Qatar Visa On Arrival Now Open: Complete Guide (September 2021)

In August 2017, the State of Qatar made a landmark announcement that it will allow visa-free entry for citizens of more than 80 countries, with immediate effect, making it the most open country in the Middle East.

As of 2021, passport holders of 90+ countries can get Free Qatar Visa On Arrival. This article explains the eligibility conditions, travel procedure and answers to frequently asked questions about Qatar’s visa waiver facility.

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Current Status of Visa on Arrival Service

18 JULY 2021 UPDATE: It is now officially confirmed on Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways websites that visa on arrival service to Qatar has resumed after it was suspended in 2020 at the outset of COVID-19. Currently, citizens of 90+ countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar.

30 JULY 2021 UPDATE: According to a new announcement on the MOPH website, Qatar will be introducing a new travel policy from 2nd August 2021 (12 noon) with compulsory hotel quarantine for travellers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka. It would be 2 days hotel quarantine for those vaccinated/recovered from Qatar. They would be allowed to leave the hotel on the second day if the result of the PCR test is negative. For all others, hotel quarantine will be for 10 days.

As per the latest rules, only eligible travellers who have taken the vaccines approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health will be extended visa-waivers upon arrival.

They should also meet other eligibility conditions like citizenship, 6 months valid passport, return air tickets, hotel booking and credit cards (for some nationalities). They should also get pre-travel approval by applying on the Ehteraz website.

Travellers who are unable to fly directly to other GCC countries can also use this facility, subject to a minimum of 14 days stay in Qatar (or as required by the destination country).

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This article explains all the requirements, eligible nationalities, application procedure, renewal procedure and frequently asked questions about the free visa on arrival in Qatar.

Requirements for Visa On Arrival to Qatar

• The passenger must be a citizen of an eligible country (country list given below)
• The passenger’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• The passenger must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Qatar MOPH and 14 days have passed
• The passenger must have a negative result for RT-PCR test done within 72 hours of arrival
• The passenger must have a travel approval received via Ehteraz pre-arrival registration
• The passenger must have a confirmed return or onward ticket
• The passenger must have a hotel booking (as per new policy this has to be 10 days Discover Qatar quarantine package for travellers from South East Asian countries like India and Pakistan if they are vaccinated outside Qatar)
• Proof of fund / credit card* may be required for some nationalities like India, Pakistan etc.
• There are some additional requirements for citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Pakistan

*Please carry QR 5000 in cash or an International Credit / Debit card under your name with at least QR 5000 balance.

Procedure to apply for Visa On Arrival to Qatar

Documents Checklist

Travellers have to upload the scanned copies of the following documents:

• Passport
• Return / onwards flight tickets
• Vaccination Certificate
• Negative RT-PCR Report
• Hotel Booking

Ehteraz Website Applicaton Procedure

According to the latest travel policy (From 12 July 2021), all visitors should get pre-travel approval by registering on the Ehteraz website. Travellers who meet the above requirements should upload their documents between 72 hours and 12 hours of travel to get approval.

Visitors without pre-travel approval will not be allowed to travel to Qatar.

Check our detailed guide on how to do Ehteraz Pre-Travel Registration online

You will be notified as soon as your travel permit is approved. Download, print and keep the travel permit handy during your travel. 

Note: If you are applying for a visa on arrival, you can leave the “Visa Number” column on the application blank.

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Which all nationalities can avail 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
• Multiple-entries are possible during this period

The following are the countries included under this category:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Armenia (more conditions apply)
3. Austria
4. Bahamas
5. Belgium
6. Bulgaria
7. Croatia
8. Cyprus
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
11. Dominican Republic
12. Estonia
13. Finland
14. France
15. Germany
16. Greece
17. Hungary
18. Iceland
19. Italy
20. Latvia
21. Liechtenstein
22. Lithuania
23. Luxembourg
24. Malaysia
25. Malta
26. Netherlands
27. Norway
28. Poland
29. Portugal
30. Romania
31. Serbia
32. Seychelles
33. Slovakia
34. Slovenia
35. Spain
36. Sweden
37. Switzerland
38. Turkey
39. Ukraine

Category 2: Visa for 30 days (+30 days extension)

• Initial visa is for 30 days from date of entry
• The stay can be extended for another 30 days free of cost
• Multiple-entries are possible during this period

The following are the nations included under this:

1. Andorra
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. Azerbaijan
5. Belarus
6. Bolivia
7. Bosnia and Herzegovina (more conditions apply)
8. Brazil
9. Brunei
10. Canada
11. Chile
12. China
13. Colombia
14. Costa Rica
15. Cuba
16. Ecuador
17. Georgia
18. Guyana
19. Hong Kong, China
20. India
21. Indonesia
22. Ireland
23. Japan
24. Kazakhstan
25. Lebanon
26. Maldives
27. Mexico
28. Moldova
29. Monaco
30. New Zealand
31. North Macedonia
32. Pakistan (more conditions apply)
33. Panama
34. Paraguay
35. Peru
36. Russia
37. Rwanda
38. San Marino
39. Singapore
40. South Africa
41. South Korea
42. Suriname
43. Thailand
44. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
45. United Kingdom
46. United States
47. Uruguay
48. Vatican City
49. Venezuela

In addition to this, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.

