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 03 November 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 November 2023, 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
NOVEMBER 2023 STATUS
Nationals of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine are still required to book hotels through the Discover Qatar website. The hotel reservation should be for the entire duration of the stay. Hotel reservations from other websites are not accepted. Citizens of other countries may book their hotel through any website.
Purchasing a visitor’s health insurance is now required for an extension of visa on arrival.
Requirements for Qatar Visa On Arrival
1. Citizenship
The visitor must be a citizen of an eligible country (the list of countries is given below).
2. Passport Validity
The visitor’s passport must be valid for at least six months.
3. Confirmed Return Tickets
The visitor must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.
4. Accommodation
The visitor should have a confirmed accommodation (clear address and contacts of the local host) or hotel reservation for the duration of the stay. This can be a regular hotel booking for travellers from most countries. For hotel booking, we recommend TripAdvisor as it has the largest database of hotel reviews.
However, for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine, the hotel booking for the entire duration of the stay should be through the Discover Qatar website. Staying with a Qatar resident or booking directly with a hotel is not accepted for these nationalities (to avail visa on arrival).
A minimum of 2 nights should be booked through the Discover Qatar website. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.
Please note that even if you book the hotel for a longer duration, the initial visa issued will be for 30 days only. You need to extend that by visiting any MOI Service Center or the Airport Immigration office. The online extension may not be possible for these nationalities.
This requirement is only mandatory for travellers coming on a visa on arrival and not for family visit visas.
5. Health Insurance
As per the new law launched in February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for visitors who are staying for more than 30 days. Insurance is highly recommended even for visitors staying less than 30 days, but it is not mandatory.
Visitors can buy basic health insurance for QAR 50 (for 30 days) from any registered insurance company listed on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website.
6. Proof of Funds
From 10 March 2022, visitors from countries like India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran (using a visa-on-arrival facility) are required to have a valid international credit card or debit card. Cash of QR 5,000 will no longer be accepted (Belarus nationals can show USD 1,000 in cash).
- For debit cardholders, a three-month bank statement is also required. There should be a minimum balance equivalent to at least QR 5,000 in your local currency.
- The card should be under the name of the visitor. If you are travelling together as a family, one card (under the family head’s name) is enough.
- This rule applies only to nationalities that require proof of funds (like India, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran, etc.)
Nationalities Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Qatar
The countries under this facility are divided into two categories as below:
Category 1: Visa waiver for 180 days
- Visa waiver valid is for 180 days from the date of entry.
- Visitors can stay for a total of 90 days, either during a single trip or multiple trips.
- The stay is not extendable beyond 90 days.
- Requirements are a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation (local host details or hotel booking), and health insurance (if staying for 30 days).
The following are the countries included under this category:
| Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Austria |
| Bahamas | Belgium | Bulgaria |
| Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Dominican Republic | Estonia |
| Finland | France | Germany |
| Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
| Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malaysia |
| Malta | Netherlands | Norway |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania |
| Serbia | Seychelles | Slovakia |
| Slovenia | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | Turkey | Ukraine [4] |
Category 2: Visa for 30 days
- The initial visa is issued for 30 days from the date of entry.
- For most countries, the stay can be extended for another 30 days.
- This is a single-entry visa.
- Requirements are a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance (if staying for 30 days). Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds will be required for some nationalities (explained below).
