Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates (Sep 2023)

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 9 September 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 On Qatar Visa On Arrival

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. 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.

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 from 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:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Austria
4. Bahamas
5. Belgium
6. Bulgaria
7. Croatia
8. Cyprus
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
11. Dominican Republic
12. Estonia
13. Finland
14. France
15. Germany
16. Greece
17. Holland
18. Hungary
19. Iceland
20. Italy
21. Latvia
22. Liechtenstein
23. Lithuania
24. Luxembourg
25. Malaysia
26. Malta
27. Netherlands
28. Norway
29. Poland
30. Portugal
31. Romania
32. Serbia
33. Seychelles
34. Slovakia
35. Slovenia
36. Spain
37. Sweden
38. Switzerland
39. Turkey
40. 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:

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Azerbaijan
4. Belarus
5. Bolivia
6. Brazil
7. Brunei
8. Canada
9. Chile
10. China
11. Colombia
12. Costa Rica
13. Cuba
14. Ecuador
15. Falkland Islands 
16. French Guiana
17. Georgia
18. Guyana
19. Hong Kong, China
20. India
21. Indonesia
22. Iran
23. Ireland
24. Japan
25. Kazakhstan
26. Lebanon
27. Macau
28. Macedonia
29. Maldives
30. Mauritius
31. Mexico
32. Moldova
33. Monaco
34. Montenegro
35. New Zealand
36. Pakistan
37. Panama
38. Paraguay
39. Peru
40. Russia
41. Rwanda
42. San Marino
43. Singapore
44. South Africa
45. South Korea
46. Suriname
47. Thailand
48. United Kingdom
49. United States
50. Uruguay
51. Vatican City
52. 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.

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Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers

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.

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.

FAQ on Qatar Visa on Arrival

Related Articles:

1. Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Guide
2. Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
3. How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
4. How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
5. Check Qatar Visa Status Online
6. Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know

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Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority