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- Country classification based on COVID-19 risk (Red List and Standard Health List) is no longer applicable.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
Hi there,
I am Philippine passport holder but a resident here in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. I am working as a Nurse, my iqama shows I am a nurse also. Am I eligible for visa upon arrival to Qatar. Planning to visit Qatar for 2 weeks on April 2023.
Thank you very much.
Hi EPL, Even though Nurses are not listed as eligible on the new professions list on MOI website, Qatar Government Helpline says they are eligible. Some of our readers (Filipino nurses from KSA) have recently travelled using this. You can read their experience here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/
Please double check with Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 and your airline before travelling.
I am an Indonesian citizen. Do I also have to make a reservation or book a hotel to stay in Qatar using a VoA.
Hi Nofisa, You will need regular hotel booking only. You can cancel that later.
ok thanks for the information. Is there a requirement for how many days to stay at the hotel (cancelled later). or just booking one day only to meet the requirements
Hi Nofisa, One day should be enough.
I am an overseas contract worker from the Philippines and going back to Saudi Arabia via qatar. I have 3 hour layover in qatar this 19 March 2023. Do i need to get a visa? My flight though is not confirmed.
Hi Renato, In most cases you don’t need. There are some exceptional cases. Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
Hello, I am a UK resident with Philippine passport and have 20 hour layover in Qatar this 17 Mar 23 – will be able to apply for transit visa on arrival?
Hi Alvarez, Please check this article, where we have discussed this in detail: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
I am a Philippine passport holder , have a Green Card in US. Traveling through Doha, want to ask how to get a transit visa or do I need one. I have a 9 hours layover and want to get out of the airport in my layover time.
Thank you
Hi Kaye, Please check this article, where we have discussed this in detail: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
I have a Canadian Passport but I am travelling from Pakistan on Visa on Arrival so do I need to book a hotel from Discover Qatar ? as I am going to visit my Daughter. She stays in Qatar.
Hi Matee ur Rehman, Since you have Canadian passport, you need only regular hotel booking.
Hi, I’m a Sri Lankan citizen living in the UK with Indefinite leave to remain. How do I apply for 2 days transit visa? Embassy said they don’t issue it and the online visa application portal is closed. I was told the Qatar airways can provide me a 5 to 96 hours visa but when I called the Qatar Airways they said they can’t. The informations and visa application systems are very contradictory. Pls advise.
Thank you
Hi Krish, As the Embassy told you, online visa portal is suspended. Sri Lankan nationality is not eligible for visa on arrival. So please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to see if there is any option.
Hi,
I’m V. I was planning to apply My Mom for family visit visa here in Qatar since Im about to delivery my first baby and she’s already 64 yrs old. They said I have to go to immigration to apply. I just need to know how many days she can stay here and will they approve it?
Hi Vee, We are not sure if family visit visa will be approved as your mother is above 60. You can try applying directly at MOI Service Center. It will depend on the Captain. If approved, she can stay for up to 90 days (30 days + 60 days extension). If you know someone who has Hayya voucher code, Hayya visa would be better option as it has no age limit and can stay longer.
Hello
Visa on arrival for Indian
In case they have a relative house and want to stay in they house
it’s mandatory to book hotel
Is there any exception in this case
Hi Mithun, Sorry, Discover Qatar booking is compulsory for visa on arrival (India), even if staying with relative.
Hi
I am a South African citizen that will travel from South Korea back to South Africa on the 18th of March. Arrival 05H00 departure 20H00
Will I be able to get a VISA on arrival to spend the day in Duha?
Hi Dewald, Yes, you can get visa on arrival. Make sure to take health insurance (explained above). We would also suggest booking a hotel and later cancelling if you are not staying. Some immigration officers are strict about hotel booking.
I am a GCC resident. But my profession is not eligible for the on arrival visa.
I am Indian citizen so in that case can I get an on arrival visa at the airport?
Kindly let me know.
Hi Ibrahim, You can, but if you are coming using Visa On Arrival for Indians, you will need Discover Qatar hotel booking (even if staying with relatives). This rules applies to some nationalities like India & Pakistan.
Hi, I’m Lyniette Philippine passport holder can I do Qatar Visa on arrival? My profession Public Relation Officer here in UAE. Wanted to travel in qatar for only 1 week. Please respect my post
Thank you.
Hi Lyniette, Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check about your profession’s eligibility for GCC Residents Visit Visa.
Not sure if anyone else had the same experience.
I transited in Doha once for 12 hours and once for less than 96 hours and had a valid qatar stopover hotel booking. My country is on the list of visa on arrival. However it seems the officials are unaware of which countries get free visa. And i must say it is difficult to challenge them.
I was told i could not get free visa on arrival and was made to pay 100 qar per person single entry visa valid for 1 month on each occasion.
Hi M, Sorry to hear that. Can you tell us your nationality and the type of visa you were issued? Just to check because recently we heard someone else was also charged QR 100 like you.
Hi, for the South African visa on arrival, is it valid for multiple entry, or just once?
Hi,
I asked Hukoomi about the current policies on February 10 after booking a flight with an 8-hour 35-minute layover in Doha. They said the following in three separate emails when I contacted them regarding the visa on arrival vs. transit visa requirement as a US national. Qatar Airways customer service said the free transit visa is not currently offered for me, though. What do you make of this, your current knowledge of the policies, and this email thread below?
