Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates (2024)

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 02 February 2024.

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 2024, 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

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

JANUARY 2024 STATUS

Currently, Visa-on-arrival is available for nationals of more than 90 countries.

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 BarbudaArgentinaAustria
BahamasBelgiumBulgaria
CroatiaCyprusCzech Republic
DenmarkDominican RepublicEstonia
FinlandFranceGermany
GreeceHungaryIceland
ItalyLatviaLiechtenstein
LithuaniaLuxembourgMalaysia
MaltaNetherlandsNorway
PolandPortugalRomania
SerbiaSeychellesSlovakia
SloveniaSpainSweden
SwitzerlandTurkeyUkraine [4]
Visa On Arrival 90-180 Days Screenshot from Visit Qatar website
Screenshot from Visit Qatar (2023)

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:

AndorraAustraliaAzerbaijan
Belarus [6]BoliviaBosnia and Herzegovina
BrazilBruneiCanada
ChileChinaColombia
Costa RicaCubaEcuador
Falkland Islands [7]French Guiana [7]Georgia
GuyanaHong KongIndia [1]
IndonesiaIran [5]Ireland
JapanKazakhstanLebanon
Macao [7]MacedoniaMaldives
Mauritius [7]MexicoMoldova
MonacoMontenegro [7]New Zealand
Pakistan [2]PanamaParaguay
PeruRussiaRwanda
San MarinoSingaporeSouth Africa
South KoreaTaiwan (China) [7]Thailand [3]
United KingdomUnited StatesSuriname
UruguayUzbekistanVatican City
Venezuela
Visa On Arrival 30 Days Screenshot from Visit Qatar website
Screenshot from Visit Qatar (2023)

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

PassportMinimum six months validity
Flight TicketsReturn / onward flight tickets
Confirmed AccommodationDiscover Qatar booking for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine;
Regular hotel booking or clear address of the stay for other countries.
Proof of FundOnly 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 InsuranceHealth 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

Make your trip to Qatar unforgettable! Check the latest offers from Qatar Airways, Qatar’s 5-star airline, rated as one of the best in the world. With its reputation for luxury, comfort, and a wide-reaching global network, booking with Qatar Airways ensures an extraordinary travel experience.
Hamad International Airport Lounge
Doha Hamad International Airport

Procedure At the Immigration Counter

  1. 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.
  2. At the immigration counter in Doha, mention that you want a visa on arrival.
  3. Give the hotel’s / host’s contact details (name, contact number) if you are asked.
  4. Show credit or debit card if required (for some nationalities only)
  5. When asked, look at the camera for an iris scan (eye scan). A green light would blink to confirm this.
  6. A fingerprint scan may be required for some passengers.
  7. 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

OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE: Health insurance is now mandatory for stays longer than 30 days.

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.

Qatar Visa On Arrival Extension Service
Visa extension service on the MOI website

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.

  1. Go to the MOI website Visa Inquiry & Printing page.
Qatar Visa Enquiry and Printing
Qatar visa enquiry on the MOI website
  1. Enter the visa number (available on the sticker in the passport) or passport number.
  2. Select nationality from the drop-down list.
  3. Enter verification code from picture or audio.
  4. Click on the “Submit” button.
  5. The details, including visa validity, will be shown.
  6. 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:

  1. Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Guide
  2. Visitors Guide To Doha Expo 2023
  3. Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
  4. How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
  5. How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
  6. Check Qatar Visa Status Online
  7. 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)


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  1. Hello Doha Guides Team,

    Before the Abu Samra border was closed, we were able to get Visa on Arrival. I am Philippine passport holder/ KSA resident/ Engineer profession.

    Now that the border re-opened, we want to visit Doha again. I cannot find any guide for Philippine passport holders. Are there new guidelines?

    Appreciate your guidance. By the way, I’m traveling with my dependents..

    Thank you very much.

  2. Hi Team

    I’m an Indian passport holder with Saudi residency, we plan to visit Qatar by the Abusamra border. anyone can please advise on the visa requirement procedure? Fees? VOA is there or not?

  3. Hi, does anyone know wheter a UK passport holder (but British Overseas Citizen) will be granted visa on arrival?

  4. My fiance is traveling from Nigeria to meet me in Columbia. The layover is in Qatar for less than 4 hours. Will he need a tourist visa for his short layover in Qatar?

  5. markus langmann

    good day, i still seek advise how to apply for tourist visa from Philippines for less than 30days . still stalls after visa requirements . any one can advise pls . thank you

  6. Hi Doha Guides!

    I’m planning a trip that will have a 19-hour layover (daytime, so no accommodation is required) in Doha and I will be leaving the airport to explore the city. I hold a Thai passport and would like to confirm that I DO NOT have to pre-apply for any visas/ I will receive a visa on arrival.

