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. We just want to share our recent experience just happened today February 3 Friday. We are a Philippine Passport Holder.
We are coming from a show in Barcelona and arranged a 2 day stopover/transit in Doha. We are flying out in BCN on Feb 3 and arrive same day in Doha, then we will fly out Doha on February 5 to Manila.
So this is just a 48-hour stopover. We also knew that we can apply for e-visa but did not know that it is still suspended. We have been sending emails to Qatar Airways, MOI, MOFA, Hukoomi, Qatar Embassy in Manila to inquire on how to apply for visa.
We called Hukoomi hotline # +97444069999 and they told us that we are qualified to apply for transit visa (since our stay is less than 96 hours). Transit visa can be applied at the airport subject for approval by the immigration officer. We even printed out the email with this information just to be sure.
Now, this is the stressful part. When we arrive at Qatar check-in counter in BCN, the agent refuse to let us take the flight for the reason that we do not have a visa. We showed them the email and information about the transit visa and that it can be applied once we arrive in DOHA, but they still said NO. So we ended up rebooking our flight and pay a hefty penalty fee.
I am not sure what went wrong or what did we lack since we all have the correspondences regarding the transit visa. From what I believe, the problem is the lack of information or familiarity to the current travel policies because the check-in counter agent showed us the visa policy for Hayya card which was recently extended until Jan 2024. It seems this is the only visa that they accept.
Anyway, I just want to share with you guys what happened and it is really disappointing as we are looking forward to our stopover in Qatar as this is our first time to visit. We even made an arrangement for the Evening Desert Safari 🙁
Hi Winnie, Sorry to hear about your experience and thanks a lot for sharing here. This would be helpful for others.
Yes, there is a clear lack of communication regarding Transit visa as it is not updated on official websites. Hope they would clarify soon.
hi i am travelling to philippines and i have 20h lay over in doha . i would like to have transit visa to see the city but i am flying with finnair is it possible to obtain qatar transit visa for free as well? flying form denmark
Hi Joy, What is your nationality?
Hi
We will be having a conference meeting in Doha qatar on feb 18 to 22, 2023
Im from Philippines. We have ticket already and invitation letter from the company. can we apply for transit visa or do have any options to have a visa for us to attend the conference meeting?
Hi Jeraldine, Kindly contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] as Philippines is not on the list of visa on arrival countries. They will advise what other visa will be open in February.
Hi
I am Muhammad Tariq from Pakistan want to get three days stopover or transit visa of Qatar from 16 to 18 Feb, I have confirmed return ticket Islamabad – Doh- Basra.
Where & when to apply for visa.
Hi Muhammad, Online transit visa service is now suspended. You can get regular Visa On Arrival, but requires Discover Qatar hotel booking (as you are a Pakistan citizen). You can find more details here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hi, Looks like I’m on the same boat as of many, got here after trying everything else(embassy, QA, DQ).
I am pakistani national ( in eligible voa country) with valid visa of UK. i have layover in doha DOH for 20 hrs, want to roam arround. The issue i am facing is as hotel booking through Discover qatar is necessory but for VOA hotel i can book min of 48 hrs tho stopover hotel i can book for 24 hrs(which i actually needs). Am i ok to proceed with stopover hotel booking ? Does the stopover visa and transit visa are the same thing?
I’m a Bangladeshi national, resident of Germany has booked a 4 days stopover package from Qatar airways. I’ve tried to contact every single way to every single authority ( embassy, airways, ministry of interior) and most of doesn’t reply back. Now I’m uncertain about my visit. Should I still take the risk and try to get a visa on arrival or better change my plan and cancel the stopover?
Thanks
Mahmudul Hasan
Hi Mahmudul, As Bangladesh is not on the list of visa-on-arrival countries and the ETA service for German residents is not active now, you cannot get a visa on arrival. Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999. If you don’t get a confirmation from them or from Qatar Airways it would be better to change your plans.
Hey, I plan to have a stopover in Qatar from 18th-21st Jan. The transit visa website is still suspended. I am finally planning to book a hotel from discover qatar. Since there are separate stopover and VOA hotels; does anyone know if I can get a Visa On Arrival if I have booked a stopover hotel? Or am I supposed to book a VOA hotel only?