====
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank for contacting us on Hukoomi
Kindly be informed that, you can obtain a visa to enter the country during your lay over under the following conditions:
• The Duration of airport transit must be more than 8 hours and not more than 96 hours.
• The traveler must have a valid passport. the travel documents and pass tickets are not accepted.
• The Approval and rejection are within the authority of the immigration officer without giving a reasons.
• Passengers entry is completed and an airport transit visa is granted for a duration of 96 hours. After the procedures are completed
We are always happy to serve you, Thank you for contacting us.
=====
Kindly be informed that, The Approval and rejection are within the authority of the immigration officer without giving a reasons,
and you do not have to apply for it manually neither online prior your arrival.
====
Kindly be informed that as per Ministry of Public Health website, Ehteraz pre registration is not required. Please find the link below for your reference.
https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx
Please note that visitors must purchase a health insurance policy or provide proof that they have valid international insurance that includes the State of Qatar and covers their stay in the state.
We are always happy to serve you, Thank you for contacting us.
They also did not mention anything about hotel booking when I told them I was informed I had to book a hotel to get a transit visa even if I was only there for 8 hours. Why the inconsistency here?
Hi Andrew, Normally hotel booking is not required for transit passengers. However some Immigration officers ask for that as they will be issuing you a regular visa on arrival. We suggest to have a booking (and cancel later) as recently some passengers were denied entry because of that. Hotel is not an official requirement, but a precaution to avoid any last-minute issues.
Hi Andrew, Online transit visa service by Qatar Airways is currently suspended. However, as a US citizen you are eligible for visa on arrival. You will need the following:
(1) Health insurance from MOPH-approved insurance provider (even if for few hours). More details: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/
(2) Sometimes the Immigration officer may ask for hotel booking even though you are a transit passenger for few hours. So it is better to have a one day hotel booking with free cancellation. Just cancel it after you arrive.
(3) Passport should be valid for six months.
(4) Return or onward flight ticket. Nothing else to worry about.
Hello, being an Indian national, I am going to visit my parents living in Qatar. Do I still need to book a hotel even though I can provide my father’s QID and address in Doha?
Hi Mohammad, As per the current rule, Discover Qatar hotel booking is compulsory for Indian nationals (even if staying with relatives).
Hello, I read that transit visa is suspended. Do you have any information when will it be available again? I will be travelling on 20th of March- via Doha and was hoping to see the city during my layover on transit visa. Thank You
Hi Abhishek, There is no update on when transit visa will resume. If your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival, you can use that to visit the country.
hi, i am an indian resident and have a arrival visa valid for 30 days with hotel booking, is it possible to extend this visa for next 30 days? do i need to make another hotel booking for extended period?
I am not staying in the hotel but with my relative here who is a qatari resident
Please if you can provide your inputs
Hi Ishan, As per the rule, you are supposed to have hotel booking for duration of your stay (including extension if any). However you can check with the Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
We are 8 hours in transit at Doha going to Istanbul . We would like to visit your lovely city. Is it possible to leave the airport and then come back?
Hi Sholeen, If your Nationality is eligible (check the above list), you can get visa on arrival. You will need a hotel booking and health insurance from MOPH website (even for few hours).
If you have booked a tour “Discover Qatar” during a stopover (minimum 8 hours stop required) and you are traveling with Qatar Airways, you need now an insurance recognized in Qatar (since Feb 1 2023), but NO NEED FOR HOTEL BOOKING if you are citizen of one of the 90+ countries that are eligible for Visa on Arrival. You will be kindly guided by the personnel of Discover Qatar Tour Desk (located behind the escalator between concourse A & B close to the big teddy bear) through the immigration check. We just did it today.
Hi Laurent,
Will they provide visa on arrival at the immigration or do we need to fill in any forms before arrival? I am planning to take 9:30 PM discover Qatar tour and will land in Doha at 7:30 PM. Do you think that would be enough time for us to complete the immigration and make it to the tour? I have a 11 hours layover and I am a citizen of one of the 95 countries which have visa on arrival.
Thank you,
Regards,
Lakshman
Thanks for the information Laurent. We shall update it on our articles.
Everyone seems a bit clueless in that airport tbh. I went to the discover qatar desk. The lady was like. Ok you have hotel? No problem. Proceed to imigration.
I was made to paye 100 qar pp for transiting in doha twice in a week even though my country features on the list of free visa on arrival.
On line transit visa is suspended…. What are other option…I am from the Philippines and I have US greencard. I am not eligible for visa on areival in Qatar. please help me i want to vist Qatar on my way to Seychelles.
Hi Jonathan, Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]
Hi Jonathan, I’m in a similar situation. What was the outcome of your email or contact with Qatar Government?
on 26th Feb 2023 i will be travelling from Iraq to Kenya, my transit will in Qatar for about 11 hours, can i get my “transit visa” on arrive?
if yes, should i have book a hotel even though my transit will be less than 12 hours?
Hi Yasir, Transit Visa service is currently suspended. If your nationality is eligible (see the list above), you can get Visa On Arrival. For Visa On Arrival you will need hotel booking and insurance even if the stay is for few hours.