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 9 September 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
3 SEPTEMBER 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.
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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
- 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
HI. I am a filipino resident here in Dubai. I have a business trip to Qatar from February 13-23, 2023. My company already booked a ticket and hotel. How can I get health insurance. And there is still need to pre-register coz last year I pre-register using Etheraz. I am hoping for visa upon arrival. My position is MARKETING SPECIALIST. thank you in advance for the reply.
Hi Eric, (1) You have to take insurance through MOPH website. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/
(2) Ehteraz registration is not needed in 2023.
(3) Most importantly, the professions list for GCC visa on arrival has changed in December 2022. Check the updated list here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/
As Marketing Specialist is not in the new list, we are not sure if you can get visa on arrival this time. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
I am an Indian citizen travelling from India on a business trip to Qatar for 3 weeks starting from Feb 11. My visa is visa on arrival. My company has booked the hotel reservation from another app called Concur. In couple of websites it is mentioned that for Indian citizens hotel bookings should be done from discover qatar. Since my company has done the hotel reservation is discover qatar hotel booking still mandatory ?
Hi, As of now, Discover Qatar booking is mandatory for Indian nationals. Airline will not allow you to board with other booking. Please ask your company to cancel the other one and rebook from DQ website.
Dear,
Iam an Indian national and Saudi resident. I want to visit Qatar through land Salwa border. My Iqama Profession is Oil Technician. which is not in the lint of the allowed profession. could I get on arrival visa at Salwa border.
Hi Naveen, You will need to follow the rule for visa on arrival for Indians. Discover Qatar hotel booking, and health insurance is needed. You can buy vehicle insurance at the border. Visa will be issued free of cost.
Hi,
we have a long layover of 8 and 9 hours (there and back) and booked a hotel just outside the airport. this means we leave the airport and get the visa on arrival free (German passport). but u mentioned a new requirement- health insurance…do only count the ones from MOP website or is any world wide travel insurance (that we already have) fine too? Thank you for your help.
Hi Kat, It is better to buy from MOPH. If you already have international insurance, you can check if that would be accepted. If they say it is not accepted you have to buy using your credit card and phone.
I am an Indian Citizen and working for Indian Company from India. I am visiting Qatar in few days for 3 weeks for tourism. Can I work remotely from Qatar for my Indian company for these 3 weeks. Which Visa will I get, will it be visa on arrival or tourist visa or visa free entry ? Is Digital nomad visa required for my remote work from Qatar?
Hi Vijesh, Qatar doesn’t have a digital nomad visa. You can get a visa on arrival. Note that Indian citizens will need Discover Qatar hotel booking and health insurance. You are free to work for your employer online from your hotel.
Thank you very much Doha Guides Team for sharing the information. I have been struggling a lot to get this information from multiple sources but your prompt and sincere response has certainly helped me a great deal. I am extremely grateful to Doha Guides Team and I wish the very best 🙂
Thank you very much Vijesh. We are glad we could be helpful.
Hi ,
Just to check if we ( singaporean) need a visa to Doha as our flight transit at Doha airport. Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Hi May, (1) You don’t need a Transit visa to go through Doha airport. (2) If you are looking to leave the airport and visit Doha, you can get visa on arrival. You will need a hotel booking and health insurance (only if you are leaving airport).
Hi I am an Australian citizen transiting through Qatar on my way back from Berlin. My stop over in Doha is 4 hours and 20 minutes. Am I required to obtain a Visa on Arrival in order to transit through Doha? I don’t plan on leaving the airport.
Hi Francesca, You don’t need anything if you won’t leave the airport or pass through Customs. If your airline requires collecting your baggage and checking in again, you will need to pass through Customs and this needs a visa. Normally this is not required if both flights are from the same airline.
Hi Good Day, i have a Trinidad and Tobago passport and will be intransit in Doha for 17 hrs, in a couple months. Has there been any recent announcements of the resumption of transit visas. My country is not on the list of visa on arrivals. If transit visas have not resumed, would i need one if im not leaving the airport?
Hi Deysha, Unfortunately there is no announcement. You can try to get a transit visa upon arrival (but it is at the customs officer’s discretion). If it is not approved, you may have to stay in airport.
Hi, Wonderful document. I am a Philippine passport holder and a GCC resident. I am not eligible for Visa on Arrival. I am planning to visit Qatar. Can you share how to apply visit Visa for my case please? Thank you for your guidance.
Hi Jon, If you have a Hayya Card, or you have any friends who can share their Hayya With Me voucher code, you can use that to apply for Hayya and visit Qatar. If your profession is on the approved list, you may be eligible for GCC Residents Visit Visa. If not, please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check if there is any other possibility.
