The 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 08 November 2025
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways and have a layover at Hamad International Airport (HIA), your time in Doha doesn’t have to be spent waiting at the airport. With a Qatar Transit Visa and curated Discover Qatar stopover tours, you can explore the city, experience its culture, and even enjoy desert adventures — all during a short layover.
Whether your layover is a few hours or up to 4 days, this guide will help you understand how to apply for a transit visa, what tours are available, and how to make the most of your time in Doha.
What is Transit Visa?
Generally, a transit visa is a temporary travel authorization that lets passengers pass through a foreign country to get to another. For example, if you are travelling from country A to country C through country B, you may need a transit visa from country B. However, a Transit Visa is not required for most transit passengers travelling through Qatar (if you are not planning to leave Doha Airport).
There may be certain situations when a visa is required (for example, you have booked separate tickets with two different airlines and need to collect your baggage to check in to the connecting flight).
Do I need a Transit Visa to travel via Qatar?
A Transit Visa is not required for transit travellers who are not planning to leave Doha Airport’s transit area.
You will need a visa in two situations:
(1) You want to visit the city of Doha for sightseeing.
(2) You have to collect your own baggage from one airline and check in with another airline.
If you are wondering if you need a transit visa for your layover in Qatar, please check this article. We have explained the different scenarios in detail.
What is a Qatar Transit Visa?
Qatar Transit Visa is an optional visa which is only required if you want to leave the airport transit area for baggage collection or visit Doha city for sightseeing.
A Qatar Transit Visa allows travellers who are not eligible for visa-free entry to leave Hamad International Airport during their layover. These visas are valid for up to 96 hours (4 days), making them ideal for travellers with long stopovers who want to explore Doha.
Key Details
- Visa Fee: QAR 100 per applicant
- Processing Time: Minimum 3 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays)
- Validity: Maximum 96 hours (up to 3 nights)
- Eligibility: Travellers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry (check your nationality on Visit Qatar)
Discover Qatar Transit Tours
Waiting at the airport doesn’t have to be boring. If your transit is 6 hours or more, you can join a city tour of Doha, visit architectural landmarks, explore the cultural treasures, or even take a desert adventure to the Inland Sea. For shorter transit times of 3 to 6 hours, you can enjoy the Discover Relaxation at the Airport program with massages and wellness treatments.
Discover Qatar handles all arrangements, ensuring you return to the airport on time for your connecting flight.
Transit Tour Booking Locations at HIA
Main Desk – Duty Free Plaza South:
- Located behind the escalators
- Handles transit tour bookings and transit visa assistance
- Serves as the meeting point for all tours
North Desk – North Node, Concourse C:
- Located between the HIA Information Desk and Joe & The Juice
- Handles last-minute bookings and real-time availability
If your departure is imminent or you are already at the airport, you can book your transit tour at either of the desks for immediate availability.
How to Apply for a Qatar Transit Visa
Required Documents
To apply for a Qatar Transit Visa, you must prepare the following:
- Colour copy of your passport showing your full name, nationality, date and place of birth, passport number, issue and expiry dates. Include pages with parents’ names if listed.
- Valid passport with at least three months validity at the time of travel
- 6×6 cm colour photograph (minimum 600×600 pixels) with a white background, showing at least 80% of your face
- All documents must be JPEG or PDF format, and not exceed 1 MB
Application Process
- If you want to apply online, go to the Discover Qatar website.
- Select your arrival date.
- Submit the required documents online or at the Discover Qatar Transit Desk at HIA.
- Pay the QAR 100 visa fee.
- Receive visa approval (minimum 3 working days for online applications).
Note: The transit visa cannot be extended beyond 96 hours.
Important: All visas are approved and issued at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. If your visa application is rejected, Discover Qatar offers a full refund minus a QAR 25 service fee.
