You are in love with Doha skylines, but your Visa is expiring. Do you have to leave so early? No! You can stay in this Gulf country for more than 30 days this can be done through a Qatar Visa extension.
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Qatar is becoming one of the most attractive destinations for tourists, business professionals, and family visits, with luxurious shopping malls, a rich culture, a progressive environment, a business hub, and a booming economy after FIFA hosted the world’s famous sports HubSpot.
Whether you are on vacation, a business trip, or a family visit in Qatar it is possible to ensure your stay is legal and hassle-free. A Qatar visit visa extension can also be done through certain terms and conditions and legal documentation.
In this guide, you will learn about the complete process of a Qatar visit Visa extension from eligibility for extension, fees, required documents, and health insurance tips for a safe and long-term stay in Qatar.
What is a Qatar Visit Visa?
A Qatar Visit visa allows foreign nationals to enter and stay within the Qatar boundary for a specific duration for tourism, business trips, and family visits.
There are various types of Qatar Visit Visas available.
Tourists Visa
This Visa is available for almost all foreign citizens for 30 days.
Business Visa
For those who want to benefit from Qatar business opportunities, business-related meetings and conferences are usually 30 days in duration, but they can be extended.
GCC Resident Visit Visa
Specially designed for residents of GCC countries ( Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and UAE)
This Visa allows entry and stay in Qatar for 30 days.
Family Visit Visa
Family members of residents who live in countries other than Qatar, for those who have work-residence permits and earn more than a certain amount per annum, can legally sponsor their family by the laws of MOI Qatar.
Is it Possible to Extend your Qatar Visit Visa?
You must be curious as to whether it is possible to extend your Qatar visit visa to continue your marvelous adventure.
The answer is Yes! Most of the visitors can extend their Visa up to 90 days. This means that you can ultimately stay in Qatar for up to 4 months.
Countries Eligible for Qatar Visit Visa Extension:
Qatar grants Visa on arrival (Visit Visa) and Visa-free entry for citizens of more than 95 countries all across the world. Here are the lists of some major countries from all continents in the world.
- Europe: Australia, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway.
- Asia: Pakistan, Japan, India, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Schengen Countries: Denmark, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Hungary
- America: United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil
- GCC Countries: Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE
For an Updated list of Countries, always check the official website of Qatar MOI or your local embassy because the Qatari Government tends to change its Visa Policies every year.
Visa Duration and Stay Limits for Different Countries
According to Qatar Ministry of Interior Visa Policies, each country has its Visa duration period and stay limits according to which you can extend your Visit visa through legal process.
United States
United States visitors can stay in Qatar for up to six months on a B-tourist Visa, but work visas and student visas have different Visa durations based on the type and terms of the Visa.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom nationals can stay in Qatar for up to six months, but policies can change by the Qatari Government every year.
Australia
Australian citizens are allowed to stay in Qatar for up to Three months. After that specific period, they are allowed to apply for a qatar visit visa extension.
Schengen Countries
Schengen areas typically can stay up to 90 days within a 180 period they are eligible to apply for an extension.
Who is Eligible for a Qatar Visa Extension?
Before applying for a Visa extension, you must verify that you are eligible for a Visa extension
The key requirements for a visa extension are :
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for six months from the date of your extension to the end of your stay in Qatar.
Avoid Overstays
You must refrain from overstays if you are planning to apply for a visa extension before your stay expires in Qatar; otherwise, overstays can lead to fines and legal complications.
Health Insurance
If you are applying for more than one month visa extension then you must submit your health insurance from reputable health institutes in Qatar.
Step-by-Step Guide: Qatar visit visa extension Online
The easiest and most convenient way to extend your visit visa to avoid extra paperwork is to get all things done through the official website of the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI).
With just a few clicks you can easily secure more days in Qatar just by sitting in the comfort of your hotel room or apartment.
We have explained this in easy-to-follow steps so that you can stay longer in Qatar and spend most of your time in Qatar.
Step 1: Check Your Visa Status
The first and foremost step in the Qatar Visit Visa extension is to check your visa status for this visit on the official website of the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) online portal.
Enter your passport details and visa number here you go. By this, you can check your visa status from visa expiration to extension option if available; then, you are eligible to extend your visit visa.
Step 2: Access Visa Extension Services
Once your eligibility is confirmed straight to the Visa Services option on the portal, this will give you access to Visit Visa Extension. By clicking this, it will take you to the form where you can officially begin your extension process.
Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Extension Application Form
Here you have to fill out the visa extension form such as visa number, passport details, personal information, health insurance details, and any CAPTCHA if it is required.
Ensure to double-check your form to avoid errors otherwise, it will delay the processing of extension requests.
Step 4: Choose the Duration
So here is the most important step of your application form duration for your extension: how long you want to stay in Qatar. Based on the country you belong to, typically one month to three months are the most suitable options.
Step 5: Pay the Extension Fees
After selecting the extension duration, you need to pay a specified total depending on your stay period standard fee ranges from QR 200 per month.
You can easily make these payments securely via credit card or debit card on an online portal.
Step 6: Receive Your Extended Visa
Once your application is submitted and the required extension fee is paid, you will receive an email confirmation. It usually takes one to two business days.