The following are the countries included under this category:
| Andorra | Australia | Azerbaijan |
| Belarus [6] | Bolivia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Brazil | Brunei | Canada |
| Chile | China | Colombia |
| Costa Rica | Cuba | Ecuador |
| Falkland Islands [7] | French Guiana [7] | Georgia |
| Guyana | Hong Kong | India [1] |
| Indonesia | Iran [5] | Ireland |
| Japan | Kazakhstan | Lebanon |
| Macao [7] | Macedonia | Maldives |
| Mauritius [7] | Mexico | Moldova |
| Monaco | Montenegro [7] | New Zealand |
| Pakistan [2] | Panama | Paraguay |
| Peru | Russia | Rwanda |
| San Marino | Singapore | South Africa |
| South Korea | Taiwan (China) [7] | Thailand [3] |
| United Kingdom | United States | Suriname |
| Uruguay | Uzbekistan | Vatican City |
| Venezuela |
Special Conditions For Some Nationalities
In addition to the general conditions (passport valid for 6 months, round-trip flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance), there are some special conditions applicable only to some countries, as explained below:
1. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indian Nationals
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Indian nationals for a maximum period of 30 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.
2. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Pakistan Nationals
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Pakistan nationals for a maximum period of 30 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.
- (c) A polio vaccination certificate is required.
3. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Thailand Nationals
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Thailand nationals for a maximum period of 30 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.
- (c) Extension of stay possible for an additional 30 days.
4. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Ukraine
A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Ukrainian nationals for a maximum period of 90 days, or according to hotel reservation.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) An initial visa is issued for 30 days or as per the hotel booking. Visitors can apply to extend their stay up to a total of 90 days after obtaining health insurance upon arrival.
5. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Iran
On-arrival tourist or business visa is granted to Iranian nationals for a fee, of up to 30 days or depending on hotel booking.
- (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
- (b) A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of one month for a fee of QR 100.
- (c) A credit card per family is required for a tourist visa.
- (d) Business visa for a period of one month and a maximum of six months for a fee of QR 200 per month. A business visa is granted if there is an invitation letter from a company that is certified by the Government of Qatar.
6. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Belarus
On-arrival tourist or business visa is granted to Belarus nationals for a fee.
- (a) A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of one month for a fee of QR 100.
- (b) Business visa for a period of one month and a maximum of three months for a fee of QR 200 per month.
- (c) Possession of an amount of cash equivalent to 1,000 US Dollars or a valid credit card.
- (d) Hotel reservation in one of the hotels in Qatar during the visit period.
7. Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival
Nationals of these countries can get Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival. There may be a fee of QR 100 for 30 days.
Visa Waiver For GCC Citizens
In addition to the above countries, citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers
| Passport | Minimum six months validity |
| Flight Tickets | Return / onward flight tickets |
| Confirmed Accommodation | Discover Qatar booking for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine; Regular hotel booking or clear address of the stay for other countries. |
| Proof of Fund | Only for India, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran & Belarus. International Debit / Credit card should be under the visitor’s name (3 months bank statements also needed for debit card). One card per family. Cash is accepted only for Belarus nationals. |
| Health Insurance | Health insurance from a MOPH-approved provider (if staying for 30 days). |
Qatar Visa On Arrival Cost
Visa on arrival is granted entirely free of charge for most nationals, and there will be no charge for the extension. There may be a fee for nationals of some countries such as Iran and Belarus.
Travelling To Qatar
Procedure At the Immigration Counter
- During the check-in from your departure country, inform the airline staff that you are visiting on a visa on arrival. They may check your accommodation details. If you are staying with a relative, it is good to have their contact details, address, and QID copy.
- At the immigration counter in Doha, mention that you want a visa on arrival.
- Give the hotel’s / host’s contact details (name, contact number) if you are asked.
- Show credit or debit card if required (for some nationalities only)
- When asked, look at the camera for an iris scan (eye scan). A green light would blink to confirm this.
- A fingerprint scan may be required for some passengers.
- The immigration officer would fix a small sticker on your passport. That’s it. Welcome to Doha!
How to Extend Qatar Visa On Arrival?
If you are a citizen of a country eligible to extend the 30-day visa-on-arrival, you can do the renewal online.
Health Insurance For Visa Extension
Before purchasing the policy, make sure you are eligible for an extension by following the steps below. If you encounter an error message stating that “valid health insurance is not found,” you can proceed to purchase the policy.