Transit vs Stopover: What’s the Difference?
| Type | Duration | Requirements | Point of Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit | Up to 12 hours | Confirmed Discover Qatar transit tour | HIA Transit Desk |
| Stopover | 12–96 hours | Confirmed QR/Code-share airline ticket and hotel booking | Online via Discover Qatar |
Both options allow travelers to leave the airport and explore Doha, but the stopover visa is ideal for longer layovers and allows you to stay overnight at a hotel.
Fees, Refunds, and Terms
- Transit Visa Fee: QAR 100 per applicant
- Refunds: Full refund minus QAR 25 service fee if rejected
- Visa Extension: Not possible beyond 96 hours
- Approval: All visas issued at the discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior
Make the Most of Your Doha Stopover
From modern architecture to cultural experiences and desert adventures, Doha offers plenty to explore even during a short layover. With the Discover Qatar Transit Visa and curated tours, your stopover can become an unforgettable part of your journey.
Tips for a Smooth Transit Experience:
- Book your tour or transit visa in advance if possible
- Keep all documents ready in JPEG or PDF format
- Arrive at the meeting point on time for city tours or desert excursions
- For short layovers (3–6 hours), consider airport wellness services
FAQ On Qatar Transit Visa
Do I need a visa for transiting via Doha?
No, you do not need a visa to transit in Doha at Hamad International Airport. A visa is only required if you want to leave the airport and enter Qatar.
How much does Qatar Transit Visa cost?
Qatar Transit Visa costs QAR 100 per applicant.
Can I extend my Qatar Transit Visa?
No. The visa cannot be extended for more than 96 hours.
Do I get a complimentary hotel stay with a Qatar Transit Visa?
No. Any hotel or accommodation must be arranged and paid for by the passenger(s).
Should I collect my baggage if I have a Transit Visa?
If your stopover is more than 24 hours, baggage must be collected in Doha. If less than 24 hours, you have the option to collect at your final destination.
Can I leave Doha Airport in transit?
You can leave Doha Airport only if you have a valid Qatar visa (visa on arrival, transit visa, etc.)
READ NEXT: Doha Airport Transit Requirements And Procedure
Related Articles:
- Do I Need A Transit Visa For Qatar?
- Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know
- How To Apply Qatar Tourist Visa Through Hayya
- Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
- Doha Metro Guide: Map, Stations, Timings, Ticket Prices
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements, and Cost
- Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know
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Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides 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, For Indian citizen traveling with Qatar airways to 3rd country. Have 20hr layover in Qatar. If I wish to enter outside of qatar airport Is there any transit visa or I also need to take on arrival visa?
Hi Muhammad, To get visa on arrival for Indian citizens, there is a requirement of Discover Qatar hotel booking (for a minimum 2 nights). Another option is to apply Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) through Hayya portal. This does not require hotel booking and is free. You have to apply this at least few days before travel. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi, I applied for tourist visa ( Hayya A1 ) and issued. After entering Qatar can I extend my visa duration period?
Hi Muhammad, Yes, Hayya A1 visa can be extended for most nationalities. After entry you need to take health insurance for one more month and apply for renewal through Ministry of Interior website.
Hi. Is ther requirements for on arrival visa.like hotel booking or something?I am a Indian citizen traveling through Qatar airways with 20 hr layover.
Hi Muhammad, To get visa on arrival for Indian citizens, there is a requirement of Discover Qatar hotel booking (for a minimum 2 nights). Another option is to apply Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) through Hayya portal. This does not require hotel booking and is free. You have to apply this at least few days before travel. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi If I travel through British Airways from London to Dhaka, can I get free transit visa in Doha?
Hi Jamal, Transit Visa is usually issued by Qatar Airways only. Please check with your airline or see if your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival.
Hi, I have a US Citizen, but my parents both carry Vietnamese passport and have US Visa. We will have a trip to US on Feb 2024 from Vietnam, but the layover in Doha( 20hrs). We want to go outside sightseeing, do we need Visa to enter to the city? and is it free?
