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 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 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.
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/