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 02 February 2024.
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 2024, citizens of 90+ countries are eligible for a free Qatar Visa On Arrival.
This article explains all the requirements, eligible nationalities, application procedures, and visa renewal procedures, and answers the frequently asked questions about the free visa on arrival in Qatar.
- Visa-Free Entry
- Qatar Visa On Arrival New Rules & Updates
- Requirements for Qatar Visa On Arrival
- Nationalities Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Qatar
- Special Conditions For Some Nationalities
- Visa Waiver For GCC Citizens
- Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers
- Qatar Visa On Arrival Cost
- Procedure At the Immigration Counter
- How to Extend Qatar Visa On Arrival?
- FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival
Visa-Free Entry
Visa-free entry is now the new term defining previously “visa on arrival”. According to Qatar Tourism, nothing changed except the name.
Qatar Visa On Arrival New Rules & Updates
JANUARY 2024 STATUS
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.
Purchasing a visitor’s health insurance is now required for an extension of visa on arrival.
Requirements for Qatar Visa On Arrival
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. Accommodation
The visitor should have a confirmed accommodation (clear address and contacts of the local host) or hotel reservation for the duration of the stay. This can be a regular hotel booking for travellers from most countries. For hotel booking, we recommend TripAdvisor as it has the largest database of hotel reviews.
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. Staying with a Qatar resident or booking directly with a hotel is not accepted for these nationalities (to avail visa on arrival).
A minimum of 2 nights should be booked through the Discover Qatar website. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.
Please note that even if you book the hotel for a longer duration, the initial visa issued will be for 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
As per the new law launched in February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for visitors who are staying for more than 30 days. Insurance is highly recommended even for visitors staying less than 30 days, but it is not mandatory.
Visitors can buy basic health insurance for QAR 50 (for 30 days) from any registered insurance company listed on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website.
6. Proof of Funds
From 10 March 2022, visitors from countries like India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran (using a visa-on-arrival facility) are required to have a valid international credit card or debit card. Cash of QR 5,000 will no longer be accepted (Belarus nationals can show USD 1,000 in cash).
- For debit cardholders, a three-month bank statement is also required. There should be a minimum balance equivalent to at least QR 5,000 in your local currency.
- The card should be under the name of the visitor. If you are travelling together as a family, one card (under the family head’s name) is enough.
- This rule applies only to nationalities that require proof of funds (like India, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran, etc.)
Nationalities Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Qatar
The countries under this facility are divided into two categories as below:
Category 1: Visa waiver for 180 days
- Visa waiver valid is for 180 days from the date of entry.
- Visitors can stay for a total of 90 days, either during a single trip or multiple trips.
- The stay is not extendable beyond 90 days.
- Requirements are a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation (local host details or hotel booking), and health insurance (if staying for 30 days).
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 | Hungary | Iceland |
| Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malaysia |
| Malta | Netherlands | Norway |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania |
| Serbia | Seychelles | Slovakia |
| Slovenia | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | Turkey | Ukraine [4] |
Category 2: Visa for 30 days
- The initial visa is issued for 30 days from the date of entry.
- For most countries, the stay can be extended for another 30 days.
- This is a single-entry visa.
- Requirements are a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance (if staying for 30 days). Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds will be required for some nationalities (explained below).
The following are the countries included under this category:
| Andorra | Australia | Azerbaijan |
| Belarus [6] | Bolivia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Brazil | Brunei | Canada |
| Chile | China | Colombia |
| Costa Rica | Cuba | Ecuador |
| Falkland Islands [7] | French Guiana [7] | Georgia |
| Guyana | Hong Kong | India [1] |
| Indonesia | Iran [5] | Ireland |
| Japan | Kazakhstan | Lebanon |
| Macao [7] | Macedonia | Maldives |
| Mauritius [7] | Mexico | Moldova |
| Monaco | Montenegro [7] | New Zealand |
| Pakistan [2] | Panama | Paraguay |
| Peru | Russia | Rwanda |
| San Marino | Singapore | South Africa |
| South Korea | Taiwan (China) [7] | Thailand [3] |
| United Kingdom | United States | Suriname |
| Uruguay | Uzbekistan | Vatican City |
| Venezuela |
Special Conditions For Some Nationalities
In addition to the general conditions (passport valid for 6 months, round-trip flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance), there are some special conditions applicable only to some countries, as explained below:
1. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indian Nationals
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Indian nationals for a maximum period of 30 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.
2. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Pakistan Nationals
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Pakistan nationals for a maximum period of 30 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.
- (c) A polio vaccination certificate is required.
3. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Thailand Nationals
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Thailand nationals for a maximum period of 30 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.
- (c) Extension of stay possible for an additional 30 days.
4. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Ukraine
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Ukrainian nationals for a maximum period of 90 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) An initial visa is issued for 30 days or as per the hotel booking. Visitors can apply to extend their stay up to a total of 90 days after obtaining health insurance upon arrival.
5. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Iran
On-arrival tourist or business visa is granted to Iranian nationals for a fee, of up to 30 days or depending on hotel booking.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of one month for a fee of QR 100.
- (c) A credit card per family is required for a tourist visa.
- (d) Business visa for a period of one month and a maximum of six months for a fee of QR 200 per month. A business visa is granted if there is an invitation letter from a company that is certified by the Government of Qatar.
6. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Belarus
On-arrival tourist or business visa is granted to Belarus nationals for a fee.
- (a) A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of one month for a fee of QR 100.
- (b) Business visa for a period of one month and a maximum of three months for a fee of QR 200 per month.
- (c) Possession of an amount of cash equivalent to 1,000 US Dollars or a valid credit card.
- (d) Hotel reservation in one of the hotels in Qatar during the visit period.
7. Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival
Nationals of these countries can get Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival. There may be a fee of QR 100 for 30 days.
Visa Waiver For GCC Citizens
In addition to the above countries, citizens of the GCC 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 |
| Confirmed Accommodation | Discover Qatar booking for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine; Regular hotel booking or clear address of the stay for other countries. |
| Proof of Fund | Only for India, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran & Belarus. International Debit / Credit card should be under the visitor’s name (3 months bank statements also needed for debit card). One card per family. Cash is accepted only for Belarus nationals. |
| Health Insurance | Health insurance from a MOPH-approved provider (if staying for 30 days). |
Qatar Visa On Arrival Cost
Visa on arrival is granted entirely free of charge for most nationals, and there will be no charge for the extension. There may be a fee for nationals of some countries such as Iran and Belarus.
Travelling To Qatar
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 contact details, address, 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 the 30-day visa-on-arrival, you can do the renewal online.
Health Insurance For Visa Extension
Before purchasing the policy, make sure you are eligible for an extension by following the steps below. If you encounter an error message stating that “valid health insurance is not found,” you can proceed to purchase the policy.
To ensure eligibility for an extension, please follow the instructions below:
Purchase a health insurance policy from any MOPH-approved provider.
Add your visa number to the policy to ensure it is linked in the system.
Then proceed with the steps explained below.
Here is how you can extend your visa through the Ministry of Interior website:
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. Or else you can enter your passport number.
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 three 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.
What can I do if my nationality is not eligible for a visa-on-arrival?
Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-on-arrival can apply in advance for other types of visas such as tourist visas. You can check our detailed guide on how to apply for Qatar Tourist Visa.
Qatar Government Contact Center
Please note that even as we strive to keep this page updated, official policies are subject to change without prior announcement. For any query, travellers are advised to contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 or email [email protected] for any inquiries.
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 to extend 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 such as Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds.
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.
Is hotel booking required for Qatar on-arrival visa?
A confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or local address) is required for all visitors to get a visa on arrival. Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Ukraine, and Thailand.