Hi Jaclyn, As US citizen you can get visa on arrival, but your parents may need a visa. With US visa they are eligible for ETA A3 visa. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
Alternatively, you can also check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to see if they can get visa on arrival. Sometimes US visa holders are allowed visa on arrival.
Hello, me and my friends will have transfer in Doha in November.
There will be 10hours break between flights and we would like to go out and see the city. How and where can we apply for transit visa?
Could you advise how we can get from the airport to the city?
Thank you
Hi Ola, Currently there is no option to apply for transit visa online as the online service is suspended. You need to contact your local Qatar Airways office to see if they can arrange a transit visa. Another option is to get a Visa On Arrival, but it will depend on your nationality. You can read this article for more info.
no link what so ever where you can apply for the free in transit visa. also other websites including rude personell of Qatar airlines do not provide me with the correct link.
crazy
Hi Jaybee, As we have mentioned in the article, online application for transit visa has been suspended (since 2020). Nationals of 90+ countries are eligible for free visa on arrival. If your nationality is not eligible and you still need a transit visa, please contact your local Qatar Airways office.
Hello, I am a US citizen and will be travelling through Qatar both ways while going to and returning from Nepal. Going to Nepal, I have a 5 hr layover and returning from Nepal, I have a 19 hr layover. Since all flights are booked on a single ticket a couple weeks apart, can I obtain a free transit visa to tour Doha during both layovers, or only for one of them? Thank you very much!
Hi Nikki, For transit visa kindly check with your Qatar Airways local office. Note that there is no transit visa on arrival. So you need to arrange for transit visa in advance by contacting the airline.
Hi
I’m Deedee from Nigeria, please I used the multi-city option on Qatar Airways to book my Flight from Lagos – Doha on 22/08/2023 and Doha – London on 25/08/2023
I only hold a valid UK Visa. Do I need a transit visa or any other type of visa since my stay in the airport is not up to 72hours.
Hi Deedee, If you are not leaving the airport or collecting baggage at Doha, you don’t need a transit visa. However it seems your second flight is after two days. In that case you may not be able to stay in the airport. So please check with Qatar Airways office.
Hi, I’m a New Zealand citizen and have an 8 hour transit through Doha while flying from Zurich to Auckland, New Zealand in mid-September. If I wish to leave the airport for a transit tour (approx 3 hours) do I need to have travel insurance with a provider ‘acceptable’ to Qatar? I do have travel insurance but it is with a New Zealand based company. Thank you,
Hi Justine, As per the official rules, travel insurance is not required for visit less than 30 days. However due to some confusion in the message, some airport staff may ask for this. If you are asked for an insurance you can buy this at the airport itself using your mobile phone and credit card (takes less than 5 minutes).
Hi!
I am Ruth from Nigeria, I plan to travel to London with Qatar Airline but will like to transit in Doha. So using the multi-city route, I booked Nigeria to Doha on 18th August, 2023 and Doha to London on 19th August, 2023. Do I need a transit visa for the hours I’ll spend at the Doha Airport before leaving for London?
Hi Ruth, If both your flights are under the same booking (same PNR) you won’t need transit visa. If your have to exit the arrival area and collect your baggage you will need transit visa. You can check this article for more clarification: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
I am an Indian citizen travelling from Amsterdam to Inida via Doha. I have a stop over in Doha for more than 8 hours and is planning to visit Doha city. I have booked my hotel through Discover Qatar(Stopover option), how can I get my transit visa? To get visa on arrival do I need to book hotel through VOA option in Discover Qatar?
Hi Aswathy, Sorry we missed your query. Hope it has been resolved and you were able to travel.
Hi, im a citizen of India and my traveling route is Hyderabad(Gulf airlines)-Bahrain(Gulf airlines)- Doha(Turkish airlines)-Edinburgh(Air Canada).
My layover in Doha is for 8 hours and I have to checking my luggage in Doha. As for as I’ve learned I need transit visa as I’m checking my luggage again. And I come from India which can get Visa on arrival at Qatar.
