Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents (Professions List)

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 05 February 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

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 three 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.

NOTE: According to the Qatar Airways website, the Residence Permit should be valid for 6 months. However, according to the Ministry of Interior, the minimum requirement is 3 months only. If your document’s validity is less than 6 months, please confirm with your airline.

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.

1. Accountant
2. Advisor (All Kinds)
3. Air Safety Controller
4. Analyst (Financial)
5. Archeological Researcher
6. Astronomer 
7. Auditor (Financial – Accounts)
8. Author/Writer 
9. Aviation Trainer
10. Bank Manager
11. Broadcasting Director
12. Captain of a Ship/Cruise/Ferry/Tanker
13. CEO/ Executive Director
14. Chemist (All Specializations)
15. Chief Justice 
16. Chief Prosecutor 
17. Cinema Director
18. Club Director / Chairman
19. Co-Pilot
20. College Dean 
21. Consultant (All Specializations)
22. Diplomatic (Members of Diplomatic Mission)
23. Director
24. Economic / Financial Expert
25. Embassy Staff in GCC Countries (Except service jobs)
26. Engineer
27. Geologist (General)
28. Hospital Manager
29. Hotel Manager
30. Information Systems Expert
31. Judge
32. Lawyer/Advocate
33. Legal Expert 
34. Marine Fire Inspector
35. Media Director
36. Media Person
37. Ministry Undersecretary
38. Museum Director
39. Physician (All Specializations) 
40. Physicist 
41. Pilot 
42. Professor 
43. Programmer
44. Prosecutor
45. Referee (Sports) 
46. Regional Director
47. School Manager
48. Scientist 
49. Surgeon (All Specializations)
50. Television Director
51. Theater Director
52. University Professor
53. University Rector / Chancellor
54. 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

Related Articles:

1. How To Apply for Vehicle Entry Permit to Qatar
2. Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
3. Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
4. Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know
5. Qatar Visit Visa Types, Duration, and Cost

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