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 15 March 2023.
Qatar has a special Visa On Arrival scheme for residents of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or UAE) if they meet the eligibility criteria.
As per this facility, also known as the GCC Residents Entry Permit, qualified professionals who hold valid residency permits in any GCC country can get visas on arrival in Qatar.
This article explains the eligibility conditions, list of professions eligible, visa fees, duration of stay, etc., about Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents.
- Recent Updates
- Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents
- Conditions for Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents
- List of Professions Eligible
- Visa For Accompanying Family & Staff
- GCC Residents’ Visa Fees
- Validity and Extension of Visa
- Vaccination & Quarantine Requirements
- How to Apply for GCC Residents’ Visa
- Documents Checklist For Travel
- What to do if your profession is not on the list?
- FAQ on Qatar GCC Residents’ Visa
Recent Updates
29 JANUARY 2023 UPDATE
From 1 February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Qatar. Visitors can buy a basic health insurance for QAR 50 for any of the registered insurance companies listed on MOPH website. More details are available here.
JANUARY 2023 STATUS
Please note that the list of eligible professions was modified in December 2022. The list of 54 eligible professions is given below. The professional title on your National ID should exactly match the list. If you are not sure about your eligibility, please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 to confirm your eligibility.
Those who are not eligible for GCC Resident’s visit visa may check if they are eligible for a regular visa on arrival (based on their nationality). For regular visas on arrival, Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for nationals of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine. Click here for more details.
Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents
Residents of GCC countries, who are employed as qualified professionals, and those accompanying them can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days in Qatar.
However, it is important to note that the visitor should arrive from their country of residence in GCC.
For example, a Philippines national who is a resident of the UAE should be travelling from UAE, not from the Philippines.
Below are the conditions for issuing the GCC Residents visa:
Conditions for Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents
The visa will only be issued if you meet all the below conditions:
- The passport should be valid for at least six months from arrival.
- The visitor should have a valid residence permit card issued by any GCC country (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or UAE).
- The GCC residence permit should be valid for at least six months from arrival.
- The profession (as mentioned on the residence permit card) should appear in the below list.
- The visitor should have a return ticket.
- The visitor should have a confirmed hotel reservation.
- The visitor should be travelling from his country of residence.
- The visitor should have health insurance (as per MOPH guidelines)
Qatar Airways has listed the following additional requirements. However, these are not always asked for. It would be better if you could have these:
- Official evidence proving business in Qatar (in case of business visits).
- A letter issued by a sponsor in Qatar showing the sponsor’s name and telephone number.
List of Professions Eligible
The following categories of professionals with valid resident permits from any GCC country can get visas on arrival to Qatar. They have been arranged in alphabetical order for your convenience. The below list was reviewed on 04 January 2023.
- Accountant
- Advisor (All Kinds)
- Air Safety Controller
- Analyst (Financial)
- Archeological Researcher
- Astronomer
- Auditor (Financial – Accounts)
- Author/Writer
- Aviation Trainer
- Bank Manager
- Broadcasting Director
- Captain of a Ship/Cruise/Ferry/Tanker
- CEO/ Executive Director
- Chemist (All Specializations)
- Chief Justice
- Chief Prosecutor
- Cinema Director
- Club Director / Chairman
- Co-Pilot
- College Dean
- Consultant (All Specializations)
- Diplomatic (Members of Diplomatic Mission)
- Director
- Economic / Financial Expert
- Embassy Staff in GCC Countries (Except service jobs)
- Engineer
- Geologist (General)
- Hospital Manager
- Hotel Manager
- Information Systems Expert
- Judge
- Lawyer/Advocate
- Legal Expert
- Marine Fire Inspector
- Media Director
- Media Person
- Ministry Undersecretary
- Museum Director
- Physician (All Specializations)
- Physicist
- Pilot
- Professor
- Programmer
- Prosecutor
- Referee (Sports)
- Regional Director
- School Manager
- Scientist
- Surgeon (All Specializations)
- Television Director
- Theater Director
- University Professor
- University Rector / Chancellor
- Veterinary Doctor
Source: List of Eligible Professions on MOI website
NOTE: In addition to the above, some professions like Nurses and Managers may be eligible, but they are not listed on the MOI official website. Some professionals not on the above list who travelled recently were allowed entry while some were refused. If your profession is not listed and you feel you may be eligible, kindly contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 and follow their instructions.