    Thanks

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Suthida, Nationals of Thailand (and 4 other countries) are required to book minimum 2 days Discover Qatar hotel booking to get visa on arrival. The rule may seem strange because you are not staying the night. But unfortunately that is the condition to get visa on arrival. You can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to confirm this.
      If you are travelling by Qatar Airways, please contact your local office and check if they can arrange a transit visa.

  7. Good day,
    I am from Trinidad and Tobago. This country is not on the list of countries for Visa upon arrival. What are my other options to get an entry visa to Qatar?

  8. I live in the United Kingdom.
    I have indefinite leave to remain status in UK but I hold a Bangladesh passport.
    Which visa can I get to travel to Qatar

  9. I am traveling in 2 weeks to Los Angeles via Doha with 17 hrs layover, do I need a health insurance if I plan to do some sightseeing during my layover? Am a US citizen and am eligible for Visa on Arrival.

  10. Dear Friends,

    My kid is US citizens and her passport is expiring in 6 months, can we travel to India via Doha airport for 2 weeks? I heard the Passport validity should be more than 6 months to travel, can anyone please confirm asap?

    Best,
    -Prash

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Prash, 6 months passport validity is only required to get a Qatar visa (not for transit through airport). However please check the rules for entering India (depending on the visa type).

  11. Dear Friends,
    My kids are US citizens and their Passport is expiring in less than 6 Months can we travel India via Doha airport for 2 weeks?

    Best,
    -Shanthi

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Shanthi, 6 months passport validity is only required to get a Qatar visa (not for transit through airport). However please check the rules for entering India (depending on the visa type).

  12. Is VOA applicable at land borders also ? Anyone visited from GCC countries to Qatar from Abu samra border recently??

      1. As per the profession list by MOI , profession is not the same as in ID card , in this case can we get VOA based on Indian passports? If yes then is DQ hotel booking of 2N is sufficient ? and remaining days elsewhere? Also do we have a choice given at borders whether we need GCC type visa or Passport based VOA?

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi Ahmed, If your profession is not eligible, you can get regular VOA (but DQ booking for minimum 2 days is required). If you are travelling by air, sometimes they may check your return ticket and ask booking for full duration (depends on the officer).
          You can request for the type of visa if you are eligible for both, but please note that GCC Resident Visa has a fee of QR 100, but regular VOA is issued free.

  13. Hi, We are permanent resident of US, with Indian passport.I’m travelling from India to US with a layover of 13 hrs in Doha airport.Can you please let me know do I need the transit visa if I dont leave the airport.

  14. Hello, we are australian citizens and have a 21 hour layover in April, we are leaving the airport to a hotel and are planning on getting the visa upon arrival. Do we need to have travel insurance to get the visa upon arrival?

  15. Hello! We are a U.S. permanent resident with a Philippines passport traveling to Philippines. Do we need a transit visa? We have 8hrs layover.
    Thanks

  16. i m a US permanent resident with a Nigerian passport traveling though Doha to Maldives. do i need a transit visa to enter doha ? i have a 15 hour layover in Doha

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Tony, Nigeria is not included on the visa on arrival countries list. US residency is also not a criteria. Please check with your airline if they can arrange transit visa.

  17. Hi,
    I am Egyptian and I have residential visa in UAE with profession Engineering Manager, can I get on arrival visa? As I can’t find explicit match for my profession and if I can’t what is the process to get visa for couple of days visit?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Wesam, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check your options. We cannot confirm as your profession is not on the new list and there is no visa on arrival for Egyptians.

      1. Thanks for your message…and actually I contacted them but they have no clue . They guided me to ask the hotel to generate Visa for me and after I contacted the hotel (Shiraton) they told me hotels no longer doing Visa…looks like visa is like a big mystery

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi Wesam, Unfortunately this is an issue as tourist visas are still suspended.. Even the Government Helpline seems clueless.

  18. Hi i am Mariana from México, and i am transiting in qatar for at least 8 hours, i would like to know if i can apply for the transit visa when i arrive or do i have to apply for the visa previously

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Mariana, Citizens of Mexico are eligible for visa on arrival at airport. No need to apply in advance. Please read the above article and follow the steps.

      1. Is there a way to save time and apply for the transit visa in advance? I booked a tour that is scheduled to pick me up 1 hour after I land. I’m worried I won’t have enough time if I have to grab luggage and get the visa. Is the airport hard to navigate?

  19. Hello im dominica national. Do i need visa for qatar or im elegible for visa on arrival? And need no hotel booking also?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Sarah, Dominican Republic is eligible for visa on arrival. Please read the article carefully on the requirements.

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