Hi Kevin, This will depend on your nationality. The VOA hotels option on the DQ website is only needed for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine. If you are from any other nationality that is eligible for a visa on arrival, you can book a hotel from any website. The stop-over option on DQ is not mandatory but can be a good deal as it can give you special rates (with Qatar Airways booking). You can contact the DQ call centre at +974-4423 7103 for further info.
The transit visa application portal is still suspended as of Jan 4, 2023. I have contacted Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar, Visit Qatar, Hukoomi Gov portal, and none of them can tell what is going on (by pointing finger to each other), neither when the transit visa application will be re-opened. We are traveling on Jan 15 with a 3-day stopover in Doha, and already preparing to spend those 3 days in the airport. As mentioned in the earlier comment, Qatar Airways should not sell stopover package as long as they can not accommodate transit visa.
Hi Daniel, can you please update us if you were able to enter Qatar. Thank you so much!
Hi Joyce. I could not do anything to keep the stopover plan as I am a citizen of a country not in the visa on arrival list, and normal tourism visa requires an apppication of 2 weeks in advance (while we only had a week left). That left us no choice but changing our flight to remove the stopover. Funny enough, Qatar Airways silently removed all their stale pages on “Qatar transit visa” after they got our questions. They should have done it long time ago when the transit visa started being suspended so that people like us simply book normal tickets without stopover…
Hi Daniel, thank you for the reply. Just like you I’ve done my research as well. I’m not on a VOA list countries but qualified for the ETA as I have a valid UK visa but don’t know where to apply (QA, DQ and MOI). I’ve read on the MOI site shared to me by DQ, if you don’t have pre-arranged transit visa, you may still try to enter Qatar at the discretion of the immigration officer. I have 12hrs 30min layover Doha to Heathrow. Good luck to me then. Again thank you Daniel! All the best!
I thought I’m the only one who encounter this. I also have booked my flight and had to call 5 multiple departments (including embassy) and no one can answer my question regarding applying qatar transit visa as none of their website is working. I get so stressed as everything has been booked already. ????
Hi Michelle, when is your flight? Mine is on the 4th of February. I even contacted the local embassy in our country. I emailed Hukoomi and I’m crossing my fingers, you can try to enter Qatar but at the discretion of the immigration officer (valid passport and 8hrs to max of 96hrs transit visa). All the best!
Hi Joyce, I spoke to the visa team on the suspension of the transit visa and they stated that the transit visa application was launched during FIFA only. Right now it’s suspended because no transit visa is required if your stay is less than 36 hours and more than 5 hours. This means even if you are not on the eligible list, you will still be allowed to enter Qatar if your stay is less than 36 hours with confirmed tickets but at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Hi Joyce – same here, I’m not on the VOA list of countries but I have a valid US visa. I tried to contact the Qatar Airways, MOI, MOFA, and Hukoomi but to no avail. I’ll be travelling on Feb 11.
Can you please update us if you are able to pass through the immigration? That would really be helpful and very much appreciated. I pray that you will be allowed though. Thanks and have a safe flight!
Hi Nauman, thank you for the info. These are noted.
Right now, I’m looking for the travel insurance but it seems for Qatari nationals only when I’m about to apply (GCC insurance companies as well). Do they offer travel insurance at HIA?
I also booked a hotel just to make sure everything is in order.
Best regards
Hi Joyce, As per the new rules, you need a health insurance from any of the 10 MOPH approved companies. It is very easy and costs only QR 50 per month. You can find more details here: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/
Hi Cam, I will update you guys if I’m able to paas through immigration.
To be honest, aside from confirmed Qatar Airways ticket, I also booked a hotel. ???? Just making sure everything is in order. Right now, travel insurance is mandatory so I’m looking into getting one. LOL!
Yes please include me in your prayers, thank you!
Best regards
Hi Joyce,
Would like to know if you were able to take your flight to Doha?
In our case our stay in Doha is only 48hours so we are qualified for Transit Visa however at BCN Airport, the Qatar Airways check-in agent refused us to take our flight because we do not have a visa.
We even showed him the correspondences about the transit visa but still they did not let us check-in. I shared my experience on this site as well.
Hi Doha Guides Team, Cam and Winnie,
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to pass through immigration and stuck at the airport for 12 hours and 30 minutes. I had a confirmed hotel booking and medical insurance but still a BIG NO!
I’m in the UK now.
Hopefully next time, Qatar government will have a clear information regarding transit visa as we all know we have done our research but to no afford.
I wanna say thank you again to Doha Guides Team! All the best!
