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 per the announcement, passport holders of more than 80 countries can get Free Qatar Visa On Arrival. In this article, we are trying to answer the frequently asked questions about Qatar’s visa waiver facility.
07 MARCH 2021 UPDATE: Due to the global COVID-19 situation, entry into Qatar is now restricted to Qatari nationals, their families, permanent residency holders and Qatar ID holders only. For more information, please check the Ministry of Public Health’s website. Indian Embassy in Qatar has clarified that a recent social media post that says visa on arrival for Indians is open is FALSE.
This article explains all the requirements, eligible nationalities, renewal procedure and frequently asked questions about the free visa on arrival in Qatar.
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:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia (more conditions apply)
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- 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)
- 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:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (more conditions apply)
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Georgia
- Guyana
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Lebanon
- Macedonia
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Pakistan (more conditions apply)
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Suriname
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
What are the requirements to get Qatar Visa On Arrival?
- The passenger’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- The passenger must have a confirmed return or onward ticket
- There are some additional requirements for citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Pakistan

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.
Is hotel booking required?
Hotel booking may be required for some nationalities. Please check the official website for more details.
Should I use only Qatar Airways for my travel?
You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on 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 about this facility may refuse to board you without a visa.
Should I show proof of funds / credit cards?
Proof of funds/credit or debit card may be required for some nationalities. Please check the official website for more details.
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 is no special counter to go or forms to be filled. Upon arrival, you can join the regular queue for immigration.
What is the procedure at the immigration counter?
The procedure is very simple:
- While handing over the passport, tell the immigration officer that you want to get Visa On Arrival.
- Show the return ticket if needed.
- 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 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 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.
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
- Return ticket must be confirmed
- Hotel booking confirmation for the 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
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.
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 80+ eligible countries. You can see the full list of countries on this page.
Is there any age limit on visa on arrival?
There is no specified age limit for visa 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 medical check-up needed for extending visa-free entry
A medical check-up is not needed for extending visa-free entry. The medical check would be required for renewing family visit visa only.
Are Indians eligible for 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.
When On arrival visa will open ? can any one give suggestion plz
In Qatar on arrival visa how many days it will renewal more in 2021
Hi Belbison, As the Covid-19 cases are high in recent weeks, we assume it would take a few more months.
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When on arrival visa will open for india
My husband got a job in qatar..his visa canceled due to some reason.now he wanted to go to that company..so what will do..we are from india
On arrival visa to Qatar started in 2021.
Hi Raj, On arrival visa is not started yet.
qatar work visa started have december 2020
Hi Maruti, Yes, work visa applications are being accepted now.
I am teacher( female) in a school. I wish to bring my sister for onarrival who is unmarried. Can i proceed or is there any problem?
Hi, family visa is not yet open. If your sister has residence visa in other GCC countries and profession is listed, she can get visa on arrival to Qatar when it’s open.
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