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.
My brother (Indian Citizen) living in Germany with German Residence Permit(RP) wants to visit us in Qatar and stay with us few days on his way to India.Is there any advantage of having German RP for Qatar visit/tourist visa?
What kind of visa we will be able to apply for to avoid hotel bookings? Can we get multiple entry visas.
Your prompt response would be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Hi Sreedevi, With a German RP he can apply for A3 visa. This doesn’t need hotel booking. Instead you should host him as a guest. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
hello Doha Guides.
If I’m given a 14-day visa at the airport, can I renew online the way you described in the article above?
Hi Hassan, If your nationality requires Discover Qatar booking for Visa On Arrival, you will need additional Discover Qatar booking for renewal. Online renewal will not be possible in such cases. You need to visit Airport Immigration with passport and proof of Discover Qatar booking. Before booking again, you can confirm with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Thanks for the advice and information.
My friend of Iranian nationality got a one-month Visa On Arraival at the airport and now I checked for him on the MOI website, but the system gave an error with the message that valid health insurance was not found.
Now, according to your answer, in addition to buying insurance, should my friend book Discover Qatar Hotel again?
Hi Hassan, Usually Indian nationals were asked for DQ booking when trying to renew Visa On Arrival online. Your friend can purchase a new health insurance for 30 days (QR 50) and try for renewal (after 24 hours). Perhaps it may work for Iranian nationality. If that doesn’t work then he may need DQ booking.
November 03, 2023.
Doha Guides Team.
Hello, I am a holder of Nigerian passport with valid Qatar Residency Permit(QID). I was working with a company before i resigned and left the country in July of this year. So my question now is, can i still gain entry to Qatar with a valid QID without being under a company again? Because it looks like the company has removed me from their employee list. It’s not up to six months since i left the country, would that be any issue at the point of entry from immigration?
Hi Oladayo, You need to check if your company has cancelled your QID or reported you as missing. In such case you will be held at airport.
Hello Doha Guides Team,
I am a holder of a Lebanese passport and I want to come for a visit to Qatar for less than 30 days. I’m also planning to stay at a relative house. I saw that I could get a visa on arrival, so is it enough to have a valid passport for more than 6 months and a return ticket?
Should I have proof of accommodation? like a declaration or something that I’m staying at my relative’s house and if not, what do you mean by providing an address (should it be on paper, telling orally to the officer, or what)?
Is there also a requirement for health insurance if I’m staying for less than 30 days?
Thank you so much in advance!
Hello Ahmad, Lebanese passport holders can get visa on arrival for 30 days. You only need passport, return flight ticket and accommodation details. To make your entry easier, you can show your relative’s QID copy and a print-out of with his name, address and phone number. A declaration is not required for visa on arrival.
Regarding the insurance, the policy is that health insurance is “recommended” for all visitors (even if staying for less than 30 days), however it is “compulsory” if staying for 30 days. Unfortunately this is not clearly mentioned on the official websites and hence some airlines are asking for that. Either you can purchase in advance and be tension-free or you can purchase online on your mobile phone if your airline insists that.
To double check these things please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Sorry for bothering you again, but for the printout of the name, address, and phone number. Do you mean it can be an unofficial Word document that I type with that information, or it has to be an official document like “Proof of Residence”?
And, regarding the airlines, I’m traveling with Qatar Airways, any ideas if they require health insurance?
Thank you so much for your help!
Much Appreciated!
Hi Ahmad, A normal printout is enough to show the address to the immigration officer. They will just have a quick look. Usually Qatar Airways will not ask for health insurance because it is clearly mentioned on their travel requirement page. You can test that yourself.
Flying from Lagos to Sydney through Doha with Qatar Airways from Lagos but changing planes in Doha to Cathay Pacific. Only a 3 hr wait in airport. I paid once thru one website for the whole trip to Sydney. Do I need a transit visa.
Regards TAA
Hi Abulu, If you paid only for Qatar Airways and the Cathay Airways flight was arranged by Qatar Airways (code-sharing), you won’t be leaving the airport transit area and hence visa is not required.
Hi DG team,
I am from India planning to travel Qatar on tourist A1 visa
I have applied visa online through hayya portal since two weeks ago. The visa of my children got approved but mine is still pending. I made travel arrangements and already booked non refundable tickets for 16.10.2023.
Can I opt for visa on arrival by fulfilling the requirements such as 2 day hotel booking from Discover Qatar website.Please advice me as soon as possible
Hi Ayesha, You can opt for visa on arrival if you meet the requirements. Please note that with 2 days hotel booking your visa validity may be less than a month (sometimes 7 days or 14 days only). It will depend on the Immigration officer.
hello, i had a few questions regarding on arrival visa for pakistanis.
