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 5 December 2023.
Qatar has a free transit visa scheme since 2016, under which travellers with layovers of five hours or more at Hamad International Airport can request a complimentary Qatar Transit Visa.
The scheme will allow transit passengers of all nationalities to enter Qatar for up to 96 hours (4 days) between flights. This article explains the eligibility requirements, application process, validity, and other details about the Qatar Transit Visa.
- Qatar Transit Visa Updates: Quick Summary
- What is Transit Visa?
- What is Qatar Transit Visa?
- How To Apply For Qatar Airways Transit Visa
- Qatar Transit Visa Requirements
- Visa Application Period
- Visa Processing Time
- Qatar Transit Visa Validity
- Qatar Transit Visa Cost
- Approval Authority
- Visa Rejection Upon Arrival
- FAQ On Qatar Transit Visa
Qatar Transit Visa Updates: Quick Summary
Transit Visa Status (December 2023)
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.
Qatar Airways’ Online Transit Visa Service has been suspended since the last few years.
If you require a visa, citizens of 90+ countries can use the free Visa On Arrival (VOA) facility.
If your nationality is not eligible for VOA, you can contact your nearest Qatar Airways office.
You can also apply for an Online Tourist Visa through Hayya portal.
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, 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).
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 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.
Qatar Airways passengers transiting in Qatar for a minimum of 5 hours are eligible for the Qatar Transit Visa. It is free of charge, valid for up to 96 hours (four days) and open to passengers of all nationalities.
How To Apply For Qatar Airways Transit Visa
Earlier Qatar Airways had an online service for transit passengers to apply for this visa. However, this service is currently suspended (since a few years).
If you need a visa and your nationality is not eligible for a visa on arrival, you can contact your nearest Qatar Airways ticketing office. They may be able to help with a transit visa if you are eligible.
Note that Qatar Airways also has stopover packages that provide hotel accommodations and city tours.
After applying for the visa, you can check the status of your application using your visa request number or by emailing [email protected]
Qatar Transit Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a Qatar Transit Visa, the following conditions must be met:
Passport Requirements
- Every passenger (including infants) must have individual passports.
- The passport should be valid for a minimum of six months at the time of entry into Qatar (not at the time of application).
- Your name in the booking must match your passport name.
- A clear passport copy must be submitted to Qatar Airways.
Ticket Requirements
- Confirmed tickets for a journey into Qatar and the onward journey out of Qatar must be on the Qatar Airways ticket document.
- Layovers in Qatar should be at least 5 hours.
- Both flights must be operated by Qatar Airways.
- The facility is not applicable to travel where Doha is the point of turnaround, for example, BOM-DOH-BOM.
Customers must hold a copy of the approved transit visa at boarding and upon arrival in Qatar.
Visa Application Period
Transit visa applications should be made at least seven days (excluding public holidays) before arrival in Qatar and a maximum of 90 days.
Visa Processing Time
The transit visa application processing time is a minimum of seven days, excluding public holidays.
Qatar Transit Visa Validity
The entry is valid for 96 hours. Staying beyond 96 hours is not permitted under this scheme.
Entry into Qatar with an approved visa must be within 30 days of the issuance date. Extension of validity is not permitted; in this case, a new visa application must be submitted.
Qatar Transit Visa Cost
The 96-hour transit visa is issued free. All other expenses, including accommodation costs in Qatar, must be borne by the passenger.
Approval Authority
Entry into Qatar will be at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Qatar Airways offices act only as a processing agent for visa applications. They will not be liable for any expenses incurred should there be a delay in visa issuance or rejection from the Ministry of Interior.
Visa Rejection Upon Arrival
In case of visa rejection upon arrival in Qatar, the passenger may travel onward if holding a valid visa for a final destination. He may also make alternative arrangements for return travel to the origin/other destination at his own expense.
Nationals from more than 90 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar. A pre-approved transit visa is no longer needed if you are a citizen of one of these countries.
