Qatar Visa on Arrival I Requirements And Updates 2024
Despite a brief pause in 2020 due to COVID-19,
Qatar has resumed its visa on arrival service with certain conditions. In 2024,
citizens from over 90 countries can enjoy this free Qatar Visa On Arrival.
This guide covers the necessary requirements,
eligible nationalities, application steps, and visa renewal procedures.
Additionally it addresses common queries regarding the free visa on arrival in
Qatar.
Table Of Contents
1. Entry
Without Visa:
Explore countries with visa-free entry to Qatar.
2. Latest
Rules & Updates:
Stay updated on new
regulations for Qatar Visa On Arrival.
3. Requirements
for Visa On Arrival:
Understand what you need for a Qatar Visa On Arrival.
4. Eligible
Nationalities:
Find out if your country is among those eligible for visa-free
entry to Qatar.
5. Special
Conditions for Some Nationalities:
Learn about additional requirements for specific nationalities.
6. GCC
Citizens' Visa Waiver:
Discover the visa waiver process for citizens of Gulf Cooperation
Council countries.
7. Documents
Checklist:
Prepare the necessary documents for Visa On Arrival in Qatar.
8. Cost
of Qatar Visa On Arrival:
Understand the fees associated with obtaining a Qatar Visa On
Arrival.
9. Immigration
Counter Procedure:
Learn about the process at the immigration counter upon arrival in
Qatar.
10.
Extending
Your Visa:
Find
out how to extend your stay in Qatar with Visa On Arrival.
1 Visa Free Entry
Entering without a visa is now called visa-free entry, which used to be
known as visa on arrival. Qatar Tourism clarifies that despite the name change,
nothing else has changed.
2 Latest Changes to Qatar Visa On Arrival: What You Need to Know
Now,
citizens of more than 90 countries can obtain a visa on arrival.
However,
if you're from India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, or Ukraine, you must book your
hotel stay through the Discover Qatar website for the entire duration of your
visit.
Remember, bookings made on
other websites won't be valid.
On
the other hand, citizens from other countries are free to book their
accommodations from any website.
Moreover, if you plan to
extend your visa on arrival, make sure to purchase visitor’s health insurance
as it's now a requirement.
3 Requirements For
Qatar Visa On Arrival:
1.
Citizenship:
·
Visitors must be
citizens of countries eligible for the visa (list provided below).
2.
Passport
Validity:
·
Passports must be
valid for at least six months.
3.
Confirmed
Return Tickets:
·
Visitors need a
confirmed return or onward ticket.
4.
Accommodation:
·
Visitors must have
confirmed accommodation with clear details or a hotel reservation for their
stay duration.
·
Most travelers can
book regular hotels. For booking, TripAdvisor is recommended for its extensive
hotel reviews.
·
However, citizens from
India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine must book their entire stay
through the Discover Qatar website.
·
Staying with a Qatar
resident or direct hotel booking isn't accepted for these nationalities to get
a visa on arrival.
·
A minimum of 2 nights
must be booked through Discover Qatar. Cancellations within 48 hours incur a
100% fee.
Note:
·
Even if you book for a
longer duration, the initial visa is for 30 days only.
·
Extension requires a
visit to any MOI Service Center or the Airport Immigration office; online
extension may not be available for these nationalities.
·
This rule applies only
to visa-on-arrival travelers, not for family visit visas.
4Countries 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
The visa waiver is valid for 180 days from
entry. Visitors can stay up to 90 days, whether in one trip or several.
The stay cannot be extended beyond 90 days. Requirements include a
passport (valid for 6 months), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation
(local host details or hotel booking), and health insurance (if staying for 30
days).
Countries Eligible
for Visa Waiver:
|
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] |
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.
Category 2: Visa for
30 days:
The initial visa allows a 30-day stay upon entry. Most countries can extend this for an
additional 30 days. It's a single entry
visa, meaning you can enter Qatar only once. Requirements include a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward
flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance (for stays of 30 days or more).
Some
nationalities need a Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds (details
below).
The following are the
countries included under this category:
|
India |
Pakistan |
Thailand |
|
Belarus |
Montenegro |
Falkland
Islands |
|
Mauritius |
Macao |
French
Guiana |
|
Taiwan
(China) |
Panama |
Bosnia
and Herzegovina |
|
Kazakhstan |
New
Zealand |
Monaco |
|
South
Africa |
Venezuela |
Brunei |
|
Moldova |
Georgia |
Maldives |
|
Peru |
Lebanon |
Costa
Rica |
|
Rwanda |
Uruguay |
Colombia |
|
Suriname |
Vatican
City |
United
States |
|
South
Korea |
United
Kingdom |
San
Marino |
|
Russia |
Singapore |
Paraguay |
|
Australia |
Chile |
Indonesia |
|
Canada |
China |
Ecuador |
|
Cuba |
Brazil |
Japan |
|
Bolivia |
Guyana |
Mexico |
|
Iran |
Ireland |
Andorra |
|
Uzbekistan |
5Special
Requirements for Certain Countries:
Beside the standard requirements (valid
passport for 6 months, round-trip flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and
health insurance), certain countries have specific conditions, as detailed
below.