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 travel via another airline, ensure your airline knows about this Visa On Arrival facility. Some airline staff 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 a QR 5,000 balance (one card per family).
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.
Related Articles:
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- Visitors Guide To Doha Expo 2023
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
- How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
- How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
- Check Qatar Visa Status Online
- Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.
Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority (Visit Qatar)
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
how long does it take for pre registration approval? I applied on 4th december and it is still under process. My flight is on the 10th!!
Is this normal or should i call?
Hi VK, 24-72 hours is normal.
Hai Team,
My wife(Indian) came to doha on on-arrival visa, Now i am trying to extend visa for another 30 days , But previously she came in family visit and returned to india then she came back in on arrival visa.
When i try to extend on arrival visa by MOI website with passport number it is showing old visa details .
Now i am unable to extend for another 30 days.
Surprisingly In immigration they did not stick any stickers showing that visa number.
Please Help to extend the visa.
Hi Sreenath, In this case, you may have to visit any MOI Service Center.
Hi
I am a Jordanian doctor , UAE resident
I will visit Qatar In Jan -2022
can I apply for a Visa on arrival ?
and how long it will take to be issued in the airport ?
Cost?
Required documents ?
Hi, Please call and check with +974-44069999 if you can get a visa on arrival as GCC Resident. If they confirm, apply for Ehteraz pre-travel registration. The fees for GCC Residents visit visa is QR 100. You need PCR Test Result in addition to Passport, Emirates ID and Ehteraz approval.
Hi I’m a filipino citizen working in Saudi Arabia as a nurse which my profession is included in qatar visa on arrival,my queries is can I apply visa upon my arrival in doha Airport,do I need quarantine I’m fully vaccinated with booster dose,’m planning to visit Qatar,how is the process.hoping for your response.thank you.
Hi, Please call and check with +974-44069999 if you can get a visa on arrival as GCC Resident. If they confirm, apply for Ehteraz pre-travel registration. You cannot travel without Ehteraz approval. Fully vaccinated visitors from Green List countries do not need hotel quarantine.
What is Current status of Children for visa on arrival. My wife is fully vaccinated and my son is only 25 months old. can they come visa on arrival from India.
Hi Mohammad, Please call 109 to check.
My girlfriend is Madagascar national but holding a Schengen visa (90 days). Does this allow her to enter Qatar with Visa-on-arrival??
Hi Mike, We don’t think so as Madagascar is not on the list of eligible nationalities. Schengen Visa doesn’t help much in this case.
Hi,
I am in a similar situation. Ehteraz application asks for hotel details. As i am moving onto an onward flight within 4 hours, what details should I be entering here.
I am bringing my Wife in on arrival Visa. Is it possible that she can show my debit card in Airport. or Debit card on her name only to prove of fund.
Hi Mohammad, She has to show a debit card with her name as well as a bank statement with a balance of at least QR 5000 (equivalent foreign currency). Otherwise, she can carry QR 5000 as liquid cash. It is better to follow this strictly as sometimes airlines don’t allow to board without this.
Hi team,
My wife (fully vaccinated) & 7 years old daughter (not vaccinated) want to visit Qatar 11th December. Already air ticket & 2 days quarantine hotel booked. After new travel policy update, can my 07 years old daughter enter Qatar in visa on arrival with her fully vaccinated mother?
Please reply… I called several time in 16000, but anyone unable to answer properly.
Hi. I’m Indian nationality. I came to Qatar using visit visa. Suddenly they changed 6 months to 3 months for visit visa. So I need to exit now.
Can I go to Dubai and come back to Qatar by on arrival visa?.. Because if I exit and return to India then I come back using on arrival visa means I need to take quarantine for 2 days. For Dubai, there is no quarantine only PCR negative report required. Is this possible to exit to Dubai and come back to Qatar using on arrival visa?? Please clarify.
Hi Ahila, Please check by calling 109.
