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
- 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
JANUARY 2024 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.
Doha Guides Team:
I am a US citizen and planning to visit Doha for three days in December, 2023. I will apply Visa on arrival. Do I still need to buy tourist health insurance? Do I need to buy it on line before I arrive or I can buy it at the airport after I arrive?
Thanks
Hi Tony, Health insurance is not needed if travelling for less than 30 days. If the airline staff asks you to buy, you can buy it online at the airport from your phone.
sir,
I am pakistani passport holde have UAE Visa I want to go qatar from uae what a process and which documents require
thank
Hi Inam, You can apply for GCC Resident Visa online. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/
Hi Team,
I am an Indian citizen . My IT private company is sending me to Qatar.
What is the best way to bring my dependent mother (>70 yrs old), and she can stay with me for 1 year or more ?
Is it possible if she can go out after every 3 months and come back (same day or next day, like it is there for Saudi)?
Thanks
Hi Vashisht, Unfortunately Family Visit Visa is not available for those above 60. Hayya With Me is also suspended for Indians. Currently the only option is Tourist Visa which is valid for 30 days and can be further extended for another 30 days. Then she has to exit and can apply for new visa. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi team, I hold Italian passport and I am UAE resident. Should I do visa on arrival in Qatar or request visa via Hayya portal? Thanks
Hi Connie, You can get visa on arrival using your Italian passport. If you have few weeks left and want to be 100% sure you can apply visa in advance.
Hello, I’m a Jordanian citizen. I have a 6-days academic conference in Qatar.
should I use hayya.qa to apply for a visa?
what type of visa? should I get a medical insurance?
Regards
Hi Dheya, Yes, you can apply for Tourist Visa (A1) through Hayya portal. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi,
I am an Egyptian citizen with a valid US visit, i saw on https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/practical-info/visas that i am eligible for visa on arrival in that case? is this confirmed? Can i get it at the counter when i arrive?
Hi Nesreen, You can apply for an ETA (A3) visa through Hayya portal. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
If you want to try visa on arrival, please confirm eligibility with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
I just want to ask that what is the requirements and process if my visa from qatar is approved and arrived and also my ticket has already arrived…what will I do and where will i go?
Hi Jay, For most nationalities, only visa and passport is needed. If you are from Philippines there may be some additional steps from Embassy (depending on your visa type). It is better to check with your employer / sponsor.
Hello.
Just a quick question, if a Saudi Citizen will travel to Qatar with his maid under his sponsorship. Does the maid still require Qatar Visit Visa?
The maid is of a Philippine nationality.
Thank you in advance for answering
Hi Reniel, Yes, the maid requires a visa. There is an option on the Hayya portal called “Visa For Companion of GCC Citizen (A4)”. You can apply through that.
I have an American passport, and my wife has an Ethiopian passport. We want to travel to Qatar for 3 days to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Does being married to me allow her to get the visa on arrival also?
Hi Amir, Only you can get visa on arrival. Spouse is not eligible. For your wife please apply tourist visa online. https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hello,
If I arrive in Qatar from Pakistan for Visa on arrival, will the visa be for only duration of hotel stay? Can one shift from hotel to friend’s home and request longer visa?
Also, if there is no credit/debit card would they check how much cash is being carried?
Please advise.
Hi Khalid, This will depend on the Customs Officer. In most cases we have seen that if the hotel booking is less than a week, they issue visa only for 1 or 2 weeks only. If you get visa for more days you can move to a friend’s place. Good luck.
we are planning to visit from USA, we are all US citizen but my mother is gc holder and Pakistani passport holder. because of this requirement (discrimination) we have canceled our plan. IDK why you all say yourself as Muslims when you cant follow Prophet message:
There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab. Neither is the white superior over the black, nor is the black superior over the white — except by piety.”
this is open discrimination.
Dear Sir,
I plan to visit Qatar, “Visa on Arrival”
If I hotel booked for 2 days only as it mentioned minimum 02 days hotel booking, through Discover web, shall I eligible for 30 days Visit Visa, (not only 02 days).
Kindly advise!
Regards Safdar from Pakistan
Hi Safdar, Usually they issue visa only for the number of days for which hotel is booked (for Indian, Pakistani etc.).
In some cases they would issue for one or two weeks even with 2 days booking. It depends on the officer.
But normally you won’t get one month visa with 2 days booking.
Hi, for Indian Citizens, is a passport with “Emigration check required” i.e ECR Passport, an issue to get the VOA? or that will not be an issue. Please let me know.
Hi Anon, ECR restrictions only apply for work visa. There is no issue with visa on arrival.
I am flying to Pakistan via Doha…do I need a visa…is it transit…
Hi Sellin, Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
Lecę do Pakistanu przez Doha…czy muszę mieć wizę…jak to wogole wszystko wygląda… lecę pierwszy raz…
I intend to stay for more than 30 days and extend my visa upon arrival. Does my onward travel ticket have to be within 30 or 60 days if I am eligible for a visa on arrival?
Hi Ayesha, Usually return ticket should be within 30 days. You can take a flexible ticket (with minimum change fee). Since your initial VOA is for 30 days and if return date is after 30 days some airlines will not allow you to board.
I am a Nepalese citizen with a Swedish PR card traveling from Nepal to Stockholm with a layover in Doha. As I need to collect and recheck my baggage with a different airline, I am inquiring about the transit visa requirements for Doha. Can I get a transit visa on arrival, or do I need to apply for a normal tourist visa?
Thank you for your prompt assistance.
Hi Indresh, Nepalese citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. Since you have Swedish PR Card you can apply for ETA visa in advance. Here is the procedure: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
I have a transfer in Doha from Brazil to Vietnam do I need transit visa in DOHA? Thank you in advance.
Hi Cheryl, Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
Hi I have my flight from Brazil to Hanoi and transfer in Doha for 4hrs do I need a transit visa in DOHA? please I need help asap thanks you
Hi Cheryl, Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/transit-visa-for-qatar/
I am pakistani citizen can someone guide in hotel booking through discoverqatar.qa where should I click under hotels it is giving 2 options
stopover
hotels for hayya and visa on arrival
which one should I click for hotel booking
i will be staying in doha for 4 to 5 nights.
thanks
Hi Ahmed, For visa on arrival, select “hotels for Hayya and visa on arrival”.
Dear sir
I am an Indian passport with UAE resident Visa with a Sales Manager position. My passport and UAE visa are valid for more than 6 months. Do I get a visa on arrival ?
Do I need to book hotel thru discover Qatar or can I book thru other sites ?
Pls help with this information.
Rgds Mazhar
Hi Mazhar, Qatar has a separate visa on arrival scheme for GCC residents. This is usually available for GCC residents with good professions. However the official page with list of professions is not working now. So we suggest that you apply for a GCC Resident’s Visit Visa in advance through Hayya portal. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-gcc-residents/
You don’t have to book hotel through Discover Qatar for this type of visa. You can book directly with any hotel.