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 2 October 2023.
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 August 2022, citizens of 90+ countries are eligible for Free Qatar Visa On Arrival.
This article explains all the requirements, eligible nationalities, application procedures, renewal procedures, and answers to frequently asked questions about the free visa on arrival in Qatar.
- Recent Updates On Qatar Visa On Arrival
- Requirements for Visa On Arrival to Qatar
- Nationalities Eligible For Qatar Visa On Arrival
- Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Procedure At the Immigration Counter
- How to Extend Qatar Visa On Arrival?
- Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indians (Requirements)
- Additional Requirements for Pakistani National
- FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival
Recent Updates On Qatar Visa On Arrival
2 OCTOBER 2023 STATUS
Qatar has relaunched Hayya portal with options to apply for various tourist and business visas through the portal. You can check our detailed guide on how to apply for Qatar Tourist Visa. Nationals of countries eligible for visa on arrival are exempt from tourist visa fee.
Requirements for Visa On Arrival to Qatar
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. Hotel Reservation
The visitor should have a 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.
Please note that even if you book the hotel for a longer duration, the initial visa issued will be for 14 or 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
From 1 February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Qatar. Visitors can buy a basic health insurance for QAR 50 from any of the registered insurance companies listed on MOPH website.
6. Proof of Funds
From 10 March 2022, visitors from countries like India and Pakistan (using a visa-on-arrival facility) are required to have a valid international credit card or debit card. Cash of QR 5000 will no longer be accepted.
- For debit cardholders, three months bank statement is also required. There should be a minimum balance equivalent to at least QR 5,000.
- The card should be under the name of the visitor. The card can be under the family head’s name if you are travelling together as a family.
- This rule applies only to nationalities that require proof of funds (like India, Pakistan, etc.)
Nationalities Eligible For 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
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
- Holland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Category 2: Visa for 30 days (+30 days extension)
- The initial visa is for 30 days from the date of entry
- The stay can be extended for another 30 days free of cost
The following are the nations included under this:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Falkland Islands
- French Guiana
- Georgia
- Guyana
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Lebanon
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Suriname
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
In addition to these, Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
Make your family’s trip to Qatar unforgettable! Check the latest offers from Qatar Airways, Qatar’s own 5-star airline, rated as one of the best in the world. With its reputation for luxury, comfort, and a wide-reaching global network, booking with Qatar Airways ensures an extraordinary travel experience
Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers
| Passport | Minimum six months validity |
| Flight tickets | Return / onward flight tickets |
| Regular Hotel Booking for the full duration | Discover Qatar booking for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine; Regular hotel booking for other countries. |
| International debit/credit card | Only for India and Pakistan. Under visitor’s name (3 months bank statements also needed for debit card). Cash is not acceptable. |
| Health Insurance | Basic health insurance as per MOPH (From 1 Feb 2023) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any fee for the Qatar Visa on Arrival?
Visa on arrival is granted entirely FREE of charge, and there is no charge for extension/renewal.
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 are travelling via another airline, ensure your airline knows about this Visa On Arrival facility. Some airline staff who are 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 QAR 5000 balance.
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.
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 contacts 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 30 days visa on arrival, you can do the renewal online.
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.
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 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.
Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indians (Requirements)
The following are the conditions for Indian nationals applying for a Qatar visa on arrival:
- The Indian passport must be valid for at least six months
- Return ticket must be confirmed
- Hotel booking for the entire period – booked through Discover Qatar
- The passenger must have a valid credit card/debit card with three months statement
Additional Requirements for Pakistani National
Requirements for Pakistani nationals are the same as for Indian nationals. There is one additional requirement as below:
- Those coming directly from Pakistan should present a certificate of vaccination against polio
We have tried to cover most of the frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries feel free to ask in the comments section, and we shall try to answer them.
As the policies are subject to change at any time, travellers are strongly advised to check the official website of MOPH for the latest travel policy. You can also call the Government helpline at +974-4406 9999 or [email protected] for more queries.
Updates To Qatar Travel Policy
As per the travel policy announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in October 2022:
- Pre-travel and post-travel COVID testing is not required.
- Ehteraz pre-travel registration is not required.
- Ehteraz mobile app is only required for entering public and private healthcare facilities.
- Quarantine is no longer mandatory for all travellers arriving from abroad. However, if passenger tests positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Qatar, quarantine measures must be followed as stipulated by the State.
- Country classification based on COVID-19 risk (Red List and Standard Health List) is no longer applicable.
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 for extending 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. Upon arrival, this can be extended for another 30 days.
How much is the fine for an expired visit visa in Qatar?
If the validity of your visit visa has expired, you will be charged a penalty of QAR 200 per day.
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.
Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority
On arrival debit/credit card must for Indian with above 63.?
Hi Akbar, If you have a debit/credit card please carry that. If not, please check with Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi! I’m travelling from Chicago to Philippines and plans to stay for 3 days with my friends in Doha this February. I previously worked in Qatar for 7 yrs. I’m a Filipino citizen and currently resides in the US. I am going to be eligible for visa on arrival?
