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 29 March 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
- 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
Current Status of Qatar Visa On Arrival
29 MARCH 2023 UPDATE
29 JANUARY 2023 UPDATE
29 JANUARY 2023 STATUS
Visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities is available from 23 December 2022.
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.
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- Country classification based on COVID-19 risk (Red List and Standard Health List) is no longer applicable.
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. 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 for 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.
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.
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 To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
- Check Qatar Visa Status Online
- Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.
Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority
I was requesting to know if the application for a working visa I did last and I was told that the portal will be opened soon so my question is will the application be completed has the portal is open now or I will start a new application?
Hi Wycliffe, Employment visas are open now. Only your employer can check the status of the application.
Greetings! Traveling to Costa Rica, we’re flying by Qatar airways and layover in Doha Qatar without exiting the airport. Do I still need a Qatar visa?
Thank You.
Hi Amy, If you have booked only one ticket (means both flights are under one booking number), you do not need a visa.
Hello. I’m a green card holder with passport and nationality from sudan. I’m traveling to Saudi Arabia from USA with qatar airlines and i have 15 hours layover in Doha, I have friends in Doha that I can see during the layover, what type of visa should I apply for if I wanted to leave the airport? And from where can I obtain that visa?
Hi Alaa, As Transit Visa service is suspended, only Visa On Arrival is being issued now. However Sudan is not on the list of countries eligible for Visa On Arrival. Kindly contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check if there is any alternative.
If the helpline says there is no eligible visa, you can consider Hayya Visa, but it would require a Hayya voucher code. More details: https://www.dohaguides.com/hayya-card-holders-can-bring-non-ticket-holders/
Hello I was asking if the new visas have been started being issued out because I applied and was being told to wait
Hi Wycliffe, Family Residence Visa is not yet open for private sector. Family visit visa and Employment visa are open.
I arrived in Doha last week. My country is on the list of free visa on arrival. I had a booking with discover qatar and was transitng for 72 hours. Yet they made me pat 100 qar per visa for a month visa.im confused. Did that happen to anyone else? They were adamant i need to pay for the visa.
Hi M, That is strange. Normally visa on arrival is issued free. Can you tell what’s your nationality? Are you a GCC resident?
Hello,
we arrive at noon in Doha (from Vietnam) and the connecting flight to Germany takes off at 01:55 am the next day.
We don’t want to book a hotel because we will visit Doha with the Visa on arrival during day/evening-time. Do we still require a hotel booking?
Hi Thomas, As per the rule hotel booking is mandatory for visa on arrival. Sometimes immigration may refuse visa without hotel (even if it is for short transit). This depends on how strict the officer is. Our advice is to book a hotel and cancel after arrival.
My parents are travelling from India to Capetown and they have a stopover of 20 hours in Qatar. I have booked Qatar stopover package (Flight+Hotel Booking) from Qatar Airways holidays(https://book.holidays.qatarairways.com/). Is this Hotel booking enough for them to get a transit visa to go out of the Doha airport?
Hi Livin, Transit visa service is now suspended. Instead travellers are using visa on arrival service. Normally Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for Indian citizens to get visa on arrival (regular hotel booking is not accepted). Please double check with Qatar Airways if they will provide any type of visa.
Do I need a 6 months valid passport if I am in transit(I wont be leaving transit lounge) I will be going from Australia to Dublin with Qatar Airways in January 2024 my passport is valid till 19th June 2024
Hi Desmond Hayes, Passport validity is not an issue for transit. You only need to check the validity required for your destination country.
Pleae how do Nigerian passport holders, resident in UK get a visa to visit Qatar for a week.
Hi Lara, Tourist visas are not yet fully open. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi, I am Pakistani national. Is this just a visit visa, or we can apply for job in Qatar and convert this visa into work permit.
Thanks..
Hi Manoj, You can attend interviews and find a job if you can, but you cannot work. Normally you will be required to exit and come back on new employment visa.
Hello,
We are Pakistanis and will be traveling from Riyadh, KSA by road to Doha.
The visa i believe can be granted on the border.
Just want to ask about the hotel booking. I have booked a hotel a month ago on Booking.com.
Will it be enough to show the authorities or they are very strict about booking on the Discover Qatar Website? Of course i got a good deal and not sure how much it will cost now..
Waiting for your kind reply and thanks in advance.
Hi Syed, Only Discover Qatar booking is accepted for India, Pakistan citizens.
Why is Kyrgyzstan among the list of countries able to get a Visa on Arrival. No one has been able to explain this to me?
