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.
Is transit visa issue on arrival if we need to stay in Doha for 36 hours?
Hi Nauman, Transit visa service is still suspended. You can get a regular visa on arrival if you meet the requirements.
Indians coming under VISA on arrival for 30 days with hotel booking. Is it possible after one week check out from hotel and stay with a relative the remaining days?
Hi Varghese, The visa is usually issued only for the number of days for which hotel booking is confirmed. Discover Qatar doesn’t allow you to cancel the booking after check-in.
We are Australian residents but citizens of Pakistan. Do we need to book the hotel through Discover Qatar or I can manage my own booking?
Hi Nauman, For Pakistan citizens, it has to be through Discover Qatar. Anyways, you can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 and see if there is any exception for residents of Australia.
Hi! I’m sri lankan and resident in Qatar, i applied for family visit visa for one month (Insurance & Return ticket for one month) on Metrash 2 on 24th December, but still show as under process, kindly advise the current requirements for the visit visa for the family.
Hi MSF, Normal visa processing will resume in January.
Hi! I’m planning to spend NY with my family. I’m a resident in UAE but as of the latest update nurses are not included/ removed from the list of professionals for visa on arrival. Are they going to update the list? Thank you!
Hi MM, We are not sure when they would update the list. The chances of an update before New Year are very less.
Hi I want to travel through the road I’m a SriLankan citizen and resident of Saudi Arabia. In the previous list of profession that get on arrival, my profession is there but the new one doesn’t. Can I still get on arrival??
My profession is travel agent
Hi Michael, If the profession has been removed from the list, you may not be eligible now. Anyways, you can call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm your profession’s eligibility.
Hi,
I’m an Indian passport holder but a resident in kingdom of Bahrain and I wanted to travel to Qatar via road for 2 days only . Do I have to apply visa before hand or on arrival at the boarder and how much will it cost .
Thank you
Hi Abdul Rahiman, Please check if you are eligible for GCC Residents Visa (the profession should be eligible). If not, you can enter using Visa on Arrival for Indian nationals. However, this may require Discover Qatar hotel booking as it is mandatory for Indian nationals. You can call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999. In either case, you can get the visa at the border (if you meet eligibility).
Hi, we hold Nigerian passports but are residents of the UK (brp card holders). Can we get visa on arrival to stay 4 days in Doha?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Abubakar, There was an option to get ETA as a UK resident. However, that service is not active now. So please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check about your options.
Good day to you
I am a US citizen traveling with my niece who has a Palestinian Passport for a cruise from Qatar on January 5th
We plan to arrive on the 4th and depart on the 13 the cruise starts from Doha and ends in Doha
how do we get a transit or stop over visa from the airport to the sea port ?
Sincerely
Hi Omar, US Citizens can get visas on arrival. However, Palestine is not included under visa on arrival. Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check about visa options.
Salam Aleykoum,
I am a French citizen and I am going to the Sultanate of Oman on the 30th of December and on the way I have an 8 hour stopover in Doha, arriving early in the morning and leaving at the end of the day. I wanted to know if in this context, it was possible for me to visit the city while waiting for my second flight? If so, do I need to prepare any documents or is everything easily done at the airport?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Kuchir, French Citizens are eligible for visas on arrival. The passport needs to be valid for 6 months. You can get visa at the airport itself. No need to apply in advance.
Hi, i bought a qatar airways ticket with a stopover in qatar for three days. I wanted to apply for the transit visa (valid for 92h and free) but the system is not working. When can I apply for the transit visa?
Hi Ken, Qatar Airways Stopover package works using a different system. It is not a regular Transit Visa. Please check with Qatar Airways.
Am I eligable to get visa on arrival? I’m malaysian resident of saudi arabia , working as nurses. I plan to go to qatar by car
Hi Faezah, Unfortunately, nurses are not eligible as per the updated list.
