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 29 March 2023.
Since August 2017, the State of Qatar has been allowing visa-free entry for citizens of more than 80 countries, making it the most open country in the Middle East.
After it was briefly suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19, Qatar’s visa-on-arrival service has resumed with some conditions. As of August 2022, citizens of 90+ countries are eligible for Free Qatar Visa On Arrival.
This article explains all the requirements, eligible nationalities, application procedures, renewal procedures, and answers to frequently asked questions about the free visa on arrival in Qatar.
- Recent Updates
- Requirements for Visa On Arrival to Qatar
- Nationalities Eligible For Qatar Visa On Arrival
- Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Procedure At the Immigration Counter
- How to Extend Qatar Visa On Arrival?
- Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indians (Requirements)
- Additional Requirements for Pakistani National
- FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival
Recent Updates
Current Status of Qatar Visa On Arrival
29 MARCH 2023 UPDATE
29 JANUARY 2023 UPDATE
29 JANUARY 2023 STATUS
Visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities is available from 23 December 2022.
Nationals of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine are still required to book hotels through the Discover Qatar website. The hotel reservation should be for the entire duration of the stay. Hotel reservations from other websites are not accepted.
Citizens of other countries may book their hotel through any website.
Updates To Qatar Travel Policy
As per the travel policy announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in October 2022:
- Pre-travel and post-travel COVID testing is not required.
- Ehteraz pre-travel registration is not required.
- Ehteraz mobile app is only required for entering public and private healthcare facilities.
- Quarantine is no longer mandatory for all travellers arriving from abroad. However, if passenger tests positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Qatar, quarantine measures must be followed as stipulated by the State.
- Country classification based on COVID-19 risk (Red List and Standard Health List) is no longer applicable.
Requirements for Visa On Arrival to Qatar
1. Citizenship
The visitor must be a citizen of an eligible country (the list of countries is given below).
2. Passport Validity
The visitor’s passport must be valid for at least six months.
3. Confirmed Return Tickets
The visitor must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.
4. Hotel Reservation
The visitor should have a hotel reservation for the duration of the stay. This can be a regular hotel booking for travellers from most countries. However, for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine the hotel booking for the entire duration of the stay should be through the Discover Qatar website.
Please note that even if you book the hotel for a longer duration, the initial visa issued will be for 14 or 30 days only. You need to extend that by visiting any MOI Service Center or the Airport Immigration office. The online extension may not be possible for these nationalities.
This requirement is only mandatory for travellers coming on a visa on arrival and not for family visit visas.
5. Health Insurance
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.
6. Proof of Funds
From 10 March 2022, visitors from countries like India and Pakistan (using a visa-on-arrival facility) are required to have a valid international credit card or debit card. Cash of QR 5000 will no longer be accepted.
- For debit cardholders, three months bank statement is also required. There should be a minimum balance equivalent to at least QR 5,000.
- The card should be under the name of the visitor. The card can be under the family head’s name if you are travelling together as a family.
- This rule applies only to nationalities that require proof of funds (like India, Pakistan, etc.)
Nationalities Eligible For Qatar Visa On Arrival
The countries under this facility are divided into two categories as below:
Category 1: Visa waiver for 180 days
- Visa waiver valid for 180 days from date of entry
- Maximum stay: A total of 90 days, either during a single trip or during multiple trips
- The stay is not extendable
The following are the countries included under this category:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Category 2: Visa for 30 days (+30 days extension)
- The initial visa is for 30 days from the date of entry
- The stay can be extended for another 30 days free of cost
The following are the nations included under this:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Falkland IslandsÂ
- French Guiana
- Georgia
- Guyana
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Lebanon
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Suriname
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
In addition to these, Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers
Passport | Minimum six months validity |
Flight tickets | Return / onward flight tickets |
Regular Hotel Booking for the full duration | Discover Qatar booking for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine; Regular hotel booking for other countries. |
International debit/credit card | Only for India and Pakistan. Under visitor’s name (3 months bank statements also needed for debit card). Cash is not acceptable. |
Health Insurance | Basic health insurance as per MOPH (From 1 Feb 2023) |

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any fee for the Qatar Visa on Arrival?
Visa on arrival is granted entirely FREE of charge, and there is no charge for extension/renewal.
Should I use only Qatar Airways for my travel?
You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on the mode of travel. If you are travelling via another airline, ensure your airline knows about this Visa On Arrival facility. Some airline staff who are unaware of this facility may refuse to board you without a visa.
Should I show proof of funds/credit cards?
Proof of funds may be required for some nationalities. Please carry an International Credit / Debit card under your name with at least QAR 5000 balance.
Should I show the salary certificate or tenancy contract of my host?
The host’s salary certificate or tenancy contract is not required for a visa on arrival. There is no minimum salary requirement for anyone to host a visitor. However, you are advised to keep your host’s contact information ready to show if officers request it.
Procedure At the Immigration Counter
- During the check-in from your departure country, inform the airline staff that you are visiting on a visa on arrival. They may check your accommodation details. If you are staying with a relative, it is good to have their contacts and QID copy.
- At the immigration counter in Doha, mention that you want a visa on arrival.
- Give the hotel’s / host’s contact details (name, contact number) if you are asked.
- Show credit or debit card if required (for some nationalities only)
- When asked, look at the camera for an iris scan (eye scan). A green light would blink to confirm this.
- A fingerprint scan may be required for some passengers.
- The immigration officer would fix a small sticker on your passport. That’s it. Welcome to Doha!
How to Extend Qatar Visa On Arrival?
If you are a citizen of a country eligible to extend 30 days visa on arrival, you can do the renewal online.
Step 1: Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page on the MOI website
This is available under Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension.

Step 2: Enter the visa number or passport number
You can find the visa number on the sticker on your passport.
Step 3: Select nationality from the drop-down list
Step 4: Enter the verification code from the picture or audio
Step 5: Click on the “Extend” button
The visa will be renewed for another 30 days.
Is there any fee for a Qatar visa on arrival extension?
Qatar visa on arrival can be extended free of cost.
How many days after arrival can I renew the visa?
You can renew any day after arrival. Make sure you do it before the expiry to avoid complications.
I did not get any message or e-mail after renewal. How can I check the validity?
You can check the validity of your visa on the Ministry of Interior website. Here is how to check the validity of a Qatar visa.

- Go to the MOI website Visa Inquiry & Printing page
- Enter the visa number (available on the sticker in the passport) or passport number
- Select nationality from the drop-down list
- Enter verification code from picture or audio
- Click on the “Submit” button
- The details, including visa validity, will be shown
- Click on the print icon to save or print a copy for future reference
Do I need the renewal receipt while going back?
A receipt is not needed as the renewal date will be updated in the immigration system. However, you may keep a copy for your peace of mind.
Are GCC residents eligible to get a Qatar visa on arrival?
If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. The visa will only be issued if your residence permit is valid for at least six months and if your profession (as mentioned on your residence permit) appears on the list of eligible professions. You can see the list of eligible professions here.
Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indians (Requirements)
The following are the conditions for Indian nationals applying for a Qatar visa on arrival:
- The Indian passport must be valid for at least six months
- Return ticket must be confirmed
- Hotel booking for the entire period – booked through Discover Qatar
- The passenger must have a valid credit card/debit card with three months statement
Additional Requirements for Pakistani National
Requirements for Pakistani nationals are the same as for Indian nationals. There is one additional requirement as below:
- Those coming directly from Pakistan should present a certificate of vaccination against polio
We have tried to cover most of the frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries feel free to ask in the comments section, and we shall try to answer them.
As the policies are subject to change at any time, travellers are strongly advised to check the official website of MOPH for the latest travel policy. You can also call the Government helpline at +974-4406 9999 or [email protected] for more queries.
FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival
How can I get a free visa for Qatar?
You can get visa-free entry to Qatar if you hold a passport from any of the 90+ eligible countries. You can see the full list of countries on this page. There may be additional requirements for some countries.
Is there any age limit on visas on arrival?
There is no specified age limit for visas on arrival. However, airlines may refuse to board minors not accompanied by an adult. If a minor is travelling alone, please check with your airline.
Is a medical check-up needed for extending visa-free entry
A medical check-up is not needed to extend visa-free entry. A medical check would be required for renewing a family visit visa only.
Are Indians eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival?