Hi, First of all very nice page.
My case below.
I am an indian working in Saudi Arabia with valid profession to enter qatar. Planning to visit qatar by road with family, fully vaccinated parents, with 5 year and 3 months old children.
Do i need prior visa or can i get a visa on arrival ?
Do children need PCR test prior to entry ?
Do the Car has any special pre requirement ?
Thank you.
Hi Saboor, You can get Visa on arrival, but need Ehteraz pre-approval. You don’t need quarantine as Saudi is a Green List country. Parents + 5-year-old child need pre-arrival PCR test. Please check the MOPH website for the latest travel rules.
My wife and I are Indian nationals living in the USA on a work visa. We are planning to go to India on Qatar airways on 7th December. Our flight is from JFK to Doha and at Doha, I have a self-transfer (7.5hrs layover) to catch the connecting flight. Since my connecting flight is not with Qatar Airways, I might have to exit and re check-in at Doha airport for my next connecting flight.
So my question is, Do I need to have a transit visa/ on-arrival if I have to check out and check in at Doha airport? Is there anything else that I should be aware of so that I don’t violate any Qatar requirements?
How can I get Ehteraz pre-approval for on arrival visa?
(I and my wife are fully vaccinated and we will be carrying the Covid test result with us as well. Also, we have registered on the Ehteraz website and we will upload all our documents as well)
Hi Raj, I am in the same situation, did you get an answer for this question?
Hi Raj & Vijay,
Since you are connecting using another airline, you have to pass through the customs counter, collect your baggage from the arrival area, exit and then check-in from the departure area. Currently, the Transit Visa service is suspended. So you have to get a Visa On Arrival. Please search on our website for all the details including Ehteraz pre-registration.
Hi Team,
I’m asking a question for my mother who is an Indian citizen and is 80 years old has taken 2 covid vaccines. She would like to visit my sister in Qatar. Is there any restriction for parents who are over 65 years visiting their kids? She will only visit for a month and possibly extend another month. My question is below –
1. Is there any restrictions for parents who are 65 years old and over to visit Qatar
2. After the first 30 days of visit what is the possible extension that can applied.
3. Is there a possibility for the visit visa to reject and if so what would be the reason? A side note my mother has visited me in US every year for 6 months and have had no issues so would like to know her chances of visiting my sister in Qatar.
Hi Ahmadi, Nowadays we are seeing rejections for family visit visas for parents above 60. You can still try applying. If you are lucky to get it approved, you can extend it for 60 more days (total 90 days) after doing the medical check. Another option would be a visa on arrival, which can be extended for 30 more days only (total 60 days).
My wife and 5 months baby planning to visit qatar from India with Visa on Arrival ( 30 + 30 days). After 2 months, can they exit to UAE/ India and come within a week. Can visa on arrival be issued again (after 7 days of expiry of previous visa) ?
Hi Saisushank, Yes, many people have done this recently. However please double-check with Immigration or call 109 as the rules are always changing.
Hi I.am An Indian Citizen at present staying in US and will be returning to India on December 4th. We will be in transit at Qatar for 21 hours. We are both vaccinated . Do we require a transit Visa for Qatar
Hi Medha, Transit visa is not required if you are staying inside the airport.
Thanks for your response. What about self transfer of checked in baggage. What is the procedure if we decide not to leave the airport
Hi, If you are using another airline, you will have to exit through Customs to collect baggage and check-in to another airline. In this case, you would need a visa. As you are an Indian citizen, you can opt for a visa on arrival. Please check with your airline about your options.
Hi team,
Am planning to travel from india to doha. I have 2 yr old kid. Can i able to enter at qatar with him for visa on arrival?
Unvaccinted kids will not get visa on arrival is that true?
is that true….kids not allowed
Hi Team,
I am planing to travel to doha from India. I have planned to stay for 60 days. However I will get on-arrival for 30 days. Can I book return ticket directly for 60th day. Instead of booking for 30 days and changing again to 60th day.
