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,
I stay in Qatar, My Grandparents would like to travel via Doha from USA to India and would like to have a transit visa (leave the airport) to visit us, can you please suggest if that is allowed? There are Indian citizens.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Ravi, Please check with Qatar Airways local office if they can arrange Transit Visa. If not, they can come by visa on arrival. But they will need Discover Qatar hotel booking for at least two days (even if staying with you). This is a requirement for Indian Citizens: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-indians/
Hi there,
I am from Malaysia,I have book a ticket with Qatar Airlines with a 19 hours stopover.
How can I get my transit visa since the Online Transit Visa is currently suspended.
Hi Stanley, Please contact your local Qatar Airways office. If they cannot help, you can also consider regular visa on arrival as Malaysian nationals are eligible: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hello, I’m Haitian, I’m in Egypt, I need a transit visa Doh how can I find please
Hi Mikenson, You need Transit Visa only if you are leaving the airport for sightseeing. If you are planning to leave airport please contact your airline to see if they can issue a visa for you. Online Transit Visa service is currently suspended.
Hi there,
I’m a Bangladeshi national and resident of United Kingdom (live there for 14 years)
But I’m not British passport holder yet.
I’ve booked a ticket with Qatar airlines and I’ve stopover 17 hours and 25 minutes.
However, I’ve also booked hotel in Doha.
Just to be confirmed, Do I need transit visa to enter Qatar?
Could you please advice me if I could get on arrival visa or do I have apply for transit visa for 17 hours and 25 minutes.
Many thanks
Mohammed Bhuiyan
Hi Mohammed, Bangladesh is not included on the list of Visa On Arrival countries. UK residence is also not considered. Online Transit Visa & Tourist Visa is currently suspended. So you have to check directly with Qatar Airways if they can issue Transit Visa for you.
Hi, I’m travelling from India to US with a layover of 13 hrs and I’m on my GC. Do I need the transit visa during my layover
Hi Prash, You don’t need transit visa in you are not leaving the airport.
I am a Filipino with an Australian Permanent Residency, our flight from Clark stops at Qatar for 12 hours and we have booked at Premiere Inn. Would we be allowed to stay in that hotel?
Hi Angie, Philippines is not included on the visa on arrival countries list. Australian residency is also not a criteria. Please check with your airline if they can arrange transit visa.
Hi my family and I are flying from Bulgaria to the Philippines with a 13 hour layover in Doha.
I am a Philippine passport holder with a Bulgarian permanent residency,
my husband is a Bulgarian passport holder,
and our child has both Philippine and Bulgarian passports.
Is it possible for me to get a transit visa to leave the airport?
Hi Jay, Transit visa service is currently suspended. Bulgarian Citizens are eligible for visa on arrival. However Philippines national are not eligible. So please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check your options. You can also check this article: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
Hi I’m travelling with family to Australia and I’ve 16 hours transit time in Doha. So my question is that will the airline provide complimentary transit accommodation at Doha airport?
Thank you
Sajjad, If you are travelling with Qatar Airways, complimentary transit accommodation is available for some routes (more details). Please contact Qatar Airways for more details.
Hello,
I am a Philppine Passport Holder traveling from Romania to PH with 2-3h transit time in Qatar but will only stay on transit area. Would like to ask if I still need to apply or get transit visa?
Thank you!
Hi Aeyah, Transit visa is not required if you are not leaving the airport.
Hi
I am travelling to UK under Staff TRavel. I will be stopping over at Qatar. Do I need a transit Visa or is there a different type of visa I need to apply for?
Thank you
Hi Jackie, You do not need a transit visa to travel through Doha airport. Visa is only required if you are leaving the airport for sightseeing.
Hi, my family and i are travelling from South Africa to India this month. On our return journey we have an 8hr layover in Doha. Are we allowed to travel out? How do we get a transit Visa? Please advise.
Hi VB, If your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival, you can get visa. Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hi again, I sent a message before requesting information about transit visa. We will be traveling in December 2023 to Bali and stopping in Doha. We are US citizens (husband and I). We will have an overlay of 9.5 hours.