1. we need a minimum two day booking for getting the visa. what about the ones who want to stay for a whole month but dont have sufficient means for it and already have a family in qatar and want to live with them? Can we like book for two days and then stay with family for rest 28 days?
2. once approved for a month is there any extension granted? like for another month?
3. hayya A1 and family visit visas are not getting approved. Visiting on arrival has been made very difficult for pakistanis what other option do we have if the visit is very urgent?
4. can we apply for hayya A1 visa and also family visit visa from metrash both at the same time?
Hi Rabia,
1) There is no such option as per the rule. If you are lucky you may get 7 day or 14 days visa with 2 day booking. It will depend on the officer. We haven’t seen anyone getting 30 days visa with 2 days booking.
2) To extend further you need to show Discover Qatar hotel booking again.
3) Hayya A1 and Family Visit are delayed, but getting approved. There is no other option for quick visit.
4) When someone else asked this question this week, Hayya helpline said that is not possible (we don’t know why).
Regret that we couldn’t offer a satisfactory solution to your problem. You can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
hi
for those nationalities that need hotel booking from DQ, is the duration of visa granted on arrival based on the duration of booking?
or is it possible to book for 2 days minimum and rest of 28 days live with a relative?
Hi Jojoba, The official policy is that a visa is granted based on the duration of the booking. Sometimes, we see that officers issue a 14-day visa with only a 2-day booking, while at other times, they issue a 7-day visa. It appears that this decision is made by the individual officer. Normally we don’t see 30 days visa for 2 days booking.
I am a Canadian Citizen. At the end of aa Cruise trip on Dec 20, 2023, I have booked a hotel for 2 night stay in Doha and then a return flight to Canada on Dec 22, 2023 by Qatar Airways. Will there be a facility at Doha Cruise Port to obtain “Visa on Arrival”? Also do I have to fill out a form for “Ehteraz pre-registration”? if so what is the link?
Thank you
Hi Virendra, You can get visa on arrival at the cruise port. Ehteraz is not needed anymore. The requirement has been removed since many months.
currently what is the best method to bring the family in qatar? 1. family visit visa in process since last 2 week, 2. family visa taking too much tym for process, 3. hayya tourist A1 is not approving. Any how i need to bring my wife and child on 29 November , booked tickets, rent out the room but suddenly no hayya, no family visit , no family residence. can you please advise? Visa on arrival still require hayya approval? if we book room in discover qatar and took insurance can they fly as last option
Hi Fasludeen, Family Visit Visa is still getting approved (there is a delay). Visa on arrival is also possible if you have DQ booking.
Hi! We will travel from Atlanta to New Dehli through Doha with a 9 hr 40 min layover on Qatar Airlines. We have booked a Discover Qatar tour. Will we have to collect our checked bags? Will we need to go through security and/or customs again? Is there a place to store our hand baggage? On the return flight, it was all booked through Qatar Air. However, the flight from New Dehli to Doha is scheduled through Indigo. Will we need to collect our checked bags and go through security and/or customs? Thank you so much!
Hi Sadie, If you have booked both flights through Qatar Airways (in a single booking), the checked-in baggage will be transferred by Qatar Airways. You don’t have to worry about that. This is what happens in 99% of cases, even if there is a code-sharing agreement with Indigo. You can confirm this once again with the airline during your check-in.
Since you have booked a Discover Qatar tour, you will have to exit the airport. In that case, you will have to go through security and immigration. If you are a US citizen, you can get a visa on arrival.
Regarding the storage of hand baggage, you can check at the transfer desk. If there is no option inside the airport, there is a private facility just outside the arrivals area. We have explained it here: https://www.dohaguides.com/luggage-storage-at-doha-airport/
Hi,
I am travelling to Pakistan from Australia on Oman Air and I have around 14 hours stay at Doha. My wife and child’s passport have a Pakistani passport and it has only 5-month validity left. We are going to Pakistan, have return tickets, and plan to renew our Passports there. Can we get an arrival visa? Thanks.
Hi Attaullah, Unfortunately they may not get visa on arrival. As per the rule, Pakistani & Indian passport holders should have Discover Qatar hotel booking to get visa on arrival. Also the passport should have 6 months validity (for all visitors). You can double check this with Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
I am transiting via DOH – LCA-DOH-JFK. My stopover in Doha is exactly 9 hours. There is no earlier flight from DOH to JFK.
1. How can I apply for transit visa? Should I just go to transit desk @Hamad Airport and they will arrange everything OR I need some preparations in advance?
2. I hear that they also give free hotel accomodation for cases where stop over is more than 8 hours and no other earlier QR flight available for destination. How does that work? Do I need to do anything in advance for it? Should I just go to transit desk at Hamad airport and they will arrange everything
Hi Abbas, (1) During your transit at Doha Airport, you don’t need a transit visa (unless you are leaving the airport). If you decide to go for a city tour (or visit someone), you can try to get transit visa. Note that currently there is no option to apply for transit visa online as the online service is suspended. You need to contact your local Qatar Airways office to see if they can arrange a transit visa. Another option is visa on arrival, but it will depend on your nationality. You can read the above article for more info.