Indian citizens are eligible for 30 days of visa-free entry to Qatar if they meet some conditions. Upon arrival, this can be extended for another 30 days.
How much is the fine for an expired visit visa in Qatar?
If the validity of your visit visa has expired, you will be charged a penalty of QAR 200 per day.
Related Articles:
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Guide
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
- How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
- Check Qatar Visa Status Online
- Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.
Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority
Dear Friends,
My kid is US citizens and her passport is expiring in 6 months, can we travel to India via Doha airport for 2 weeks? I heard the Passport validity should be more than 6 months to travel, can anyone please confirm asap?
Best,
-Prash
Hi Prash, 6 months passport validity is only required to get a Qatar visa (not for transit through airport). However please check the rules for entering India (depending on the visa type).
Dear Friends,
My kids are US citizens and their Passport is expiring in less than 6 Months can we travel India via Doha airport for 2 weeks?
Best,
-Shanthi
Hi Shanthi, 6 months passport validity is only required to get a Qatar visa (not for transit through airport). However please check the rules for entering India (depending on the visa type).
Is VOA applicable at land borders also ? Anyone visited from GCC countries to Qatar from Abu samra border recently??
Hi Ahmed, VOA for GCC Residents is available at land border also.
As per the profession list by MOI , profession is not the same as in ID card , in this case can we get VOA based on Indian passports? If yes then is DQ hotel booking of 2N is sufficient ? and remaining days elsewhere? Also do we have a choice given at borders whether we need GCC type visa or Passport based VOA?
Hi Ahmed, If your profession is not eligible, you can get regular VOA (but DQ booking for minimum 2 days is required). If you are travelling by air, sometimes they may check your return ticket and ask booking for full duration (depends on the officer).
You can request for the type of visa if you are eligible for both, but please note that GCC Resident Visa has a fee of QR 100, but regular VOA is issued free.
Hi, We are permanent resident of US, with Indian passport.I’m travelling from India to US with a layover of 13 hrs in Doha airport.Can you please let me know do I need the transit visa if I dont leave the airport.
Hi Prash, You don’t need transit visa in you are not leaving the airport.
Hello, we are australian citizens and have a 21 hour layover in April, we are leaving the airport to a hotel and are planning on getting the visa upon arrival. Do we need to have travel insurance to get the visa upon arrival?
Hello! We are a U.S. permanent resident with a Philippines passport traveling to Philippines. Do we need a transit visa? We have 8hrs layover.
Thanks
Hello Shirley, You do not need a transit visa if you are not leaving airport.
i m a US permanent resident with a Nigerian passport traveling though Doha to Maldives. do i need a transit visa to enter doha ? i have a 15 hour layover in Doha
Hi Tony, Nigeria is not included on the visa on arrival countries list. US residency is also not a criteria. Please check with your airline if they can arrange transit visa.
Hi,
I am Egyptian and I have residential visa in UAE with profession Engineering Manager, can I get on arrival visa? As I can’t find explicit match for my profession and if I can’t what is the process to get visa for couple of days visit?
Hi Wesam, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check your options. We cannot confirm as your profession is not on the new list and there is no visa on arrival for Egyptians.
Thanks for your message…and actually I contacted them but they have no clue . They guided me to ask the hotel to generate Visa for me and after I contacted the hotel (Shiraton) they told me hotels no longer doing Visa…looks like visa is like a big mystery
Hi Wesam, Unfortunately this is an issue as tourist visas are still suspended.. Even the Government Helpline seems clueless.
Hi i am Mariana from México, and i am transiting in qatar for at least 8 hours, i would like to know if i can apply for the transit visa when i arrive or do i have to apply for the visa previously
Hi Mariana, Citizens of Mexico are eligible for visa on arrival at airport. No need to apply in advance. Please read the above article and follow the steps.
Hello im dominica national. Do i need visa for qatar or im elegible for visa on arrival? And need no hotel booking also?
Hi Sarah, Dominican Republic is eligible for visa on arrival. Please read the article carefully on the requirements.
Hello, I`m an Indian with Saudi Iqama. Do i need to book hotel through discover Qatar?
Hi Arvind, If your profession is eligible for GCC Residents Visit Visa, you don’t need Discover Qatar booking. Or else you need DQ booking. More details here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/