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 01 April 2023.
The State of Qatar and the United States of America share strong bilateral relations, coordinating closely on various regional and global issues. In partnership with the United States, Qatar has contributed to the region’s progress, stability, and prosperity by playing a constructive role financially, politically, and militarily.
Every year thousands of American citizens visit Qatar for tourism and business purposes. According to Qatar Tourism, more than 8,400 US citizens visited Qatar in the first quarter of 2022. This is in addition to the thousands of US citizens living and working in Qatar.
This article explains everything you need to know about getting a Qatar Visa for US Citizens and the essential things to consider before travelling to Qatar.
Current Status of Qatar Visa on Arrival For US Citizens
01 APRIL 2023 UPDATE
Qatar’s Visa on Arrival service has resumed after being temporarily suspended due to the FIFA World Cup.
Nationals of the USA can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. They must have:
– passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date;
– return/onward ticket;
– hotel reservation confirmation for the duration of their stay in Qatar; and
– visitor’s health insurance from MOPH website.
Qatar Visa For US Citizens
Qatar has a very liberal visa-on-arrival policy that enables travellers from more than 90 countries to visit Qatar without a pre-arranged visa. Citizens of the USA with a normal passport are allowed to travel as tourists for a maximum of 30 days, subject to some conditions:
- The passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
- The traveller should have a return or onward flight ticket.
- The traveller should have a hotel booking.
- The traveller should have visitor’s health insurance through MOPH website.
This visa can be extended further for another 30 days.
You can read more about Qatar’s visa-on-arrival scheme here:
Complete Guide To Qatar Visa On Arrival
In addition, nationals of the USA can also travel to Qatar without a visa if they have a valid tourist visa issued by Oman. Passengers with such visas can enter either Oman or Qatar but are not allowed to depart to a third country. You can read about the Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa here.
Qatar Visa For US Citizens Cost
The visa on arrival explained above is issued free of cost. The visa extension is also free.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Requirement
As per the latest travel policy announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), pre-travel and post-travel COVID testing and Ehteraz pre-registration are not required from 1 November 2022. The Ehteraz mobile app is only required for entering public and private healthcare facilities.
Qatar Transit Visa For US Citizens
US citizens travelling through Qatar and not planning to leave the airport do not need a transit visa. Here is our detailed guide about transit through Doha airport.
Qatar Transit Visa, issued for short visits up to 96 hours if currently suspended. Those planning to leave the airport for a city tour can use the visa-on-arrival facility explained above.
Alternatively you can also contact your local Qatar Airways office to see if they can issue Transit Visa.
Qatar Visa For US Residents
The free visa on arrival facility applies only to US citizens and not to US residents or Green Card holders. US residents with a foreign passport should check if the country of their citizenship is eligible for a visa on arrival to Qatar. If not, they should arrange another visa, like a family visit visa or business visa.
Qatar Visa For US Visa Holders
Unlike in the UAE, where Indians with US visas are given visas on arrival, US visa holders have no special consideration in Qatar. Visa-free entry will be based on the traveller’s citizenship.
Things To Consider While Visiting Qatar
US citizens visiting Qatar should be mindful of respecting the local traditions, cultures and laws. The following things should be kept in mind:
- The public dress code in Qatar requires that men and women cover shoulders, chests, stomachs, and knees and that tight leggings be covered by long shirts or dresses.
- Alcohol is legal in Qatar but highly regulated and only available in limited locations to non-Muslim non-Qatari adults aged 21+. Public drinking and intoxication are punishable. See our guide to alcohol laws in Qatar.
- It is illegal in Qatar to engage in sexual relations outside of marriage.
- Medical facilities in Qatar require pregnant women to present a marriage certificate to receive prenatal care.
- Homosexuality is criminalized in Qatar. LGBTQIA+ travellers should consult the official Department of State Travel Advisory for Qatar for more detailed information.
- Most illegal drugs in the United States are illegal in Qatar, including marijuana/THC.
- It is illegal to take photos and videos of strangers without their permission.
- Visitors can drive temporarily in Qatar with their US driving license. Traffic accidents and tickets are considered seriously. See our guide to driving in Qatar.
Enrolling In STEP
US Embassy highly encourages US travellers to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows US citizens travelling abroad or living abroad to register their trip with their nearest Embassy or Consulate.
By enrolling, you will receive important information from the US embassy in case of an emergency. Here is the link to enrol in STEP.
US Embassy in Qatar
The US Embassy in Qatar is situated at 22nd February Street, Al Luqta District, Doha. The contact phone number is +974 4496 6000. For more information, check the US Embassy in Qatar website.
Emergency Contacts
- For emergency services within Qatar, call 999.
- The emergency contact line for the US Embassy in Qatar during and outside of office hours is +974 4496 6000
- From outside of Qatar, concerned family or friends can contact the US Embassy in Qatar at 1-202-501-4444 or 1-888-407-4747.
READ NEXT: Guide To Qatar Visa On Arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens travel to Qatar without a visa?
US citizens travelling to Qatar can get 30 days tourist visa on arrival, subject to certain conditions like six months of passport validity, return flight tickets and hotel bookings.
How many days can US citizens stay in Qatar?
The Qatar visa waiver issued to US citizens is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days.
Do US Green Card holders need visas for Qatar?
Citizens of more than 90+ countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. However, US Green Card holders do not receive special consideration. If the Green Card holder’s country of citizenship is eligible for a visa waiver, he/she can travel without a visa.
Related Articles:
- Qatar Tourist Visa Guide
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements and Procedure
- Visiting Qatar: Complete Guide
- Carrying Medicines To Qatar: Things To Know
- How Much Cash and Gold Can Your Bring To Qatar
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I’m a US citizen, are visa runs allowed for qatar? If so, is there a certain process I should follow?
Hi Alexander, Please check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hello,
I am a green card holder but have a Togolese passport. I’m trying to visit a friend in Qatar, do I need a visa?
Hi Brice, You will need a visa as Togo is not included under Visa On Arrival countries.
hello i am a green card holder would like to visit qatar it s a free.visa or not thanks
Hi Abdoulaye, Currently there is no visa type for Green Card holders. Your passport (nationality) will be considered for visa on arrival. Please check this article: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Does u s citizens need a COVID -19 test before entering Qatar if they are going for fifa World Cup in November and they have the Hayya card
Hi Robert, As per the current update, a PCR test is required within 48 hours of travel (or an Antigen test within 24 hours). As the rules are subject to change, please check back for updates in November.