status “Deffered”, Note: Image required original certifications.
Any thoughts?
Hi Juniel, Have you attested the marriage certificate?
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it!
You are welcome!
Hi
Now how many days will taking for a Family visit visaappproval
Hi Abdul, Nowadays it is 1-2 weeks.
Hi, I am an Indian. I applied family visit for my wife and got the approval and later i applied for hayya entry and got the approval too. She showed the Hayya entry permit and all other related hayya documents in India. But when she reached qatar, at the airport she said she was on hayya card entry as she had both visit visa approval and hayya approval. Later I got a message from Metrash to do the medical saying that she entered on visit visa. How can i confirm whether the entry is haaya or visit visa?
Hi Mohamed, For people with visit visa & Hayya, we had advised to cancel the visit visa before travelling on Hayya visa. It seems like your wife may have been issued visit visa (instead of Hayya). You can go to Qatar Visa Check page on MOI website and check status using passport number.
Hi DG thanks for the reply. Could you please let me know if there is any way to change to hayya without exiting?
Hi Mohamed, From the recent experience of those who checked with MOI, it is not possible to change to Hayya without exit.
Hello! I just want to ask something. My brother was here in Qatar 5 years ago through family visit visa, extended. He went back to the Philippines and now my father applied for another visit visa it is about to be approved soon.
What are the requirements needed in order to enter Qatar aside from the visa, ticket, passport and insurance? Is another stamp from Qatar Embassy in the Philippines needed on his visa? Does he need to do a medical in Qatar accredited clinics?
Thanks in advance for answering my questions. :))
Hi dee, We don’t think stamping or medical is required for visit visa. However, please call the Qatar Embassy in Philippines to check (as there may be regional requirements).