To apply for a Transit Visa, please contact your nearest Qatar Airways ticketing office.
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 is issued free. However, only one stopover is permitted on the entire journey.
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 apply for Qatar Transit Visa online?
The online Transit Visa service by Qatar Airways is currently suspended. Please contact your nearest Qatar Airways office.
Can I leave Doha Airport in transit?
You can leave Doha Airport only if you have valid Qatar visa (visa on arrival, transit visa, etc.)
READ NEXT: Doha Airport Transit Requirements And ProcedureÂ
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 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.
Dear
I am traveling from Auckland to Chennai via (Doha) , The layover duration is 5 hours 15 minutes. I am using Qatar airways. Do I need a transit visa?
Hi Vikash, A transit visa is not required for anyone to travel via Doha airport. The transit visa mentioned in this article is for leaving the airport in between your flights.
Im having a 1 night stop over in Qatar via Qatar Airways going to Amsterdam, do I need to apply for the transit visa via Qatar Airway website?
I am holding a Cambodia passport.
Hi Kolim, Do you plan to leave the airport? Is it after 1 November?
Hi,
Yes i plan to leave the airport and stay in the city for a night. and yes it is after the 1st of November 2022.
Thank you so much for your reply.
Hi Kolim, Due to the FIFA World Cup, only Hayya Card holders can visit Qatar from 1 November to 23 December. As of now, a match ticket is required to get Hayya Card. There is no transit visa option now. You may check with Qatar Airways if they have a stopover package.
is there an option to store the luggage at the airport? if so how much are the charges?
Hi Nauman, As per the available information, there are no locker facilities at HIA. Some lounges have lockers for hand baggage but do not allow travellers to store there if they leave the airport. Please check with your airline or the airport.
Hi,I am a travel agent.my client trip as follows .JNB to KUL return via DOHA
Do I apply for my client for a 2 day stop over from South Africa 30 days prior to arrival and where can I obtain an application form for the visa .
Thank you
Hi Aayesha, If your client is travelling with Qatar Airways, please check with the airline about the stopover program. If it is with any other airline, he/she will need a visa on arrival. South African nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival. Note that this may not be available from November to December due to FIFA World Cup.
Hello I have a flight from USA to Beirut with a 3-hour layover in Doha (via Qatar airways).
I have a Hayya card, will I be able to leave the airport without boarding my next flight to Beirut?
I plan to visit Qatar for the world cup and already have accommodation with friends and match tickets
Hi Soko, It is possible after 1 November. You should have an approved Hayya card and entry permit (which you will receive this month). But note that you cannot collect your checked-in baggage while in transit. The airline will directly load it onto the next flight. So either you should come with only hand baggage or you should speak with your airline and cancel your onward journey.
=( We are so unlucky LOL. Anyways, thanks so much for your response, I will follow up next month and hopefully, there will be changes.
Have a nice day!
Good luck Arus 🙂
We have 20 hours layover in Doha on December 2nd, we are Armenians.
Can we enter and visit Doha for 10 hours without a VIS or any Coronavirus test? ( I have my tickets to Bali and vaccination papers)
Hi Arus, Your travel date is during the World Cup. Per the current rule, only visitors with Hayya Card are allowed entry until 23 December. For Hayya Card, you would need a match ticket. Please check back next month to see if there is any change in the rules.
Qatar airways staff in Lagos refuse my entire family of six (two adults, three children and one infant) from checking in on 24th of September in Lagos Nigeria because our layover is 26 hours. I cried and cried but they didn’t answer and I actually have nothing to do in Doha we were transiting to United Kingdom. What a terrible day, now I can see that we actually don’t need the transiting visa. I missed so many things which I need to do in school.
Hi Akinola, Sorry to hear that.
I am traveling from Phnom penh to Tbilisi with a 14 hour layover in Doha. I would like to visit the city of Doha. so can I leave the airport?