To ensure eligibility for an extension, please follow the instructions below:
Purchase a health insurance policy from any MOPH-approved provider.
Add your visa number to the policy to ensure it is linked in the system.
Then proceed with the steps explained below.
Here is how you can extend your visa through the Ministry of Interior website:
Step 1: Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page on the MOI website
This is available under Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension.
Step 2: Enter the visa number or passport number
You can find the visa number on the sticker on your passport. Or else you can enter your passport number.
Step 3: Select nationality from the drop-down list
Step 4: Enter the verification code from the picture or audio
Step 5: Click on the “Extend” button
The visa will be renewed for another 30 days.
Is there any fee for a Qatar visa on arrival extension?
Qatar visa on arrival can be extended free of cost.
How many days after arrival can I renew the visa?
You can renew any day after arrival. Make sure you do it before the expiry to avoid complications.
I did not get any message or e-mail after renewal. How can I check the validity?
You can check the validity of your visa on the Ministry of Interior website. Here is how to check the validity of a Qatar visa.
- Go to the MOI website Visa Inquiry & Printing page.
- Enter the visa number (available on the sticker in the passport) or passport number.
- Select nationality from the drop-down list.
- Enter verification code from picture or audio.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
- The details, including visa validity, will be shown.
- Click on the print icon to save or print a copy for future reference.
Do I need the renewal receipt while going back?
A receipt is not needed as the renewal date will be updated in the immigration system. However, you may keep a copy for your peace of mind.
Are GCC residents eligible to get a Qatar visa on arrival?
If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. The visa will only be issued if your residence permit is valid for at least three months and if your profession (as mentioned on your residence permit) appears on the list of eligible professions. You can see the list of eligible professions here.
What can I do if my nationality is not eligible for a visa-on-arrival?
Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-on-arrival can apply in advance for other types of visas such as tourist visas. You can check our detailed guide on how to apply for Qatar Tourist Visa.
Qatar Government Contact Center
Please note that even as we strive to keep this page updated, official policies are subject to change without prior announcement. For any query, travellers are advised to contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 or email [email protected] for any inquiries.
FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival
How can I get a free visa for Qatar?
You can get visa-free entry to Qatar if you hold a passport from any of the 90+ eligible countries. You can see the full list of countries on this page. There may be additional requirements for some countries.
Is there any age limit on visas on arrival?
There is no specified age limit for visas on arrival. However, airlines may refuse to board minors not accompanied by an adult. If a minor is travelling alone, please check with your airline.
Is a medical check-up needed to extend visa-free entry
A medical check-up is not needed to extend visa-free entry. A medical check would be required for renewing a family visit visa only.
Are Indians eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival?
Indian citizens are eligible for 30 days of visa-free entry to Qatar if they meet some conditions such as Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds.
How much is the fine for an expired visit visa in Qatar?
If the validity of your visit visa has expired, you will be charged a penalty of QAR 200 per day.
Is hotel booking required for Qatar on-arrival visa?
A confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or local address) is required for all visitors to get a visa on arrival. Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Ukraine, and Thailand.
Should I use only Qatar Airways for my travel?
You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on the mode of travel. If you travel via another airline, ensure your airline knows about this Visa On Arrival facility. Some airline staff unaware of this facility may refuse to board you without a visa.
Should I show proof of funds/credit cards?
Proof of funds may be required for some nationalities. Please carry an International Credit / Debit card under your name with at least a QR 5,000 balance (one card per family).
Should I show the salary certificate or tenancy contract of my host?
The host’s salary certificate or tenancy contract is not required for a visa on arrival. There is no minimum salary requirement for anyone to host a visitor. However, you are advised to keep your host’s contact information ready to show if officers request it.
Related Articles:
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Guide
- Visitors Guide To Doha Expo 2023
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
- How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
- How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
- Check Qatar Visa Status Online
- Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.
Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority (Visit Qatar)
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
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.