Visa For Accompanying Family & Staff
The GCC Residents Visa is also available to accompanying family and personal staff. The accompanying person (if any) should be under your personal sponsorship.
Their passport and residence permit should also meet the minimum validity required.
GCC Residents’ Visa Fees
- The cost of the GCC Residents Visa is QAR 100 (USD 27).
- Fee payment should be made using a credit or debit card.
- The fine for overstaying is QAR 200 (USD 55) per day.
Validity and Extension of Visa
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended for a maximum of three more months by paying QR 100 per month for every additional month. The visa can be extended at any Ministry of Interior Service Centre.
Vaccination & Quarantine Requirements
As per the new travel policy, effective from 1 November 2022:
- All travellers are exempted from Quarantine (unless you test Covid positive).
- All travellers are exempted from Covid Testing.
- All travellers are exempted from Ehteraz pre-travel registration.
- Ehteraz mobile application is only required to enter health centres.
You can learn more about approved vaccines, vaccine validity and quarantine policy here.
How to Apply for GCC Residents’ Visa
The following are the steps to get for GCC residents visa:
Step 1: Check if you meet the requirements
The most important thing is to confirm that your profession is listed in the approved list.
Step 2: Book your flight and hotel
Confirmed return flight tickets are required for a visa on arrival. A regular hotel booking for the duration of the stay is also required. You can cancel or change this booking after arrival in Doha.
Step 3: Travel to Doha
The visa will be issued on arrival if you meet all the above-mentioned requirements.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
The visa fee should be paid upon arrival in Qatar using a credit/debit card. Normally Visa or Mastercard are accepted.
Documents Checklist For Travel
During travel, the following documents are required:
- Passport
- GCC Residence card
- Return Flight Tickets
- Hotel Booking
- Health Insurance
What to do if your profession is not on the list?
If your profession is not on the above list, there is no guarantee that you may receive a visa on arrival. If you have relatives in Qatar, they can apply for a Family Visit Visa.
In addition, Qatar has a free visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of more than 90 countries. You can read more about it here: Qatar Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide.
READ NEXT: How GCC Residents Can Enter Qatar Without Hayya Card
FAQ on Qatar GCC Residents’ Visa
Can GCC residents get a Qatar visa on arrival?
Yes, If you are a resident of any GCC country (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or UAE), you may be eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival if you meet the required conditions.
What are the conditions for getting GCC Residents Visa in Qatar?
The visa will only be issued if your residence permit and passport are valid for at least six months and if your profession appears on the eligible list.
How much is the cost of a GCC Residents Visa to Qatar?
A single-entry visa to Qatar can be obtained for a fee of QAR 100. The fee is payable by credit or debit card.
How long is the GCC Residents Visa issued?
GCC Residents Visa to Qatar is a single entry visa valid for 30 days and may be renewed for an additional two months.
Do GCC citizens need visas to enter Qatar?
Citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
Related Articles:
- How To Apply for Vehicle Entry Permit to Qatar
- Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
- Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
- Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Duration, and Cost
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Hi im a filipino and have architect visa in UAE. Am i allowed for visa on arrival in Qatar? Or i can use hayaa visa of my friend? I have a business meeting with our client next week.
Hi Rey, If your profession is listed as Engineer, you will be eligible for GCC Residents Visit Visa. If it is Architect, please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check about your profession’s eligibility for GCC Residents Visit Visa. For Hayya, you will need to apply for your own Hayya Card with a voucher code. Hayya approval may take longer than a week (since you want to visit next week).
Hello I’m Egyptian with a golden visa from UAE
In my passport on a chairman of a board but in my residency I’m a house wife as my husband is my residency sponsor he’s a doctor does he has to come with me if I’m planing to come to qatar or I can come alone
Hi Nevine, Normally they consider the profession on residence permit. If RP profession is housewife, then visitor needs to be accompanied by husband (who is eligible). However you may contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check if they will consider Golden Visa.