Hi Ces, We cannot confirm this as Philippines is not in the list of visa on arrival. Please contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Isn’t it just misunderstanding? It was told in announcement that Qatar Airways stopped issuing transit visas, not the Qatar Government.
Hi Rafal, Earlier you could apply online through Qatar Airways website and get a confirmed Transit Visa approved even before arrival (irrespective of your nationality). Now it is up to the Immigration Officer’s discretion. Travellers eligible for Visa On Arrival (based on nationality) are usually allowed to leave the airport. But those who are ineligible are often refused visa. Some recent travellers were denied entry because they didn’t have hotel booking (even though their stay was less than 12 hours). So there is still some uncertainty and confusion. Anyways, good luck to you and please share your experience here with others.
Hi DG Team Great work, i am planning to apply visit on arrival for my wife as i had no luck on visit visa and Family resident visa (both under process from long).
I am okay to book hotel from discover qatar for 30 days visit on arrival, but my wife don’t have debit card or credit card, is it mandatory to have debit or credit card along with statement?? What are the option i have to bring my wife on visit on arrival. please guide me
Hi Mohammed, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check this. Recently only a few visitors were asked for this during check-in. But we cannot confirm if it is not needed. So it is better to confirm with the Government Helpline. It would be helpful if you could post their response here.
can a tourist visa be converted to family resident visa?
Hi Prakash, If the family residence visa is approved, yes.
Should I show salary certificate and tenancy contract of my host if I am traveling from India to get Visa on arrival
Hi Taufiq, It is not required for a visa on arrival. However please note that Discover Qatar hotel booking is required if you are an Indian or Pakistani citizen. For other nationalities, regular hotel booking is needed.
Hi There,
i work for american airlines.
Having US passport going to Karachi Pakistan via Doha.
I plan to travel from JFK to DOH on american Airlines being employee it’s
nice. from Doha i want to travel on employee ID90 ticket on Qatar Airlines.
i have to pass Qatar passport control and customs along with my baggage
then i have to re check my baggage on Qatar airlines ticketing counter.
Do i have to need any kind of Qatar visa.
My journey is break because of two diffrent Airlines and I’m Non rev.
my next flight is after 4 hours for karachi pakistan.
i’m cunfused please help. Thanks and Ragards
Hi Tari, Transit visa is suspended now, but US citizens can get visas on arrival. You will need hotel accommodation, a return / onward flight ticket, and your passport should be valid for 6 months. Some officials are strict about hotel booking. Even though you are there for a few hours and don’t need a hotel, it is better to book a hotel and cancel after arrival.
Hi Team, I am from India and want to invite my parents to Qatar. Their age is above 65 years. What are the options available. Probably 30 to 60 days visit. What are the available options?
Hi Kushal, Unfortunately, Family Visit Visa is not available for those above 60 years. So you will need Visa on Arrival. As per the current rules, Discover Qatar hotel booking is needed for Indian citizens to get visas on arrival (even if they are staying with relatives).
Hi,
I am an Australian citizen flying with Qatar Airways with a 21 hour layover in Doha. I will be arranging my own hotel outside of the airport perimeter, but will I be supplied with a visa upon arrival to leave the airport and explore Doha?
Many thanks
Hi Rosie, Australian citizens can get visas on arrival. Just make sure you have hotel accommodation, a return / onward flight ticket, and your passport is valid for 6 months.
Hi, I am a philippine passport holder and have a US tourist Visa and wouldlike to see doha while I am on transit for 2 days, Am I eligible for Visa on Arrival? Thanks!
Hi Joline, Philippines is not on the list of visa-on-arrival nations and transit visa service is suspended. You can contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check if there is any other way.
Hi Doha Guides Team,
I spoke to the Gov Helpline team on the suspension of the transit visa and they stated that the transit visa application was launched during FIFA only. Right now it’s suspended because no transit visa is required if your stay is less than 36 hours and more than 5 hours. This means even if you are not on the eligible list, you will still be allowed to enter Qatar if your stay is less than 36 hours with confirmed tickets but at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Hi Nauman, Thanks for sharing this. If anyone else has been approved for entry (without being on the eligible list) kindly comment here.
Hey guys! I have a similar problem, I am Polish, my gf Vietnamese, we have tickets from Hanoi to Berlin with stopover in Doha. I already talked with Qatar embassy in Vietnam, and they told me that my gf will not get a visa. Emailed with Hukoomi (I think it’s the official government website) and they told that Qatar issue transit visas on the airport for all nationalities. I also called Qatar hotline and they told me the same as Hukoomi. Anybody got Qatar transit visa last days and can confirm that all went smoothly?
My mother (A US citizen) is coming to visit Doha from the US, and will reside with me for three weeks. She will get a visa on arrival. Does she need a hotel reservation? If so, why is this required if she is reading with her son?