After that, your Visa is updated electronically, and you do not need to visit any offices. Make sure to print out the extended Visa for future reference.
How to Extend Qatar Visit Visa Offline (In Person )
Do you dislike online portals? Not a problem; you can also extend your Visa in person by visiting the immigration office to extend your visit visa. Never end your adventure in this beautiful Gulf country without getting overwhelmed by online portals.
If your online system is unavailable or not working then you can do this by directly visiting the immigration office.
Here is a step-by-step guide to extending your Qatar visit visa in person :
Step 1: Get your Visa Extension Form
The first step is to get your Visa Extension Form from the Qatar General Directorate Passport office, or you can download it from the official website of the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) online portal. Here is the link of the form.
General Directorate phone: 44890212
Please fill it out and double-check to avoid errors and delays.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
- Your Valid passport
- Current visa copy
- Return flight Ticket proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Copy of Health insurance
Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Extension Form
Fill out the visa extension form accurately with all necessary information required passport details, visa number, and contact information. Must attach the important documents as per instructions on the application form.
Step 4: Visit the General Directorate of Passport Office
After completing the application, visit your nearest General Directorate of Passport Office to submit the form on the visa renewal counter.
Be sure to visit during working hours and be ready for possible waiting time required for processing.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Extension Fee
After submitting your documents, you have to pay the visa extension fee in cash.
The standard fee is QR 200 per month for a full three-month extension, expected to be QR 600 per month, but it may vary according to the type of visa and extension duration.
Step 6: Collect Your Extended Visa
Once your application has been processed, the extended Visa will be attached to your passport. Make sure to double-check the new expiration date and any other data just before you leave the workplace.
Pro Tips for Smooth Visa Extension Process
There is magic in the lands of Qatar from beautiful skyscrapers, tasty cuisine, rich cultural history, and incredible hospitality that keep you adhering to explore more.
When it’s time to extend your Visa, being attentive can help you a lot and make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.
Navigating the visa policies can be tricky but it is very crucial to prevent legal complications and delays in application processing.
These are some essential tips for a smooth Qatar Visa Extension.
Apply before your Visa Expires
It is very crucial to start applying for a visa extension process at least two weeks before the current Visa expires. This will help you avoid plenty of problems like missing paperwork or processing delays, so you must follow a proactive approach. Whether you are adopting the online procedure or offline must apply before your Visa expires.
Double -Check Documents
Before application submission, always review your documents twice to make sure all the necessary documents, passport details, contact information, health insurance, financial statements, and proof of residence are double-checked to avoid errors and delays.
Even small errors or missing paperwork can result in denial of your visa extension request so making the list of necessary documents will make sure that you get everything.
Keep your Health Insurance Updated
You must undergo a medical examination if you are planning to extend your Visa for more than 30 days. This will take time so it is essential to keep your health insurance up to date to avoid complications in visa extension processing.
Basic health insurance ranges from QR 50 to QR 100 per month the following companies offer travel health insurance in Qatar.
List of insurance companies in Qatar authorized to issue health insurance to visitors.
- QIC ( Qatar Insurance Company)
- Q Life & Medical Insurance Company LLC
- Daman Health Insurance Qatar
- Bupa
- Gulf Health Insurance Company
- Doha Insurance
Monitor Your Visa extension Status
You can Keep track of your Visa Extension process through the official website of the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) online portal or Metrash2 mobile app. This will help you to change the extra criteria to avoid any delays.
Enter your visa number or passport number to inquire about a visa. After submitting, this will display the status of your visa, which you may print from here.
If a problem arises then you should visit the nearest immigration office in Qatar as soon as possible.
By following these tips you can navigate the Qatar visit Visa extension process and be able to tackle the unexpected problems.
What to Do After Extending Your Qatar Visit Visa: Top Activities to Enjoy
Once you’ve successfully extended your Qatar visit visa, it’s time to explore if you have free time and make the most of your extended stay in this vibrant country.
Top of the list activities:
Explore SOUQ WAQIF: A blend of contemporary and classical experiences.
Pearl-Qatar: A man made beautiful island, a perfect spot for sun bathing.
Desert Safari:If you’re looking for some adventure, go on a desert safari. The Qatari desert provides memorable activities for thrill-seekers, including dune bashing, camel rides, and even camping beneath the stars.
Katara Cultural Village: Hub of art, music and culture
Conclusion
If you are a visitor to Qatar and want to stay for a longer period, then extending your Qatar visit Visa is not rocket science. All you need is the right information and perfect planning.
Before you apply for an extension, make sure to get yourself eligible for this. You will get to know about this in the eligible criteria for visa extension. This will save you precious time for visiting more exciting places in Qatar.
Whether you choose Qatar visit visa extension online, if you don’t want to handle extra paperwork simply at any time or any place, or you can also adopt the offline process if your online access is denied and you wish to submit the application face to face.
Now you know how to extend your stay in Qatar, choosing how to spend your additional time whether you want to explore dunes, museums, lavish restaurants, or shop from the luxurious malls of Qatar. The choice is completely yours!