Hi Joyce, Really sorry to hear that. And thank you for sharing it here. It would be helpful to others.
The transit visa scheme is still suspended as of Jan 1 but the Qatar airways sold the stopover package from Jan 1. I don’t find this country very welcoming or well organized, better not to visit
Hi Ken, Have you checked with Qatar Airways if they would arrange the visa?
Im in the same boat. Qatar Airways phone representatives are not even aware they help with visa. Kept trlling me to contact the embassy. Needs training.
Hi Peter, Sorry to hear that and hope they would improve.
Hi!
I will have my layover with my husband there in HIA on January 28 from US. We have 8hrs lay-over and we are planning to go around Qatar and meet some friend. Can you help me with this. Thank you
Hi Joy, Transit visa service is suspended. If your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival, you can leave the airport. More details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hi team, I am an Indian passport holder and currently residing in the United States.
Since transit visa is suspended, I understand that I need to book a hotel through DQ website.
Could you clarify if I can use stopover option in the DQ website while booking and also is hotel for one day enough.
I am having a layover of 13 hours at Doha while flying from USA to India.
Hi Kar, Unfortunately we cannot confirm this as these two are given as different options on DQ website. Kindly contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. You can also check with DQ on +974 4423 7103 or [email protected]
Can I stay at my son house at Doha during this 96 hours before leaving for Addis Ababa after 30 January 2023
Hi Aftab, This is possible with a transit visa, but the transit visa service is currently suspended. You can check if you are eligible for a visa on arrival.
I have a flight on Jan. 1 to Manila..and stop over to Hamad Airport for 8 hrs. before i resumed my flight to Manila with the same Airlines which is Qatar Airways…can i have transit visa….
Thank you.
Hi Nelia, Transit visa service is currently suspended. You need to check with Qatar Airways if they will resume it by 1 January.
Hi Nelia,
Can you please give us an update if you managed to leave Doha Airport?
Thanks.
Hi Nelia, were you able to enter Qatar? Thank you so much!
Hello,
I have a flight to Doha with Qatar airways then after nine hours waiting at the airport ı will continue to ıstanbul with pegasus airways.
Do ı need to get transit visa or can ı take my baggage and make check-in and give my baggage again to pegasus airways without any visa?
Hi Mehmet, If you have booked with two airlines, you need to leave the airport through immigration. You will need to be eligible for a visa on arrival or have another type of visa. The Transit visa is currently suspended. If you do not qualify for visa, please check with Qatar Airways.
Hi there,
If I have a layover less than 10 hours in Doha, but taking different flight services to and from Doha, do I need a visa. Because, I supposed to collect my baggage from Doha before I take next flight, right?
Hi Chalakkal, You will need a visa on arrival to exit the airport arrivals area. There is no transit visa now. Also, the visa on arrival is suspended now. Hopefully, it would resume after 23 December.
Hello I am a stay over for about 12 hours in Doha as transit returning from Tblisi on 13th Jan 2023 so can I apply transit visa on arrival or can apply online also.
Farhan
Hi Farhan, The transit visa service is currently suspended. It is not clear if it would resume after the World Cup. There is a high chance that visa-on-arrival service will resume after 23 December. If your nationality is eligible, you can make use of this. Please check this link for more details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hi i am travelling from Cape Town, South Africa on 14 January 2023 on Qatar airlines. The transit time in Doha is 20 hours . Do I need to apply for a transit visa 7 days before the 14th of January from the Qatar airline office or online?
What options are available for 1 night acccommodation and how do I book this. Akbar
Hi. Does the 96 hours start from the time of arrival of the flight or when we step out of the airport?
Hi Firdhous, This is calculated from the time of entry at the immigration counter (when your visa is issued). Please note that the transit visa service is currently suspended.
Hello there. I am travelling back home with 14 hours layover in Qatar and I want to get out of airport and roam around instead of just staying at the airport for those 14 hours. How can I apply for transit visa of Qatar?
Thank you
Hi Pash, Unfortunately Transit visa is not available now. During the FIFA World Cup, only Hayya Card holders are allowed to visit Qatar. If you are travelling after 23 December you can try a visa on arrival (if you are eligible).
I am like to join Qatar. My lovely contry
Qatar is my favorite country
We have a 16 hour layover in Qatar on Oct 29. Traveling via Qatar airlines. Do we need transit visa? How to apply?
Hi Nancee, Transit visa is not required for travel (unless you leave the airport).