Hi Bob, For US citizens, regular hotel booking is enough. So she can book any hotel and cancel the booking once she arrives.
Hi I am arriving into Doha with a layover, I would like to do an excursion during my layover time. I’m flying in from Jeddah Saudi Arabia with a connecting flight flying back home to the United States. Do I need and can I get a visa on arrival to leave the airport for an excursion.
Hi Linda, US citizens are eligible for visas on arrival. However, it is recommended to book a hotel even if you are there for a few hours. Recently some transit travellers were denied entry because they didn’t have hotel booking. You may cancel the hotel booking after arrival.
Hi Doha Guides team,
I’m a Philippine passport holder and I have a multiple entry US Visa. Am I eligible for visa on arrival?
Hi Lee, Philippines is not on the list of visa-on-arrival nations. You can contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check if there is any other way.
please note that for visa on arrival for Indian nationals, even if one has a discover Qatar booking for 60 nights, they are issuing a VOA for only 14 days at the airport, with no information on whether this can be extended or not. Please highlight this on your page.
Hi Sen, Thanks for the information. So you booked for 60 nights, but the visa was issued only for 14 days, right? So what happened afterwards? Did you try to extend the visa (directly or through MOI)?
Yes I entered the country yesterday (21 Jan) with my mother, who was given the 14 day Visa on Arrival. I had booked discover qatar VOI hotel for 60 nights but this was not considered. We even met the captain at the airport but to no avail. Later in the evening I tried to extend it online but an extension was not allowed. The type of visa is single-entry tourist. I have not been to the MOI in person to extend yet.
Hi Sen, Thanks for sharing your experience in detail. Visa on Arrival for Indians cannot be extended online now as they need to verify the DQ hotel booking. You can visit any MOI Service Center or Airport Immigration with the passport + DQ booking confirmation and request an extension.
Is qatar visa on arrival available for Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens?
Hi Berin, B&H is not included in the list. You can call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check if there is any other option.
Hi sen
Is the credit/ debit card mandatory on arrival at the Doha airport ?
Hi,
Do we need to show debit/credit card statement for Indian or Pakistan national coming from UAE.
And should we book the hotel from DQ even when we are Engineers or Managers.
Hi Elisabeth, If the profession is eligible for GCC Resident Visa, DQ booking and credit card statements are not required for Pakistani nationals. If the traveller is not eligible and is using a regular visa on arrival, these will be required.
I am working in Doha with a business visa from my employer, donot have GCC or RP or QID. I am staying in a hotel in Doha, now my wife and kid want to visit me from India with a tourist visa-on-arrival. She will stay with me in my hotel, do we still need to book another hotel from DQ?
Also, she is an engineer by profession working in India, will that help in avoiding DQ booking, what proof she will need to carry for that?
Hi Roshan, Unfortunately that may not work as Discover Qatar booking is mandatory for Indian citizens. Visitor’s profession is not considered for this type of visa. There are several hotels available under Discover Qatar. You can request your employer to book any hotel from Discover Qatar (under your wife’s name) so that you all can stay together.
Hi There,
I hold an Iraqi passport and Permanent Residency in the Netherlands. I have 20 hours transit in Doha, am I eligible for Visa on arrival to get out of the airport and explore the city?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Bushra, Iraq is not on the list of visa-on-arrival nations. The ETA service (as Netherlands residents), as well as the Transit Visa service, are also suspended now. You can contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check if there is any other way.
My mother is travelling on visa on arrival, on 25th January 2023.Does she need hotel booking as she will be staying with me.she is an Indian national.
Hi Nawsheeba, Unfortunately, Discover Qatar hotel booking is compulsory for Indian nationals entering on a visa on arrival (even if they are staying with relatives). The visa will be issued only for the number of days the hotel booking is made for. Note that Discover Qatar hotel booking cannot be cancelled once the visitor enters the country. You can call Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 to confirm this.
Hi!
When will ETA or e-visa will resume? I’m a citizen of Philippines but permanent resident of Italy.
Thank you.
Daisy
Hi Daisy, As these are official policies, no one can predict that. Let’s hope it resumes soon.
I have a 10.5 hr layover in Qatar and would like to do a city tour. Can I get a Visa on Arrival upon disembarking in Doha? Do I need to do anything in advance to acquire this Visa?
Hi Kerry, If your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival, you can make use of that. Please note that you need a hotel booking even if for a few hours. Recently some transit passengers without hotel bookings were denied entry. You can cancel the booking upon arrival.
Greetings,
I am a resident of Qatar and have a rented apartment. I have 2 queries:
My mother is 70 years old and I want her to visit Qatar.
Is “visa on arrival” the only option or can I apply for her visa some other way?
Do we still need Discover Qatar hotel booking for the entire duration of her stay, despite of my rented flat?
Hi Omer, For those above 60, a Family Visit Visa is not available. So you will need Visa on Arrival. DQ booking is needed for citizens of 5 countries (India, Pakistan etc.)