Hi, Im UAE resident as computer programmer, I am eligible to visit qatar?
Hi Khalil, Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] as there is some confusion regarding the professions list.
For the GCC profession list the new list shared by you is very limited, compare to the old one, we’ve checked with MOI and they have a different list, may we know which list we should follow, as many professions are not in the list and most our employee visiting Qatar before they use to use their profession, like sales manager, marketing manager please clarify.
Hi Mohammed, Earlier we had published a list with 100+ professions. In December 2022, we changed the list when MOI updated the list on their website. We have been regularly checking official websites and could not find any updated list (other than this one with 54 professions). If any one has an updated list from official sources kindly share. If you have contacted the government helpline and they confirm a profession is eligible, please follow their instructions.
I am from Tunisia and a GCC resident living in Saudi Arabia I am a nurse in the profession I am planning to visit Qatar I am eligible?
Hi Amel, Recently some nurses were allowed entry, while some were rejected (as the profession is not on the new list on MOI website). So please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. Also check with your airline in advance.
I am a Nigerian and a GCC resident living in Oman. I am a pharmacist by profession.
I am planning to visit Qatar next week.
Am I eligible for visa on arrival?
Will appreciate your for your response
Hi Rose, Currently Pharmacist is not on the list of professions eligible for GCC Residents Visa On Arrival. Also Nigeria is not on the list of regular Visa On Arrival. So please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check if there is any alternative.
I am pakistani passport holder GCC resident , working in a travel agency as occupation on resident permit is Ticket collector Woking in finance credit control department. want to visit family in qatar by road.
will I get visa on arrival.
can I stay with family .
since I will come by road I will not be having return ticket.
Hi Mahmood, Ticket collector profession is not eligible for GCC Residents Visa On Arrival. You can get regular visa on arrival as a Pakistani citizen. However Indian and Pakistani citizens needs minimum two days hotel booking through Discover Qatar (even if you are staying with family). Return flight ticket is not needed when coming by road. For more details, you can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999.
Salam i am saudi residence travelling yo qater tomarrow with my family .My Profession is Quality examiner/Inspector .I have firmed hotel booking via Discover qatar and have done medical insurance for all members.
Please cpmfirm there will be no ossue for me to get visa on arrival.
Hi Muhammad, Quality examiner is not on the list of professions eligible for GCC Residents Visit Visa. If your nationality is eligible for normal Visa on Arrival, you will get visa. If you are Indian or Pakistani national, you will need Discover Qatar booking (which you already have). In that case you are good to go.
I am a consultant engineer with a UAE residence visa and I hold Syrian nationality and passport. Can I enter Qatar because I’m planning to travel there next week? also, I have a valid Schengen visa if that’s helpful in any case.
Thanks
Hi Anas, Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] as we are not sure if there is any restriction for Syrians.
Hi my husband is an accountant and a resident of Saudi Arabia with a Yemeni passport, is he eligible for an entry free visa on arrival? We are planning to spend this weekend in qatar.
And If he isn’t eligible I am a British citizen will he be able to accompany me to qatar
I appreciate it if you could quickly get back to me. Thank you in advance
Hi Eman, Accountant profession is eligible for GCC visa on arrival. However kindly double check with Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] as we are not sure if there is any restriction on Yemeni nationals. (We believe he would be allowed, but just make sure for your peace of mind).
Hello, I am a Filipino nurse and currently working in Saudi Arabia. I have a valid resident ID. I just entered Doha Qatar today, and the immigration granted me a month VISA. Just make sure you have insurance, return ticket, and hotel booking. And there’s a 100 qar payment. Just sharing and might help.
Hi Jam, Thank you very much for sharing. This would be helpful to many others. Did you face any issues during check-in?
No, I have all the complete documents needed, my resident permit (valid), hotel booking, insurance, and passport.
Thanks Jam!
Hi DG Team,
What if i have relative in Qatar? Do i still need to book the hotel?
Hi Sheena, It depends on the airline staff during check-in. Sometimes they insist as it is on their rules. It is safer to book a hotel and cancel later.
