Ready to discover the charm of Arabian Gem, which has been an incredible FIFA host, a land where history and technology crosslink. Qatar, a hub of commerce and culture in the Arabian Peninsula, has always been the destination for tourists and tech enthusiasts.
So, understanding Qatar Visa policies is very important to get into this magical land through legal procedures. Many options are available there, but Qatar on-arrival visa is easy to get and convenient for travelers.
Qatar On-Arrival Visa: Overview
This Comprehensive guide contains all the aspects of Qatar on-arrival visa from eligible travelers, requirements, application procedure, and travel recommendations for traveling freaks.
Qatar on-arrival visa, previously known as Visa free entry, is open for all eligible travelers who are interested in obtaining a visa at the entrance point of Qatar with no need to apply for a visa in advance.
Qatar’s arrival visa policies apply to all 95 eligible countries except GCC, which has visa-free permits.
This system simplifies travel plans and reduces the need for pre-paper work for the trip. All you have to do is to get your visa in hand after reaching the Qatar boundary.
The typical duration of a Qatar on-arrival visa is up to 30 days, but for some countries, the European Union, America, and the United Kingdom can be granted up to 90 days.
All you need to do is meet the eligibility criteria for an arrival visa to explore the fantastic skyline of Doha and the enormous deserts of Qatar.
Qatar on arrival visa new rules
Citizens from over 95 countries can receive a visa on arrival.
Since Feb 2023, health insurance is mandatory for visa extension or stay beyond 30 days. This must be from approved insurance providers.
Proof of accommodation is also required. The hotel reservation must be through Discover Qatar website by visitors from India, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran and Belarus.
Eligibility And Duration Of Visa On-Arrival
After receiving the prestigious honor of hosting the FIFA World Cup, Qatar has become one of the most famous travel destinations due to its futuristic innovations and historic places with a blend of modernity.
Qatar’s arrival visa has completely paved the way to explore this dynamic nation for a promising journey of innovation and wonder.
To qualify for Qatar on-arrival visa, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship
Qatar’s on-arrival visa is valid for the vast majority of countries from Europe, especially Schengen areas, the United Nations, Asia, and the United Kingdom, up to 95 countries.
The Qatar Ministry of Interior lists these as eligible for visa-on-arrival and visa-free entry.
Purpose of Visit
This visa is generally granted for tourism and business purposes, but it is also valid for family visits, work visit visas, and medical treatment.
You should specify the purpose of your visit for a smooth application process at the Qatar airport.
GCC Citizens
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council ( Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia ) enjoy freedom of travel all across Qatar without any Visa due to a visa-free permit, even Qatar on arrival visa. Residents of the GCC should travel from their home nations to enter Qatar.
GCC residents having valid GCC permits should fall under the approved professional list. Here is the link to the professions list from the official MOI website
Duration
The Qatar on-arrival visa typically allows travelers to stay in Qatar for 30 days, but these policies are quite different for the GCC.
Usually, the 30-day visit is granted to most travelers for a business visit or short tour, but for GCC, the duration can be extended up to 90 days due to a bilateral agreement between Qatar and GCC nations.
Requirements For On-Arrival Visa
Before you start your adventurous Journey in the lands of Qatar, you should meet the important requirements for a stress-free trip.
Here is what you need to get your Qatar On-arrival visa to start your Journey without a hitch.
Passport Validity
The passport must be valid for at least six months to avoid any legal complications within Qatar, and it also ensures your travel beyond Qatar.
Passport validity is essential for the documentation or verification at the entry of Qatar on arrival visa.
Return Ticket
Travelers must confirm their return and onward flight tickets to avoid any legal complications and overstay in Qatar because this can lead to heavy fines, jail time, and even future entry risks.
From Eligible country
The traveler’s nation must be on the list of eligible countries.
Accommodation Details
You have to submit proof of your accommodation at the Qatar airport entrance. This can be your hostel reservation, rental agreement, and invitation from local hosts, your friends, or family. Make your hotel reservation solely through the Discover Qatar website. Please be aware that hotel reservations from other websites or directly with hotels will not be accepted.
Financial Proof
Travelers may need to show proof of their financial resources, such as credit cards, bank statements, or at least USD 1000 in cash. This ensures that you can fulfill your expenses in Qatar without relying on public funds and illegal overstay.
A valid international debit or credit card is required for individuals from Pakistan, Iran, India, and Thailand. Additionally, the cardholder must provide a three-month bank statement showing a balance equivalent to 5,000 QAR in the local currency. If you travel with family, one debit card is enough.
Health Insurance
Health insurance for your safe and sound stay also includes proof of COVID-19 vaccination and negative results. This is mandatory for those staying more than 30 days.
Where to buy health insurance
You can get a basic plan for 30 days for QR 30 from any registered insurance firm. You can check the list of insurance providers on the Ministry of Public Health’s website.
Please read out our article on qatar visa extension.
Application Process For Qatar On-Arrival Visa
For eligible travelers in Qatar, an arrival visa is one of the best options you can easily obtain on arrival at Qatar’s entry point.