Hi, I’m a filipina permanent resident in Italy. I’m planning to go to Qatar in January 3or4 for 10 days. I checked the online visa application on the website, but it’s still not operating. Can I make it on time for January until it comes back to normal? Thanks in advance.
Hi Daisy, The ETA service is not yet open. You can call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check.
Hi Daisy. May I know if you have info if Philippine passport holder can travel to Doha?
Hi
Can you pls let me business visa for 3 months Indian female when it will be open .
Hi Mujahid, As per the officials all visit visas will open in the next 1-2 weeks.
I am a USA Green card holder with Indian Passport. I have only 20 hours stop over in Doha on way from Delhi (India) to Seattle (USA). I reach at 11.50 am on 25th Dec and leave at 7.35 am on 26th Dec for Seattle. I am travelling in business class so will stay in business class lounge for night. Do I still require hotel booking?
Hi Rakesh, Usually transit travellers on short visits of less than 24 hours are allowed visas without a hotel booking. You can show your onward flight ticket and request a 24-hour visa. It is better to call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm this in advance.
Incorrect, we passed through on the 30th December 2022. Our stop over was 9 hours and when we requested a visa on arrival, we were advised by an immigration official we had to have a hotel booking, even though we had the boarding pass already for our flight out in 8 hours. I found to immigration staff extremely rude and abrasive and when asked why would someone book a hotel for a visit to the city for a few hours was told that’s the rules. we are South African citizens and supposedly eligible for a visa on arrival.
Hi Mike, Sorry to hear that. As you said it doesn’t make any sense to book a hotel for a few hours. But there are some grey areas in the law that are not clearly defined and policies changed from time to time. That is why we suggest calling the Government Helpline to confirm. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Assalamoalaikum ,
I am in qatar right now and i have accomodation in qatar and I want to join my family in Qatar via on arrival visa.I need hotel booking or not?
Hi Muhammad, Discover Qatar hotel booking for the whole duration is required for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine nationals. Visa will be issued only for the period of booking. For others, regular hotel booking is required (which can be cancelled later).
Hi, I need to apply family visit visa for my parents who are above 60 years of age.is this allowed now?
Hi Sandeep, There was an age limit of 60 years for family visit visas (before the World Cup). Since MOI hasn’t started issuing new family visit visas, there is no update on this yet.
My family is here in Qatar with regular family visit visa. Is this possible to extend for another three months?
Hi Mohammad, During this year the maximum extension for a family visit visa was 3 months. Regarding further extensions, you need to check with Immigration.
Can you clarify if the hotel booking has to be for the entire stay or is it possible to stay at friends/relatives accommodation after spending a couple of days at the hotel. Will the visa be issued for a month for Indian Nationality?
Hi Anaz, Before the FIFA World Cup, the requirement was that Discover Qatar hotel booking should be for the entire duration of the stay. The visa was being issued only until the validity of the hotel booking. It seems the same requirement will be continued now. We can’t confirm as it is the first day. You may check with the government helpline on +974-44069999.
Sorry, this is incorrect. I visited Doha multiple times before the World Cup and did not require a hotel booking. This information about hotel bookings is very confusing.
Hi Amanda, The entry requirements vary based on your nationality. The rules are more relaxed for visitors from western countries. Qatar Airways website mentions hotel booking as a requirement for all visitors on arrival. You can check here. We know this is not required for some, but we cannot remove that as it may be required for some and they could be denied boarding. Note that there is an additional requirement (Discover Qatar booking) for visitors from specific countries like India, Pakistan, Iran etc.
we are srilankan family.when visit visa will open for us.please kindy reply me.
Hi Shehani, Srilanka is not included in the visa on arrival. You can start applying for a regular visit visa now.
Hi,
My niece family is planning to come from India to Qatar on 24th December on arrival visa and stay for a week time. They will do discover qatar booking. What is the requirements as far as vaccination is concerned?
Hi Ramanathan, Vaccination requirement was removed before World Cup. About hotel booking, please call the Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check.