Thanks Ms. Jam for update. I will visit soon Qatar using visa on arrival
Hi DG Team,
My sister is registered nurse in KSA, she mailed the email you have provided and immediately replied says quote
“Please note that the profession mentioned is on the approved profession list”. ” To obtain a Visa on Arrival for GCC resident, you must meet the following conditions mentioned below”
All other requirements to be provided same as you have stated in this forum.
Hoping for the best on her travel my next month.
Hi Rain, We are aware of this response from Government Helpline. Unfortunately we cannot update our list because MOI website is still not updated. Thanks for sharing and do let us know once your sister arrives. All the best.
hi dear
my professions do not match with an approved list,
shall i apply for hayya card and get an arrival visa on border?
Hi Ish, If your Hayya visa is approved, you can visit any time.
Hi
I am a Dubai resident but my profession “Technical Manager” is exactly not matching the list of approved professions in Qatar list. Kindly suggest the way forward. I am planning to come by road.
Regards
Hi Tariq, Check if your nationality is eligible for normal visa on arrival. Or else please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi. I am GCC(UAE) resident and I have valid occupation to get visa on arrival. I will have some guests from Pakistan who will be multi entry KSA visit visa, and we all want to visit Qatar by road. Is it guaranteed that my non-gcc guests will get visa on arrival from Salwa land port?
Hi Tauqeer, Your guests cannot be considered as your dependents (because they are not GCC residents under your sponsorship). They can enter using regular visa on arrival and hence needs Discover Qatar hotel booking. Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
I am a resident of Saudi Arabia. About eligibility to visa exemption. I want to clarify if, are you basing to the profession that is being written in Iqama where you consider to exempt on visa requirement?
What if our profession written in Iqama is not listed on the 54 professions but I hold a high rank managerial position in a company and well compensated too. Will you allow us to enter if we can bring Company ID and Certificate of Employment attested with Chamber of Commerce showing our current designation and salary?
Please confirm? Thank you!
Hi Ande, Kindly contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
I NEED A GUIDE ON HOW TO TRAVEL TO QATAR ON VISA ON ARRIVAL I AM A RESIDENCE OF BAHRAIN AND WOULD LIKE TO TRANSIT THROUGH QATAR BY ROAD = BAHRAIN-SAUDI-QATAR THEN FLY TO MALDIVES. WILL THIS BE POSSIBLE?.waiting for your positive response
Hi Natu, (1) If your profession is on the approved list, you may be eligible for GCC Residents Visit Visa. (2) If your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival, you can get VOA. (3) If you have a Hayya Card, or you have any friends who can share their Hayya With Me voucher code, you can use that to apply for Hayya and visit Qatar. (4) Or else please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check if there is any other possibility.
Hello Dear
I am UAE Resident, My Designation is General Manager can i get Qatar visa on arrival or not?
Thanks
Hi Ali, Logically speaking you should be approved, but we cannot confirm as the exact title is not on the new list. Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm your profession’s eligibility.
Greetings,
I am resident of GCC (Saudi Arabia), working in Saudi Aramco for the last 30+ years. I am living with my family. My job title in appears in Aqama in Arabic: “أخصائي إدارة خدمات” in English: “Service Management Specialist”. My wife’s brother is working & living with his family in Qatar. We will stay with relatives without pre-hotel booking.
QUESTION:
1. If I travel with family (2 kids & wife) by road (in private owned vehicle) from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, will I get entry visa for 14 days from causeway? How much?
2. Will I get Multiple Exit Reentry Visa to enter Qater from time to time? How much?
Your prompt response is highly appreciated.
Regards,
Younus Shaikh
c/o Saudi Aramco, Dhahran
Hi Mohammed, Thanks for the detaied question. Unfortunately, we are not sure if you can get GCC Residents Visit Visa as your profession is not on the eligible list. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
hi,
Can I get visa on arrival? I have UAE residence Visa, but I will be travelling from KSA because I have a 2-day business trip there then travel direct to Qatar? So, I will not be travelling from my country of residence.
Hi Pinoyyy, As per the condition for this type of visa, you should be travelling from country of residence and your profession should be eligible. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].