To make sure of your entry, you must be prepared with all your documents to embark on your Journey without any hiccups. Here is the detailed guide for both conventional Qatar on-arrival visas and online applications.
On Arrival Visa Application Process
Arrival at Qatar Entry Points
- Most of the travelers arrive at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, which handles most international immigration, flights, and visa processing.
Document Presentation
- You must review your document before arrival at the Qatar entry point to ensure finalized documentation at the airport to avoid any delay and stress-free trip.
- Your document includes a Valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, return ticket, and financial proof.
Fill out the Visa Form
- After arrival at the Qatar airport, proceed to the immigration desk to obtain your visa application form for visa issuance.
- Fill Out the Qatar on-arrival visa application form that contains information like personal data, travel schedule, passport information, and purpose of visit.
Processing of Application form
- At the immigration counter, pay the visa fee of QAR 100(approx. USD 27). Except for GCC nationals with visa-free entry and other nationals with free entry visa facilities, pay a fee through a credit card or in cash as well.
- Once the visa fee is processed, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with Qatar on-arrival visa, ultimately improving your short-term stay in Qatar and issuing a visa.
Entry To Qatar Land
- Once the application process is completed, you’re ready to enter and move into the airs of Qatar with legal freedom.
Online Application Method(Visa extension and visa status)
Although arrival visas are handled at the airport, some services like visa extension and Visa status can be done through an online portal.
You can follow this step-by-step guide for this purpose.
Visit Qatar Ministry Of Interior Website
- Visit the official e-Government portal or the Qatar Ministry of Interior website.
- Generally, this would be moi.gov.qa or portal.www.gov.qa. To create an account.
Create an Account
- Register yourself on the official website to create an account by signing up with the personal details required and email.
- In this way, you can create your login credentials.
Access the services
- Log in to your account to access the services for visa extension and check the validity of your visa.
- This will help you avoid illegal overstaying in Qatar and help you keep your travel record clean or prevent legal troubles in the future.
Application For Visa Extension
- In the services section, you can easily apply for a visa extension if you want to stay in Qatar legally for more than 30 days.
- You must have to apply for a visa extension before the end of your stay for security 7 days before your exit from Qatar.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary details, mostly similar to the previous application’s passport information, upload documents, and return proof of the ticket.
- After submitting the application form, you can get the notification of visa extension approval via email. You can further read about extension on this article.
Health Insurance for stay above 30 days
If you stay for more than 30 days or if your visa is being extended, you must provide valid health insurance.
Please purchase insurance from approved insurance providers as listed on MOPH website.
For further information about visa extension, please read out our article on extension of visa.
Visa Status Verification
- Through an online portal, you can easily check your visa status to avoid overstaying and legal stay.
- By using the visa status check, you can easily plan for a visa extension if you want to explore this historic and magical country of innovations.
Visa extension fee
There is no fee for a visa extension.
Countries subject to visa fee
Qatar generally offers a visa-free option to many countries, as we discussed earlier and shared the list of those countries. However, nationals from certain other countries have to pay some visa fees, which in most cases is 27 USD. These countries include Belarus, Iran, Taiwan, and more.
How to check on-arrival visa Validity
You can check the validity of your visa simply by visiting the MOI website. Follow these steps
Visit MOI website
Click on the “inquiries tab.”
Then, you will navigate to the “Visa Services” tab
Select the Visa service option, then choose the “Visa inquiry and printing” icon.
Enter your passport number or visa number, select nationality, and then enter the verification code given on the screen in the selected field and click on the submit button.
Here, you will see the validity of the visa.
“List of Nationalities Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Qatar”
180 days visa waiver countries:
| Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Austria |
| Bahamas | Belgium | Bulgaria |
| Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
| Germany | Greece | Hungary |
| Italy | Iceland | Spain |
| Latvia | Norway | Sweden |
| Liechtenstein | Poland | Switzerland |
| Lithuania | Portugal | Turkey |
| Luxembourg | Romania | Ukraine |
| Malaysia | Serbia | Lithuania |
| Malta | Seychelles | Slovenia |
| Netherlands | Slovakia |
30 days visa
| Andorra | Australia | Azerbaijan |
| Belarus | Bolivia | Indonesia |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | India | Iran |
| Brazil | Ireland | Japan |
| Brunei | Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan | Lebanon |
| Canada | Macao | Macedonia |
| Chile | Maldives | Mauritius |
| China | Mexico | Moldova |
| Colombia | Montenegro | Monaco |
| Costa Rica | New Zealand | Pakistan |
| Cuba | Panama | Paraguay, Uruguay |
| Ecuador | Peru | Russia |
| Falkland Islands | San Marino | Rwanda |
| French Guiana | Singapore | South Africa |
| Georgia | South Korea | Suriname |
| Guyana | Thailand | United Kingdom |
| Hong Kong | Vatican City, Venezuela | United States |
These visa-free stays are subject to certain criteria, including a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
Visa Solutions for Non-Eligible Nationalities Traveling to Qatar
If your nationality does not qualify for a Qatar visa on arrival, you can apply for a pre-approved visa via Qatar’s e-visa portal, contact the nearest Qatari embassy, or look into tourist, business, or family visit visas. Make sure to check your country’s particular visa requirements and processing periods.