However my stay is for 8 hours only, so do I need accomodation through Discover Qatar and debit/credit card with minimum balance.
Regards,
Mateen
My final destination after Edinburgh is Toronto, canada.
Hi Shaik, If you haven’t travelled yet, it is better to get a Tourist Visa (A1) through Hayya platform.
Hi, I’ve spent atleast 20 hrs trying to find some information about this.
I’m flying Dublin-Doha-Delhi (with a 9 Hr stopover at Doha).
I’m an Indian passport holder and want to do a 3 Hr (Paid by me) city tour offered by Discover Qatar.
Question:
1. Will be be able to get a Transit visa on Arrival
2. It says that being a Indian passport holder, I need to book hotel, but my transit time for the tour is only 3-4 hrs, and then the tour will bring me back to the airport.
Any guidance will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Abhay
Hi Abhay, As far as we know (from the experience of other travellers) you can get visa on arrival by showing the Discover Qatar city tour booking and ticket for next flight. However it would also depend on the immigration official. You can double check with Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. All the best.
Hey, how can I apply for a transit visa? My research says I can’t do it online so what is the way forward? I would like to tour the city during my 22 hour layover.
Hi Vanessa, Online transit visa is currently suspended. Sometimes Qatar Airways local office (in your city) can arrange that. Another option is that you can get visa on arrival if your nationality is eligible. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
If it is not eligible, you can apply for Tourist Visa online: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi
I have made 2 separate return flight bookings, 1) Mumbai- Doha – Mumbai, and 2)Doha – Cairo- Doha
I will be transiting Doha Airport for my onward Journey to Cairo, with a Transit wait time of 7 Hours.
My flight (Air India) arrives at 9.15 pm, and the following day at 4.10 am i will be departing for Cairo. I will be required to collect my baggage and then again check in with Egypt Air
On the return leg from Cairo, I wish to stay for 2 nights with my friend, and then proceed to Mumbai with my Mumbai-Doha-Mumbai return ticket
My Query
For my first leg can i get a Transit Visa on arrival to collect my baggage for onward Journey to Cairo,
Again, a tourist visa or on arrival for my return Journey with Transit in Doha for 2 nights before returning to Mumbai, I will be staying with my friend and not in a hotel
PLEASE HELP AND ADVISE TO BOOK MY TICKETS
best regards,
Venkat
Mumbai, India
Hi Venkat, Online transit visa service is currently suspended. Only Qatar Airways offices are issuing transit visa to their customers (in some cases). As your airline is Air India, we don’t think you can get a Transit Visa. For tourist visa on arrival, the rule is that Indian nationals require Discover Qatar booking (regular hotel booking or staying with relatives is not accepted). Due to these reasons, we don’t have a solution to offer you. Kindly contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi,
I am from Vietnam (not in the list of countries that have visa on arrival), I will have 19 hour transit between Qatar airway flights. Please let me know how I can apply for Transit visa.
Thanks
Hi TuanAnh, You have two options: (1) Request you local Qatar Airways office for a transit visa (some offices may do that, while some will not). (2) Get a Tourist Visa by applying on Hayya portal: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi I hold a Sri Lankan passport travelling Qartar Airways from botswana to Sri Lanka.. I will be having more than 8 hours transit.. I have a cousin I havent seen for more than 5 years living in Qartar & would like to take this stop over opportunity to visit her.. how do I get a transit visa for a few days?
Hi Sarah, Please contact the local Qatar Airways office because online Transit Visa is suspended.
New tourist visa type will be launched in the coming days, but it is yet to be announced. So you cannot apply for that now.
Hi,
I am holding a Philippine passport, do I need transit visa for 2 -3 hours transit? Thank you.
Hi Aaki, You don’t need transit visa if you are not leaving airport.
Hi,
Do I need a transit visa if my layover time is 3.5 hours?
Hi Tap, Transit Visa is not needed if you are not leaving the airport.