Hi Krish, You may face a problem during check-in from India as your visa is only for 30 days. It is better to take a ticket that can be changed later.
I am an Indian National residing in USA currently. I will be travelling with my kid (Indian National only) who is 6 years old and is unvaccinated on Dec 4th’2021 from Los Angeles USA -> Doha (1 hour 25 mins layover) -> New Delhi (India)
Also, my return is Jan 31 New Delhi (India) – Doha (layover 13 hours 40 mins) -> USA (Los Angeles)
Do I and my kid need any Transit Visa for the long wait of 13 hours.
All the flights are of Qatar only.
Hi Neeru, Transit visa is not needed if you are staying inside the airport.
Hello Sir/Madam,
I am an Indian National and I currently reside in Munich, Germany on a Work Visa. In the next one week I intend to travel to India because of a personal bereavement.
One of the flight options I got is Pegasus Airways from Germany to Qatar, and Indigo Airlines from Qatar to India (Both of them Not Qatar Airways). My transit time in Qatar is 3 hrs and 20 mins.
According to the ticket, it states that I have to move out of the Visa Free Transit Zone to Transfer my Flights. (Pegasus to Indigo).
Please let me know if Transit Visa is needed by me. I saw on a website that currently Qatar Transit Visa’s are suspended (when 5hrs to 24 hrs duration) https://transitvisa.qatarairways.com/transitvisa/online/qrvisa/applyVisa/search
“Qatar Transit Visa :: Qatar Airways
For transiting inside Hamad International Airport, a Transit Visa is NOT required. At the moment, the Qatari Government is not issuing Transit or Tourism Visas, hence the requests for processing Transit Visa to Qatar remains suspended until further notice.”
Thing is to make the transfer, I have to do self transfer, take baggage from carousel, for which I have to cross customs. and then again checkin.
Does this mean because I am not allowed to travel via Qatar because I am an Indian Citizen, travelling by Non-Qatar Airways and Do not have a Transit Visa? Or is it ok for me to travel via Qatar?
Thanks & Regards,
The Qatar Embassy in India has not been helpful.
They say Transiting on an Non-Qatar Airways flight via Doha is ok as long as you remain in the airport area. But when I mention the above, they tell me the correct place to contact is Qatar Embassy Munich and that I should confirm with them.
I had emailed them and called them, when I spoke with them, it was not a Qatari but some Indian Guy.
The Qatar embassy in Germany has not been helpful
They say Transiting on an Non-Qatar Airways flight via Doha is ok as long as you remain in the airport area. But when I mention the above, they tell me the correct place to contact is Qatar Embassy India and that I should confirm with them.
I had emailed them and called them, when I spoke with them, it was not a Qatari but some German Guy.
Hi Vamsee,
The Transit Visa mentioned on the website is a kind of visa that allows you to get out of the airport and visit the city for up to 96 hours. Currently, this visa is suspended due to Covid restrictions. As you said, if you have to take baggage and check-in at the Indigo desk which is outside, you need to cross the customs area. In this situation, you would not be considered a transit passenger.
Here, the only option is to get a visa on arrival. Since you are an Indian national and Germany is a green list country, it is possible to get a visa on arrival without quarantine (assuming that you are fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved in Qatar). You would need Ehteraz pre-approval for this. Read the above article for all other requirements.
But please note that 3.5 hours will be a short window to complete all this as HIA is a big airport and you need time to pass through all procedures. Check if you can get flights with a longer time in between or consider using a connection flight with the same airline. Please weigh your options carefully and decide.
Visit visa of qatar for 90 days when it will be Started
Hi Amer, Only family visit visa and visa on arrival are available now.
Hi Vamsee, I am in the same boat as you. Did you get any conclusive answer to this problem? I tried calling many customer care centers, but no use so far. Please let me know if you got any conclusive answer.