Countries with some additional conditions:
Qatar-Oman joint visa on arrival
This is a 30-day on-arrival visa that can be extended for up to 30 days. This visa provides multiple admission into both countries. QR 100 may cost 30 days.
Qatar on arrival visa for Indian nationals
The same conditions apply to Indians as to other 30-day free visa-granting nationals. They are also offered a 30-day free visa, and the requirement is that a hotel reservation must be made through the Discover Qatar website. For Indians, if you are traveling with family, one credit card is sufficient.
visa fee: Free visa
GCC residents
Qatar offers single-entry visa to GCC residents. This allows you to stay for up to 30 days and can be extended by another 30 days.
Qatar on arrival visa for Pakistanis
Due to good diplomatic relations, Qatar offers a 30-day free visa to Pakistanis. The requirements for this are a hotel reservation, which must be made through the Discover Qatar website, and an international debit or credit card. If you are with your family, you have to provide one card and financial proof for your family.
A Polio certificate is also demanded from Pakistanis.
On Arrival For Thai- Nationals
If you are a national of Thailand, Qatar offers you a 30-day free visa on arrival, which can be extended for another 30 days. For this, you must have a hotel reservation made through the Discover Qatar website before applying for the visa, and you need to have an international debit or credit card.
On-arrival visa for Ukraine citizens
Free entry visa for up to 90 days
Requirements:
| Hotel reservations booked through the Discover Qatar website |
| International Debit/credit card. |
| If you are with family, you have to provide one card for the family as financial proof. It may extend up to 90 days. |
On-arrival visa for Iranians
Qatar offers on arrival visa to Iranians for 30 days for a minor fee
Requirements: Hotel reservation booked through the Discover Qatar website
International Debit/credit card. If you are with family, you have to provide one card for the family as financial proof.
Visa fee
Qatar provides free on-arrival visas to the majority of countries. This visa may cost some nationals, such as Belarus and Iran.
Overstay fines
After the visa expires, you will be charged a fine of QAR 200 per day.
Tips and Recommendations For Qatar On-Arrival Visa
By following these tips and recommendations, you can make your Qatari Journey even more memorable and adventurous.
- Make sure all the important documents and paperwork are ready to avoid any delay and get access to your on-arrival visa.
- Keep yourself informed about the latest updates on Qatar Ministry and immigration policies. You can get this information from the Qatar Ministry of Interior’s official website.
- Prepare and organize your health insurance documents and accommodation proofs one month before your trip.
- Prepare a list of all the destinations that you want to explore so that you cannot waste a single day in Qatar searching for locations.
- Familiarize yourself with Qatari culture and traditions to ensure respectful behavior with locals during your stay.
Travel with minors
In case of travel with minors, carry additional documents such as birth certificates and other related documents.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Entry with Qatar On-Arrival Visa
To ensure a smooth entry into Qatar with an on-arrival visa, it’s essential to be prepared. Keep your hotel booking and travel itinerary handy, either printed or on your phone, as immigration officers may ask for these details. Be polite and patient during the process, answering any questions confidently.
If you’re planning to extend your stay, familiarize yourself with the extension rules in advance. Avoid common mistakes like entering with an invalid passport or lacking onward travel plans. Lastly, always stay mindful of your visa’s expiration to avoid overstay penalties. With these tips, your entry into Qatar should be seamless and stress-free.
Conclusion
Here, you go explore Qatar’s rich culture, cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes with Qatar. On arrival visa, you can explore a land where history connects with modernity.
Those who are planning to visit this heritage must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill the requirements for a hassle-free tour.
In conclusion, the Qatar on-arrival visa is a sign of Qatar’s dedication to tourism and provides unforgettable experiences to travelers, making it a practical tool for all visitors.
This system streamlines your travel preparations and cuts down extra paperwork for the trip. All you have to do is grab your necessary documents, reach the Qatar boundary, and get your arrival visa in hand.
Qatar always welcomes you to the land of discoveries by hosting a legacy that makes a long-lasting impression on the whole world.
Qatar is awaiting your arrival, ready to inspire and welcome you with its unique hospitality.
Important contacts
Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999
Visit Hukoomi.qa for any assistance
FAQs
Can I get on arrival visa in Qatar?
Indeed, you can obtain a visa upon arrival in Qatar; but, you must ask for an extension of validity well in advance of the visa’s expiration date.
Is Qatar visa on arrival for Pakistani citizens?
Yes, Qatar provides free visas to Pakistani people. Proof of accommodation is necessary for an on-arrival visa and must be obtained through the Discover Qatar website.
Who can enter Qatar without a visa?
No visa is required for GCC residents to enter the country.