Hi Nathan, Kyrgyzstan is not on the list because Qatar doesn’t have a visa waiver agreement with Kyrgyzstan.
I am coming to Qatar on a cruise for 1 day. I have Medical Insurance from my Medical Aid in South Africa. Is that adequate. I have have been told by visitors to Qatar that this is acceptable
Hi Joey, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has a list of accepted international insurance providers. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. If your insurance is not acceptable you need to get another insurance from a local provider through MOPH website.
Hello DohaGuides Team,
I am an Indian Citizen and landed in Qatar on Feb 11 with Visa on arrival. However, the visa was granted only for 14 days i.e. until Feb 25. My Hotel booking is until March 2. How to extend my Visa On Arrival. I am unable to do online as it says there is no more extendable days left. Please help.
Hi vijesh, You need to visit Airport Immigration office for extension. Carry your passport, ticket, health insurance and hotel booking.
Hello! I’m Kazakhstan citizen and I’m flying to New-York via Doha on 1st of March. Transit time in Doha 20 hrs. Do I need a transit visa to leave the Khamad International Airport? If yes, where and how can I get a transit visa?
Hi Guldana, Transit visa service is not available now. As a Kazakhstan citizen, you can get normal Visa On Arrival (valid for 30 days). You will need a hotel booking + health insurance (as explained above from MOPH website). Also you passport should be valid for 6 months from entry.
Hi, I am an Australian citizen and will be flying back home to Australian via Doha from Rome, originally only transiting. I have family in Doha and am thinking of changing the date of the Doha – Australia leg of the journey to stay with them. I presume I will need the mandatory health insurance cover and Visa On Arrival but not hotel booking if I am staying with my family, only their address. Also how long am I able to stay on a visit to Doha, I have heard it is 15 days? Thanks for your help
Hi Dayle, As an Australian citizen, you will be eligible for 30 days visa waiver (which can be further extended for 30 more days). You will need health insurance (from MOPH website) and return ticket. Our suggestion is to book any hotel for a couple of days and cancel it upon arrival (even if you are staying with relatives). Recently we have seen some incidents of visa rejection for passengers who didn’t have hotel booking.
Thankyou for the info, very helpful advice
Dayle
You are welcome Dayle!
Hi! I am Filipino citizen working here in Austria and I am planning to visit Qatar. I would like to know if I am applicable to have a Visa on Arrival? Thank you!
Hi May, Philippines is not included in Visa On Arrival countries. You will need some kind of visa.
Hello, I’m Armetra, Indonesian nationality. Parents are visiting me, enter Qatar with free-visa 30 days as eligible for Indonesia nationality.
Now, I’m trying to extend their free-visa. I’ve tried the MOI website for extension, that click “extend”. But, message I’ve got after clicking extend is, رمز المستخدم المالي غير صحيح في خدمة انشاء الايصال المالي. If I put on translate google, Incorrect financial user code in the financial receipt creation service. I’m quite confused now, how to extend my parent free-visa for another 30 days.
Would you please be able to advice?
Hi Armetra, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999. If they can’t resolve, you may have to visit the Airport Immigration Centre.
Hi, i have 17 hours transit in qatar . Going back to France but my passport is not from those 90+ countries. How can i get transit visa in qatar?
Thank you Doha Guides Team. You have saved me from a troublesome situation regarding my concern on Discover Qatar Hotel Booking. I had posted in an Anonymous but the post I didn’t see now. So I am posting it to say Thank you. Thank you for your help 🙂
You are welcome. Glad we could be helpful.
Hi there,
Thanks for all the infomation provided. It’s very helpful.
I’ve a flight arriving in Doha on the 17th of February 00:50 and leaving on the 18th of February at 9.35. I’ve booked the flights seperately which means that I’ll need to leave the transit area and therefore get a visa on arrival. Do I need to book a hotel to require the On arrival Tourist visa? Or can I just get my luggauge and do the check in right away and spend the night in the aiport?
all the best
Jas
Hi Jas, For visa on arrival, you will need health insurance through MOPH website. A hotel booking may also be required to get a visa on arrival (even for few hours). So please book a hotel and cancel after arrival.
Hello. I am a holder of Philippine passport but im currently working in Malta. As a Philippine passport holder with resident work permit ID in Malta, do i need to acquire visa to enter Qatar or I can enter with visa on arrival?
Hi Jun Caguioa, Philippines is not included in Visa On Arrival countries. You will need some kind of visa.