1.
Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indian Nationals
Indian citizens get a
complimentary tourist visa upon arrival for up to 30 days, depending on hotel
booking.
(a)
You must confirm your hotel reservation using Discover Qatar's website. Other
sites bookings won't work.
(b)
Each family needs a credit or debit card. Details on proof of funds are
mentioned earlier.
2.
Qatar Visa On Arrival For Pakistan Nationals
Pakistani
citizens receive a complimentary tourist visa on arrival for up to 30 days or
based on hotel booking.
(a) Ensure your hotel reservation is confirmed through
Discover Qatar's website; other platforms are not accepted.
(b) Each family needs a credit or debit card. Details
on proof of funds are provided earlier.
(c) Do not forget to bring a polio vaccination
certificate.
3.
Qatar Visa On Arrival For
Thailand Nationals
Thailand citizens get a free visa on arrival for up to 30
days, or based on hotel booking.
(a) Book your hotel through
Discover Qatar's website only. Other sites aren't valid.
(b) Each family needs a credit
or debit card. Details on proof of funds are provided earlier.
(c) You can extend your
stay for another 30 days if needed.
4.
Qatar Visa On Arrival
For Nationals of Iran
Iranian citizens can
get a tourist or business visa on arrival, with a fee, for up to 30 days or
based on hotel booking.
(a)
Book your hotel through Discover Qatar's website only. Other sites won't work.
(b)
Tourist visa costs QR 100 and is
valid for one month.
(c)
Each family needs a credit card for a tourist visa.
(d)
Business visa costs QR 200 per
month, valid for up to six months with an invitation letter from a certified
Qatar Government company.
5.
Qatar Visa On Arrival For
Nationals of Ukraine
Ukrainian citizens
receive a complimentary tourist visa on arrival for up to 90 days or based on
hotel booking.
(a)
Book your hotel through Discover Qatar's website only. Other sites won't work.
(b)
Initially, the visa is for 30 days or as per hotel booking. Visitors can extend
their stay up to 90 days after getting health insurance upon arrival
6.
Qatar Oman Joint Tourist
Visa-On-Arrival
Residents
of these countries can obtain the Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival.
There might be a charge of QR 100
for a 30-day stay.
7.
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 available
for up to one month, costing QR 100.
(b) Business visas are offered
for one to three months, with a fee of QR
200 per month.
(c) Visitors must have either $1,000
in cash or a valid credit card.
(d) Ensure a hotel reservation in Qatar for the duration of
your visit.
Visa Waiver For GCC Citizens
Besides the mentioned nations, people from GCC countries
(Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE) don't need a visa to come to
Qatar.
Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers:
Passport:
Must be valid for at least six
months
Flight Tickets:
Bring return or onward
tickets Confirmed.
Accommodation:
For India,
Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine, book via Discover Qatar. For other
countries, regular hotel booking or a clear address of stay.
Proof of Fund:
Required 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:
Get health
insurance from a MOPH-approved provider (if staying for 30 days).
Qatar Visa On Arrival Cost
Visa on
arrival is completely free for most citizens, with no extension fees. However,
there might be charges for nationals from certain countries like Iran and
Belarus.
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exceptional journey.
Procedure At the Immigration Counter
·
When checking in from your
departure country, inform the airline staff about your visa on arrival.
·
They might ask for your
accommodation details. If staying with a relative, have their contact info,
address, and QID copy ready.
·
At the Doha immigration counter,
request a visa on arrival.
·
Provide hotel/host contact
details if asked.
·
Some nationalities may need to
show a credit or debit card.
·
During the iris scan, look at the
camera. A green light confirms the scan.
·
Some passengers might need a
fingerprint scan.
·
The immigration officer will
attach a small sticker on your passport.
·
That’s it. Welcome to Doha!
How to Extend
Qatar Visa On Arrival?
If you
are from a country that can extend its 30-day visa-on-arrival, you can renew it
online.
Health
Insurance Requirement for Visa Extension
UPDATE:
Starting October 2023, health insurance is a must for stays exceeding 30 days.
Before buying the policy,
check if you can extend your visa. If you see an error message saying ‘valid health insurance not found, buy
the policy.
To qualify for an extension, do the following:
Get health insurance from
an approved MOPH provider.
Include your visa number
in the policy for system linkage.
Follow the steps below for
extension eligibility.
Step 1 Guide:
Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service Page On MOI Website
This is available under Visa Services –>
Visit Visa Extension.
Visa extension service on the MOI website.
Step 2 Guide:
Enter the visa number or passport 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 Guide:
Select nationality from the
drop-down list
Step 4 Guide:
Enter the verification code from
the picture or audio.
Step 5 Guide:
Click on the
‘Extend’ button
The
visa will be renewed for another 30 days.
Is there any
charges for extending a Qatar visa on arrival?
No,
extending a Qatar visa on arrival is free.