Vaccines Approved by Qatar MOPH

Adult visitors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with one of the following vaccines:

• Pfizer BioNTech (two doses)
• Moderna (two doses)
• AstraZeneca/Covishield (two doses)
• Janssen/Johnson & Johson (one dose)

• Sinopharm is a conditionally approved vaccine and visitors vaccinated with both doses of Sinopharm have to undergo a COVID-19 antibody test upon arrival in Qatar. They should also book a hotel quarantine package in advance. If the additional test returns a negative result, they will be refunded according to the Discover Qatar check out policy. 

14 days must have passed since the completion of the vaccination program. Unvaccinated adults are currently not able to visit Qatar.

Passengers who have taken one of the recognized vaccines must submit the original vaccination certificate, which shall include the following information:

1. Name of the passenger and it must match the passport
2. Dose dates according to type of the vaccine
3. Type/name of the vaccine
4. Lot number of the vaccine (if any)
5. Official logo or seal of the vaccination authority​

All visitors – irrespective of age – must provide a negative PCR test result. The test result must be less than 72 hours old at the time of arrival in Qatar.

Travel Policy For Children

• Unvaccinated children aged (0-11) travelling with their fully vaccinated parents shall be exempted from the quarantine if they come from green listed countries like Australia, Canada and France.
• Unvaccinated children aged (0-11) travelling with their fully vaccinated parents shall be subjected to hotel quarantine for 07 days if they come from yellow listed countries like Indonesia, Saudi, UAE etc.
• 20 JULY 2021 UPDATE: Unvaccinated children (of any age) travelling from red listed countries like India, Pakistan, Philippines, Srilanka, UK etc will not be get visa on arrival.

A travel permit is required for all visitors (irrespective of age) and must be applied for at least 12 hours before travelling.

Check our detailed guide on how to do Ehteraz Pre-Travel Registration online

Is there any fee for the Qatar Visa on Arrival?

This type of visa based on your nationality is granted completely 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.

TIP: If you are travelling via another airline, make sure 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 QR 5000 in cash or an International Credit / Debit card under your name with at least QR 5000 balance.

Should I show the salary certificate or tenancy contract of my host?

Host’s salary certificate or tenancy contract is not required for visa on arrival. There is no minimum salary requirement for anyone to host a visitor. However, it is advised that you keep your host’s contact information ready to show if requested by officers.

Is there a special counter at the airport?

There would be a special line for visitors with travel permits. The details would be mentioned in your travel permit or you would be directed by airport staff.

What is the procedure at the immigration counter?

• At the departure airport show your travel permit to the airline check-in agent. Please note that without a valid permit the airline will deny boarding.
• Download the Ehteraz app prior to your departure and activate the Ehteraz mobile application on arrival at the airport. Activation of the app will require a Qatari SIM card that is easily available either from Ooredoo or Vodafone on arrival at Hamad International Airport. The SIM card would cost around QR 30.
• Vaccinated passengers from red-list countries like India may be required to do an RT-PCR test on arrival at Doha. This would cost QR 300. So please be prepared if you are asked to take a test.
• At the immigration counter in Doha, show your travel permit and if asked about your visa mention that you have approval for visa on arrival.
• Show the Vaccination Certificate, RT-PCR, Hotel Booking and Flight Ticket.
• 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)
• Look at the camera for iris scan (eye-scan) when asked. A green light would blink to confirm this.
• The immigration officer would fix a small sticker to 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. On the Ministry of Interior website, go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page (Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension).

• Enter the visa number (available on the sticker in passport) or passport number
• Select nationality from the drop-down list
• Enter verification code from the picture or audio
• Click on “Extend” button
• The visa will be renewed for another 30 days

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?

To check the validity, on the Ministry of Interior website, go to Visa Inquiry & Printing page (Visa Services –> Visa Inquiry & Printing). Here is the link to check the validity of a Qatar visa on arrival.

• Enter the visa number (available on the sticker in 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 other GCC residents eligible to get Qatar visa on arrival?

If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council) then 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.

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Additional requirements for some nationalities

Additional requirements for Armenia nationals

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• Return ticket must be confirmed

Additional requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina nationals

• The citizen must carry a permanent passport that is valid for at least 6 months
• Return ticket must be confirmed

Additional requirements for Pakistani nationals

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• Return ticket must be confirmed
• Hotel booking confirmation for duration of the stay must be presented
• The passenger must have a valid credit card
• Those coming directly from Pakistan should present a certificate of vaccination against polio
• The duration of the visa can be extended only after confirming the return ticket

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We have tried to cover most of the frequently asked questions. If you have any further query feel free to ask in the comments sections 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 and quarantine policy.

READ NEXT: How To Do Ehteraz Pre-Travel Registration

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article is prohibited.

Sources: Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority

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FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival

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