Hi Ani, Transit visa is not available now. Only those eligible for a visa on arrival can leave the airport. Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hi I m travelling from Pakistan to Ksa via connected flight with 6 hours layover in doha. I want to visit doha city to meet my family they are living in doha.
How is it possible ?
how can I got transit visit?
Hi Anum, There is no transit visa service now. You will need a visa on arrival. Please search on our website for visa on arrival.
Good day
I am travelling from South Africa to Dubai with a 12 hour layover in Qatar. I would like to visit the city of Doha. What are the requirements for a transit visa application. Do I need a PCR test if I am fully vaccinated
Thank you
Hi Karen, The transit visa service is currently suspended. However, you can use the visa on arrival facility (if you are eligible). Please follow the steps here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
From Bangladesh to Qatar tourist visa how to apply
Hello Delowar, Qatar Tourist Visa is currently suspended.
hi.. I’m AZINWI, I wish to ask about Qatar airways flights from Cameroon to Belize….does it need a transit visa via Qatar and how many hours can it take?
another question… how long does it take from application to issuance of a transit visa via Qatar…
thanks
Hi Azinwi, Transit visa is not required for any connection flights through Doha airport.
Earlier there was a transit visa service that allowed transit passengers to leave the airport and visit the city. That service is now suspended. Interested travellers can now apply for a visa on arrival (if they want to visit Doha city).
Hi, I’m Vietnamese. I have 2 tickets in this Oct ( via Qatar airlines) which are Rome to Doha and then Doha to BKK. The layover is about 28 hours. So we can apply transit visa to leave the airport & enter Doha city, right? if we want to book an adventure tour, can they pick up us at the hotel in the city?
One more question, at this time service for transit visa is suspended, when it can be re-opened?
Thanks so much for your information!
Hi Queenie, As transit visa service is suspended, the only option is a visa on arrival. However, Vietnam is not included in the list of eligible countries. In this situation, we are not sure if you can leave the airport. Please check with Qatar Airways directly or call the Qatar Ehteraz helpline at +974-4406 9999.
Hi there,
we have 2 tickets ( QA flights) which is Abu Dhabi to Doha then Doha to Phuket.
The lay over is 2 hours. We were informed since we have 2 tickets , we need to check in again once we arrived in Doha. I don’t know if this is enough time for all the immigration protocols and the luggage collection.
Is is also possible that they tag our ticket to the final destination?
Thanks!
Kristie
Hi Kristie, If these tickets are under separate booking (different PNR numbers), you will have to check in again. Two hours will be very tight for leaving the arrival area, immigration process, collecting baggage and check-in again through the departure area. Note that HIA is a big airport and some gates are far away. You would also need visa on arrival to exit the arrival. If this was under one booking, you won’t need any of the above. You would get both the boarding passes from Abu Dhabi and you can directly go to the next gate. Two hours would be just about enough in that case.
I am from Sri Lanka leaving to USA with tourist visa and expect to have Doha transit for sightseeing..
I travel from CMB to Doha with Qatar airways and DOH to JFK American Airlines.
Can I apply for free transit visa
Appreciate your response pls.
Hi Lalani, Transit visa service is still suspended. Even though Sri Lanka is not listed for a visa on arrival, you can try checking with Qatar Airways office or Ehteraz Helpline on +974-4406 9999.
hi, i am ghanaian can i travel ghana to GCC mainly saudi arabia, dubai, through with a 4days transit in doha.thank you
Hello guys, I am American passport holder,I have layover 5 hours at Doha ( transit) how I can get transit visa to see around the city.
I would like to know if it is possible to do transit in Doha from Japan to South Africa with an expired passport accompanied with the embassy letter?
Hi guys, I am an Australian passport holder and have a 8 hours and 55 minutes transit time in Doha airport while travelling to Islamabad. I need your valuable guidance if I would be able to get a transit visa and see around the city and meet my relatives in Qatar. Thanks