How to Check
Visa Renewal Status if I Did not Receive Confirmation?
You can check the validity of your visa
on the Ministry of Interior website.
When Can I Renew My Visa After Arrival?
You can
renew any day after arrival. Make sure you do it before the expiry to avoid
complications.
Here is
how to check the validity of a Qatar visa.
Steps to Check Visa Status:
·
Visit the MOI website Visa Inquiry &
Printing page.
·
Enter the visa number (found on the sticker in
your passport) or passport number.
·
Choose your nationality from the drop-down
menu.
·
Enter the verification code from the picture
or audio.
·
Click on the “Submit” button.
·
View the details, including visa validity.
·
Click the print icon to save or print a copy
for later reference.
Are GCC
residents eligible to get a Qatar visa on arrival?
If you live in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
country, you can get a single-entry visa when you arrive. This visa is given if
your residency permit is valid for three months and your profession matches the
list of accepted professions.
Do I need the
renewal receipt while going back?
You do not need a
receipt because the renewal date gets updated in the immigration system automatically.
But, you can keep a copy for your own records if you want.
What Should I
Do if My Nationality Doesn't Qualify for Visa-on-Arrival?
People
from countries not eligible for visa-on-arrival can apply beforehand for
different visas like tourist visas.
Qatar Government Contact
Center
Keep in mind that while we try to keep this
page current, official policies might change without notice. For questions,
travelers can reach out to the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 or
email.
Qatar Visa on Arrival
FAQs
How do I get a free visa for Qatar?
You can enter Qatar
without a visa if your passport is from one of the 90+ eligible countries.
Check the full list on this page. Some countries may have extra requirements.
Is there an age limit for visas on arrival?
There's no set age
limit, but airlines might not allow minors to travel alone. If a minor is
flying solo, check with your airline.
Do I need a medical check-up to extend visa-free entry?
No, a medical
check-up isn't needed. It's only required for renewing a family visit visa.
Are Indians eligible for Qatar visa on arrival?
Yes, Indian
citizens can get 30 days of visa-free entry with conditions like booking with
Discover Qatar and proof of funds.
What's the fine for an expired visit visa in Qatar?
If your visit visa
expires, the penalty is QAR 200 per day.
Is hotel booking necessary for Qatar on-arrival visa?
Yes, you need
confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or local address). For citizens of
certain countries, like India, Pakistan, and Iran, booking with Discover Qatar
is required.
Should I use only Qatar Airways for travel?
You can fly with
any airline to Doha. Just make sure they know about the Visa On Arrival. Some
staff might not know, and they could refuse to board you without a visa.
Who is eligible for a Qatar Visa on
Arrival?
Citizens
of over 90 countries can enter Qatar without a visa. These countries come from
various parts of the world. To see if your country is eligible check the official
list provided by Qatar immigration authorities.
How long can you stay with a Qatar
Visa on Arrival?
Normally
the visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. However this duration might change
depending on factors like nationality and specific entry requirements.
Are there extra requirements for certain
nationalities?
Yes,
some nationalities may need additional documents like a hotel booking via
Discover Qatar or proof of funds. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your nationality before traveling.
Is there an age limit for Qatar Visa
on Arrival?
There's
generally no specific age limit, but airlines might have rules about
unaccompanied minors. If you are traveling with minors check with the airline.
Can you extend the Qatar Visa on
Arrival?
Yes,
you can usually extend it for a longer period. However the extension process might have conditions
like health insurance and proof of funds. It is wise to check the extension process beforehand.
What are the penalties for overstaying
the Qatar Visa on Arrival?
If
your visa expires and you stay in Qatar without renewing it, you might face
fines. The penalty is usually charged daily and varies based on the overstay
duration.
Is a hotel booking necessary for the
Qatar Visa on Arrival?
Yes,
confirmed accommodation is required. This can be a hotel booking or a local
address. For citizens of some countries like India, Pakistan and Iran, booking
through Discover Qatar may be compulsory.
Can you use any airline with a Qatar
Visa on Arrival?
Yes,
you can use any airline to travel to Qatar with a Visa on Arrival. But ensure
the airline knows about the Visa on Arrival facility. Some airline staff might
not be familiar with it so carry
relevant documentation to avoid boarding issues.
Do I need to show proof of funds or
credit cards?
Proof
of funds might be needed for certain nationalities. Make sure to have an
International Credit/Debit card in your name with a balance of at least QR 5,000 (one card per family).
Do I need to show the salary
certificate or tenancy contract of my host?
No,
you don't need to provide your host's salary certificate or tenancy contract
for a visa on arrival. There's no minimum salary requirement for hosting
visitors. However, it's advisable to have your host's contact information ready
in case officers ask for it.
Explore
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·
Visitor's Handbook for Doha
Expo 2023
·
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Qatar Family Residence Visa
·
Sponsorship Process for
Wives Sponsoring Husbands in Qatar
·
Changing Passport Number on
Qatar ID: A Comprehensive Guide
·
Easily Check Your Qatar
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·
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