Hi, I hold a Ghana passport, but I am a permanent resident of Canada. I want to visit Qatar for a research assignment. I was wondering if I qualify for Visa on arrival. Otherwise, what process should I take to get a visa for my three weeks visit to Qatar?
Hi Bernard, Unfortunately Ghana is not included in the list of visa on arrival countries. May be your contact (research institution) can help with a business visa. Or else, you can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] for more info.
I’m a British citizen looking to visit Qatar on an on arrival visa, it only mentions staying at a hotel for accommodation. I have a friend who is a Qatar citizen who owns an apartment I could stay at, would that be allowed?
When i say own, most likely renting *
Hi Mark, As hotel booking is a requirement for visa on arrival, our advice is to book a hotel and cancel it after you reach Qatar. Sometimes (not always) they refuse to issue without hotel booking.
I am going on work visit VISA for short assignment. My company will provide hotel during my stay. Now my family wants to accompany me and avail VISA on arrival. Do I still need to book a separate hotel via discover Qatar for my wife and kids or they will get VOA on my hotel booking if there names are also mentioned in hotel booking
I am Pakistan national
Hi Usman, Discover Qatar hotel booking is mandatory (for Indian & Pakistani citizens). There are several hotels available under Discover Qatar. You can request your company to book any hotel from Discover Qatar (under your wife’s name) so that you all can stay together.
Hi. I am a Philippine passport holder, currently living in Italy with a schengen visa. I am planning to visit my sister in Doha on April or May for one month. Am I eligible for visa on arrival?
Hello, thanks for the wonderful article. Can my parent fron Nigeria over the age of 60 visit me in Qatar? Is it officially stated anywhere (website etc) that this is or is not possible? Thanks
Hi A.I, There is no age limit for visa on arrival, but Nigeria is not on the list of eligible countries. You can apply for family visit visa, but nowadays they are not allowing family visit visa for those above 60. When you apply through Metrash and enter the date of birth, the system would show an error that age is above limit. Let’s hope they would change this limit or open other options like tourist visa soon.
Question = if my mother in law father in law(indian) want to come as wife is expecting,on arrival possible with extension?and how many months extension is possible ? Is hotel booking necessary as family they will stay with me,kindly advice..
Hi Mathews, As of now, for Indian citizens coming using visa on arrival, Discover Qatar hotel booking is needed for the full duration of stay. You can get 60 days maximum (including extension). Note that in this case you will need hotel booking for 60 days even if they are staying with you. We don’t know if this rule will change in coming weeks. If your in-laws are less than 60 years old, you can apply for family visit visa (which doesn’t require hotel booking).
I arrived in Qatar on 19 Jan 2023 with on arrival visa and Immigration Office allow me for 14 days (On Sticker mention) Today I am trying for Extension throug online MOI website but not success (Message showing that “THE REMAINING PERIOD FOR EXTEND IS 0 DAYS”
What should I do If i want another 14 or 30 Days Extension,
Hi Jainul Abdin, If you are Indian/Pakistan citizen, online extension may not work. You can extend by visiting the Airport Immigration office. Note that you will need Discover Qatar hotel booking for remaining days also.
Hi i’m a filipino passport holder currently working in oman on gcc residents and planning to visit qatar am i eligible for visa on arrival? and as per the profession list there is sales representative and jeweller? so i’m a bit confused?
Hi D, Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999.
i am a portuguese passport holder. can I get a visit visa to Qatar if I am driving from KSA
Hi Ghazi, Portuguese citizens are eligible for visa on arrival at the border. You only need a regular hotel booking and health insurance from MOPH website (new requirement). You can buy car insurance in advance (from QUB) or at the border.
Hey guys!
Anybody successfully applied for a Qatar transit visa on the Hamad airport after 23 December 2022?
I too am interested in applying for a transit visa, since online has been suspended there is no information on how to apply for it. I will be intransit for 17 hrs, i would like to leave the airport and explore!
Hello, I recently called the Qatar Government Helpline and I asked regarding the eligibility of Nurses working in Saudi Arabia on GCC residents visa on arrival. And the agent said that Nurses are still on the list, and eligible to get a visa on arrival. But as per your list, nurses are not included anymore. And I mentioned it with the agent, and he said that he has also the list which shows nurses with valid GCC resident ID can get the visa. It’s confusing. Is it possible that I can come by flight and take the chance? Thank you
Hi Ally, We are aware of this. In December 2022, Ministry of Interior (MOI) had changed the list of professions on their website and Nurses were excluded from the new list. Whenever someone calls, the Government Helpline tells that Nurses are eligible, but the list published on the Ministry of Interior website still doesn’t have it. We can only follow what is listed on the official website as this is a serious issue and we will be blamed for misleading. The airline staff is responsible during check-in and normally they would follow the MOI website. So kindly double-check with your airline and try to get a confirmation. We sincerely hope MOI would republish the list soon. Good luck.