(2) Regarding the hotel accommodation, it is better to contact Qatar Airways and ask in advance. The Transit Desk is usually helpful, but it is better to confirm things in advance.
Hi DG Team,
Thank you for the information. My sister and mother had a hayya with me voucher visa and we booked tickets based on that. However, we updated their renewed passport number in the visa and its pending for approval since 10days. They are travelling next week. They are from India. My question is, if its not approved, can they still enter by visa on arrival?
If yes, is the hotel booking required? as in hayya with me, we had added them under our accomodation.
Please help here.
Hi Hafsa, They can get visa on arrival, but as per the rule Indians should have Discover Qatar hotel booking (at least for two days). Regarding the issue of Hayya With Me, many others are facing the same issue after updating passport details.
Hello,
My family and I will be travelling back from India to Brussels. I am Indian while my Wife and Child are Germans. For VoA for me do I need a Hotel booking through Discover Qatar? The stay from arrival to departure is 12 hours.
Hi Pradeep, As per the rule, Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for Indians. Sometimes, they would allow transit passengers if you book a city tour through Discover Qatar (depends on the officer). You need to confirm this with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or contact them at [email protected] (please note that the rules are subject to change from time to time).
NOTE: If you are unsure about visa on arrival and have a few weeks before your travel date, we suggest applying for a Hayya Tourist Visa. This is a pre-approved visa (free of cost) that only requires someone in Qatar to host you or a hotel accommodation from any hotel. Please note that approval may take several days or even weeks, so it’s advisable to pursue this option only if you have enough time before your intended travel date. For more details, please visit this link: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hello, me and my wife (with Slovak and Polish passports ) are traveling through Qatar and have long transit time (14 hours). Are we eligible for transit visa? If yes, can we obtain the transit visa online or we can do it easily at the Doha airport?
Hi Tomas, Slovak and Polish passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival. You can get it at the airport itself. Just show your passports and onwards tickets. If they ask about accommodation, you can inform that you have a flight in few hours. Note that it is not a transit visa, but a normal visa on arrival (transit visa is processed through Qatar Airways).
We are from India.
MY travel plan is to go from Mumbai (India) to Abu Dhabi (UAE) and then to Doha (Qatar) and then return from Doha to Mumbai,
so is there any issue in this?
Where will they process my visa on arrival ? On mumbai airport? Or on Abu Dhabi airport?
Hi
I am an Indian citizen travelling from USA to India via Doha with my family. I have 9hr interval at Doha airport. I would like to do a sightseeing of Doha just for 3-4 hours. i have gone through the rulles for VOA. I have some questions following :
1.Do i need to book Hotels by Discover, since it is only for few hours?
2. Is one credit card as head of the family sufficient?
3. Do we need health insurance for that few hours ? How much it cost in general?
Thank you so much for your answers in advance
Hi Saikat, (1) As per the rule, Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for Indians. Sometimes, they would allow transit passengers if you book a city tour through Discover Qatar (depends on the officer). You need to confirm this with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or contact them at [email protected] (please note that the rules are subject to change from time to time).
(2) Only one credit card is required for the entire family.
(3) According to the rules, health insurance is not needed if traveling for less than 30 days. However, some airlines may require it. If you are asked, you can book health insurance online at the airport using your mobile phone.
NOTE: If you are unsure about visa on arrival and have a few weeks before your travel date, we suggest applying for a Hayya Tourist Visa. This is a pre-approved visa that only requires someone in Qatar to host you or a hotel accommodation from any hotel. Please note that approval may take several days or even weeks, so it’s advisable to pursue this option only if you have enough time before your intended travel date. For more details, please visit this link: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi, I’m Ukrainian traveling via Doha. My transit time is 8 hours and I would like to take a discover Doha tour for 3 hours. Do I need to get a visa on arrival?
Hi Veta, For Ukraine nationals, Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for visa on arrival. However this may not be required in your case as you are on a short transit. To avoid any last minute confusion, please double check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Is it necessary to come back Pakistan from qatar on tourist visa extension?
Hi Moomal, Tourist Visa extension is done online. You don’t have to exit the country.
I would like to secure a transit visa for October 2, 2023 because I have a long layover for my flight going back to Manila. Kindly provide me the process how to secure a transit visa. Thank you.
Hi Lilibeth, Nowadays Transit Visa can only be processed by Qatar Airways offices. Online portal for Transit Visa is not working. Please contact your local Qatar Airways office. If that doesn’t work you can apply for Tourist Visa: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/