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:
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Guide
- 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.
Hello Doha Guides,
I am travelling to Doha from the UK but my Booster Covid Jab is now out of date (31/03/2021). What do I do? And will I need to hotel quarantine when I get to Qatar? I will
arrive on family visit visa.
Many thanks.
Hi Lucy, You will need five days of home quarantine, pre-travel PCR (within 48 hours) and antigen test on day 5. Make sure to do your Ehteraz registration also.
I’m Qatar resident and have planning bring my mother in law to Qatar with visa on arrival. After 1 week arrival, I will bring her go for umrah. The question is Whether she can get visa on arrival again after coming back from Umrah or any other way to reentry qatar ? Thanks for support and cooperation.
Hi Tedi, Normally, you are allowed to re-enter immediately after being on a visa on arrival. Please check with the government helpline on +974-4406 9999 as there could be some changes to visa-on-arrival rules soon.
Good evening
I need clarity on Namibians traveling to qatar for visit in September/ October.
Do they need a visa or is it visa on arrival. Get conflicting results when doing research.
Thank you in advance for your much appreciated assistance.
Hi Jane, Namibia is not included in the list of visa-on-arrival countries. You will need a pre-approved visa. For more information, you can call the government helpline on +974-4406 9999.
Hello, I am Australia citizen. I am traveling from Greece to Melbourne with an overnight stay in Doha. I am pregnant. Do I need a health insurance in order the visa to be granted?
Hi Daphne, Health insurance is not mandatory for visas on arrival.
Clearly explained. Very helpful to all types of passengers. Thank you.
Hi Atiqur Rahman, Thank you for your kind words.
Hello,
on visitqatar, my wife that is a Myanmar citizen and UK resident, is requested to fill an online Electronic Travel Authorisation in order to get visa on arrival in Qatar. But no link is provided and from your website it seems that her nationality cannot get a visa at all. Do you know anything about those ETA. Did Qatar stop issuing them?
Thanks.
Hi John, Unfortunately, ETA is now suspended. You can call +974-4406 9999 and check if she can apply for a visa on arrival as a UK resident. If they say yes, you can search our website on how to do Ehteraz pre-travel registration.
I called them, it seems she will be able to get a visa on arrival but will need to do pre-registration on the ehteraz website.
Thanks for your quick and precise answer.
Hi John, Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Jane, Namibia is not included in the list of visa-on-arrival countries. For more information, you can call the government helpline on +974-4406 9999.
I am going to qatar for a training and job purpose and the company is yet to provide me visa. I chose to come to qatar through visa waiver and i expect to recieve my work permit very soon. Do i need to return to India or am i allowed to stay on company visa once it is issued?
Hi Manisha, Normally, you cannot convert a visa on arrival to a residence visa. You will have to leave the country and come back.
my father indian pass port holder but he is an uae resident.what are the requirements for getting him qatar on arrival visa
Hi Rana, Please check this: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/
Hi i i have a residence permit here in Doha & i have a family as well . I am running a company here in Doha & my family is coming on arrival visa, is mandatory to book a hotel reservation for entire stay for them?
Please suggest me, waiting for your reply.
Thank you
Hi Athik, If the visitors are from India, Pakistan or Iran, a Discover Qatar hotel reservation for the entire duration is mandatory (even if you have relatives in Qatar).
Thank you Doha Guides. This is a really helpful article.
Thank you Christopher for your kind words.
i have qatari driving license
Hello,
I am of Algerian nationality and I reside in France, I would like to know if I have the right to a visa on arrival in Qatar knowing that I take off from France
thank you
Hi Mohamed, Sorry, Algeria is not on the visa on arrival list. You can call and check with +974-4406 9999.
I just lost out on a job offer cause the Visa qouta for Zimbabwe is no longer being issued. Does anyone have an idea on when this will change? I am so devasted and sad.
Hi,
I am an Indian, my wife and I have valid QID.
Is my 6year old son needed hotel booking to come Qatar, On arrival Visa? he would come/travel with my wife(she is fully vaccinated).
Hi Nikesh, Please call +974-4406 9999 to check.
Hello,
Firstly thank you for the guide, really helpful.
My wife and I have an 11 hour transit wait at Doha International Airport. We are planning to leave the airport to get a nearby hotel. My wife holds an Iranian passport but resides in the UK with me (I have a British passport).
My question, do we both have to do a Rapid Antigen Test before we leave the airport to enter Doha?
Or
Have to do a RAT within 24 hours of entering Doha?
Thanks
Hi Ali, We assume you both are travelling from the UK and meet the immunity criteria per the NHS COVID PASS app. In that case, you can take either a pre-arrival RT-PCR OR a post-arrival antigen test (within 24 hours). Since you have only 11-hour transit, taking the pre-arrival RT-PCR (within 48 hours of travel) is better to save time.
Also, note that for Iranian nationals to get visas on arrival, they should book a hotel through the Discover Qatar website only. We are not sure if this will apply to you as your visit is only half day. Please call +974-4406-9999 and confirm this before you travel.
Hello. I plan a 90 day visit to relatives, I am Ukraine citizen. We have 90 days waver option. But what if I need to prolong the stay, what are the options? Can I then apply for family visa stay? Or better to apply for 30 days visa upon arrival and prolong it several months in a row? Or visa upon arrival is eligible for only 1 thirty days prolongation? Should I apply for family stay visa before coming to Qatar? Thanks in advance!
Hi Viktoria, If you are coming on a family visit visa, it can be extended for a maximum of 90 days only (30+60 days). Once you take a family visit visa, you must stay out of the country for 180 days before applying for the next family visit visa.
With a visa waiver, you can stay only for up to 90 days. You have to leave the country and come back later. This will be free and a better option.
But please note that there would be some restrictions on visitors during November-December due to the World Cup. Visitor rules may be subject to changes.
Hi, if comimg from the philippines and travel period is on the 1st week of December. Should we submit rqmnts in the etheraz app also? I did not see philippines in the list for the countries allowed for the visa on arrival. Thank you so much for the help.
Hi, Philippines is not on the list of visas on arrival. Also there may be changes to entry rules in December due to World Cup.
Why are transit visas not being issued to those who are not in a country in category one or category two? My wife is from Myanmar and we will have a fourteen hour lay over in Doha between our inbound and outbound Qatar Aiways flights. And, the Oryx Airport Hotel is sold out during the month of November when we connect flights in Doha. It seems terribly unfair to require passengers on Qatar Airways to be confined to the airport for 14 hours with no place to purchase accomodations inside the transit area and no way to leave the airport for a hotel in Doha. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Peter, November will be a busy time due to the World Cup. If the airport hotel is sold out, you can try reserving airport sleep pods. Airport lounges are another option.
Hello..
I am an Indian, I have a valid residence visa (visa article #18) in Kuwait. I want to visit my sister and brother in-law who residing in Qatar. I am have taken 2 dose AstraZeneca vaccines travelling along with my wife (fully vaccinated) and child (2 years old un vaccinated). what are the travel documents required for an one week visit.
Hi Issac, If your profession is on this list, you can come using a GCC resident visa on arrival. Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/
Hi,
As I know the residents of UAE & GCC can obtain a visa on arrival but this is only for certain professions. can you please share those professions or put a link so that we can know?
Hi Mohammed, Here is the list: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/