Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide (2020)

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.

SEPTEMBER 2020 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.

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:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Armenia (more conditions apply)
4. Austria
5. Bahamas
6. Belgium
7. Bulgaria
8. Croatia
9. Cyprus
10. Czech Republic
11. Denmark
12. Dominican Republic
13. Estonia
14. Finland
15. France
16. Germany
17. Greece
18. Hungary
19. Iceland
20. Italy
21. Latvia
22. Liechtenstein
23. Lithuania
24. Luxembourg
25. Malaysia
26. Malta
27. Netherlands
28. Norway
29. Poland
30. Portugal
31. Romania
32. Serbia
33. Seychelles
34. Slovakia
35. Slovenia
36. Spain
37. Sweden
38. Switzerland
39. Turkey
40. 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. Australia
3. Azerbaijan
4. Belarus
5. Bolivia
6. Bosnia and Herzegovina (more conditions apply)
7. Brazil
8. Brunei
9. Canada
10. Chile
11. China
12. Colombia
13. Costa Rica
14. Cuba
15. Ecuador
16. Georgia
17. Guyana
18. Hong Kong, China
19. India
20. Indonesia
21. Ireland
22. Japan
23. Kazakhstan
24. Lebanon
25. Macedonia
26. Maldives
27. Mexico
28. Moldova
29. Monaco
30. New Zealand
31. Pakistan (more conditions apply)
32. Panama
33. Paraguay
34. Peru
35. Russia
36. Rwanda
37. San Marino
38. Singapore
39. South Africa
40. South Korea
41. Suriname
42. Thailand
43. United Kingdom
44. United States
45. Uruguay
46. Vatican City
47. 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.

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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

• 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

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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.

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FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival

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