Thanks!
Hi Pilar, We have answered your question now. Since you are US citizen, you will be eligible for visa on arrival. Note that you will need visitors health insurance from MOPH website. Also we recommend booking a hotel (and cancel upon arrival) as sometimes Customs officers are very strict about that. Refer to the visa on arrival article for more details.
Hello,
I’m traveling from Lagos Nigeria to the UK on Qatar Airways. My transit time is 2 hours.
Can I extend this transit time and take time to enter Qatar for sightseeing before proceeding to my destination. How can this be done?
Hi Adeyemi, Kindly check with your airline if they can issue transit visa and if they say yes, discuss about modifying your flights.
Hi, we will be stopping in Doha, Qatar on our way to Bali for a cruise. We will from Miami, Fl – USA and we have an overlay of 9:30 hours. We would like to take the opportunity to tour the city while we are in transit. We would like to know if it is possible and if it is, do we need a temporary visa and how do we get it.
Hopefully, we will be able to take this opportunity to visit and have a taste of Qatar for a couple of hours.
Thanks
Hi Pilar, You will need a visa to visit the city. If your nationality is eligible for Visa On Arrival, you can get a visa. Please see this article with all details and list of eligible nationalities: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hello!
Thank you for the detailed input on the transit visa. I would still like to double confirm if my husband and I need it or not based on our case.
My husband is Portuguese and I am Bosnian national and we are traveling with Qatar Airways from Germany via Doha to Bali. Transit in Doha is 3-4 hours (both ways) and we were wondering if we need to obtain the transit visa or not?
Many thanks for your response!
Hi Lana, You do not need transit visa unless you are leaving through immigration counter. If both flights are under one booking, it is not required.
I have travel documents. Can I get a visa?
Hi Mohammed, If your Nationality is eligible (check this list), you can get visa on arrival. You will need a hotel booking and health insurance from MOPH website (even for few hours).
Hi I am US citizen my flight schedule will be on 31 March from Manila- Seattle and transit Doha, my lay over is 16 hours and planned to book at Hyatt Regency hotel, it is 6.1 km from Doha Airport. Do I need to get a transit visa? Thank you in advance.
Hi Diovy, Transit visa is not available now. As a US citizen you would be eligible for visa on arrival. You will need hotel booking (which you already have) and health insurance from MOPH website (costs USD 14). More details: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/
Hi I’m Kenyan and I’m hoping to transit through Doha to Nairobi Kenya, the stopover is about 6 hours but I’ll be using an emergency travel certificate. How do I go on about getting a transit visa?
Hi Nikita, You do not need a Transit Visa to travel through Qatar airport as you will be staying inside the same terminal. You may check with your airline if there is any additional formality for emergency travel certificate.
Hi I’m a Filipino and US Immigrant wanting to Transit for 4days on my return from Manila to US. Do I need a Transit visa prior to arrival or Visa upon arrival? Getting a hotel booking in Doha and flying to and from via Qatar Airways.
Hi San, Unfortunately online Transit visa service is now suspended and Philippines nationals are not eligible for visa on arrival. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. You can also check with Qatar Airways if they can assist with a visa.
We are from the Philippines travelling to Madrid Spain on Feb 17 and will be transiting to Doha for 17 hrs. May I know how can we get a transit visa? We are couple. Thank you
Hi Ma, Unfortunately online Transit visa service is now suspended and Philippines nationals are not eligible for visa on arrival. You can speak with your airline and see if there is any option, but recently most travellers from Philippines were rejected transit visa.
To whom it may concern,
I’m Pakistani passport holder and traveling to Spain via Qatar on February 19th 2023. May I get transit visa for my 8 hours stopover at Hamad International Airport to meet my friend in Doha?
Thanks
Shoaib Ali Butt
Hi Shoaib, Transit Visa service is suspended now. You can get visa on arrival if you have Discover Qatar hotel booking and health insurance. From the experience of recent travellers, hotel booking is compulsory even if you plan to stay for few hours. The hotel booking should be through Discover Qatar for Indian & Pakistani nationals. https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/