Planning a long-haul trip that includes a stop in Qatar? Your layover might be more exciting than you think. Thanks to Qatar’s free transit visa, travelers passing through Doha now have the chance to turn a simple stopover into a memorable mini getaway. This visa allows you to step out of Hamad International Airport and explore the country’s stunning attractions without paying anything extra.
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways and have a layover of more than five hours, you’re likely eligible. Imagine enjoying a few hours in Doha, discovering world-class museums, savoring local cuisine, or simply relaxing in luxury before continuing your journey.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Qatar transit visa, from eligibility requirements and application steps to recent updates, nationality-specific rules, and insider tips to make the most of your stop in Qatar. If Doha is on your route, this is your chance to explore more while traveling smart.
Qatar transit visa updates
Regardless of country, you do not need a visa to stay airside at Hamad International Airport, even if you stay for more than 24 hours.
Unless you qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, you will require a transit visa if you intend to leave the airport (for example, to explore Doha, pick up your bags, or stay at a hotel).
Although Discover Qatar may charge a minor service cost (such as QAR 25 if denied), the visa itself is free.
Currently, the online application through the Qatar Airways website is not available.
What is a transit visa?
A transit visa is a kind of travel pass or authorization that enables passengers to pass through a country on the way to their final destination. For example, if you travel from London to Singapore via Doha, then you need to get a transit visa from Qatar if required. In most cases, passengers are not required to have a transit visa in the case of Qatar.
What is Qatar Transit Visa?
Qatar Transit Visa is a short-term single-entry visa that enables passengers to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (4 days) during a layover in Qatar. This is required when you plan to enter Qatar or leave the Qatar airport transit territory for baggage collection. This is a free visa, and Qatar Airways passengers can exclusively avail this visa. This is the best option for those passing through Qatar to get to other destinations.
Qatar free Transit visa scheme 2016
Qatar announced a free transit visa policy on September 26, 2016, which went into full effect on November 1, 2016.
According to this scheme, passengers with a stopover of five hours or more at Hamad International Airport, Qatar, can avail a transit visa.
Let’s talk about the prerequisites, how to apply, and how long the Qatar transit visa is valid.
How to apply for Qatar Airways Transit visa
Apply online(Not available)
Qatar Airways used to offer online service for passengers to apply for a transit visa but this service is suspended and not available.
Apply through Qatar Airways Ticketing Office
Ticketing office: If you are not qualified for a visa on arrival, please visit a Qatar Airways ticketing office for help with the application procedure.
Submit application:
You will receive a reference number or application number for your visa after submitting your application.
Application status check
You can check the status of your transit visa application through visa request reference number or by emailing at [email protected]
Do I need a transit visa for Qatar airport?
If you do not have any plans to leave the airport and only stay in the transit area, then you do not need such a visa. Qatar does not place any requirement on you to hold a transit visa as long as you are in the airport transit territory. Some countries place transit visa restrictions based on passengers’ nationalities, such as some Schengen countries like France and Germany.
There are some specific situations where you will be required to have a transit visa even if you are a transit passenger. In this visa guide, you will understand visa requirements and different situations that require a visa, so that it will make your tour smoother. Lets discuss all this in detail.
Visiting the Qatar
Here arises a question about whether you have a plan to leave the airport and enter the Qatar city territory. In this case, when you have plenty of hours and you plan to spend these hours meeting with friends or visiting Qatar locations, then you need a visa according to your need. This could be a visit visa, transit visa, arrival visa, or any other type of visa.
Imagine you do not have any plan to leave the airport during transit hours then what will be the case. Lets discuss all the situations in detail.
How Were Your Flights Booked?
The next thing to think about is how you booked your flights. We can demonstrate this using an example.
Lets discuss different scenarios
Scenario 1: Single reservation by single airline
The first scenario is that you made a single reservation (Manchester to Lahore via Doha) with a single payment through a particular airline X. As your flight is not direct, the airline assigned you two flights: Manchester to Doha and Doha to Lahore on the same airline.
In this case, you do not require a transit visa because airline X is responsible for the Doha transit. You don’t have to bother about checked-in baggage at Doha Airport because it will be handled by airline X.You will not face exit and will remain in the transit area.
Scenario 2:You booked a single flight, but the airline allocated you different flights.
The other scenario is that you have made a single reservation with a particular airline from Manchester to Lahore via Doha and made a single payment for the reservation, but your chosen airline assigned you two flights of different airlines (such as Qatar Airways: from Manchester to Doha, and PIA from Doha to Lahore). This is a usual activity because airlines have code-sharing agreements.
In this case, you also do not require a transit visa because both airlines (Airline X and Y) are liable for your transit at Qatar Airport, including checked-in baggage. You are not necessary to have a transit visa.
Scenario 3: Booking Through different airlines or Two different bookings on the same airline
The third scenario is a little trickier. This is about making two reservations on two distinct airlines (Airline X and Airline Y) or two different bookings on the same airline. In this situation, you require a transit visa for Qatar Airport because you are liable for checked-in baggage from one flight to the next.
To retrieve checked baggage from conveyor belts outside immigration counters, you must go through immigration. This implies that even if you plan to stay at the airport, you will still require a visa. All visitor visa requirements must be fulfilled, including health insurance (for all visitor visas) and, in certain situations, hotel reservations.
After retrieving your luggage from the Arrivals area, you will need to check in once again at the Departures area. Fortunately, there is only one terminal and both locations are in the same building (albeit on different levels) at Hamad International Airport. However, make sure you have adequate time in between flights. We advise leaving at least four hours between flights in these situations.
Qatar transit visa requirements
For availing qatar transit visa, following requirements are necessary to fulfill
Passport Requirements
Passport is must for every passenger including kids
To enter Qatar, your passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry.
Also, the name on your travel booking must match the name on your passport without any discrepancies.
A clear scanned passport copy for Qatar airways
Photo: 6×6 cm color photo with white background
Ticket Requirements
Travelers are required to fly with Qatar Airways for both their arrival into and departure from Qatar.
2.The layover in Qatar should be no less than 5 hours and must not exceed 96 hours in total.
3.You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a different destination country, not a return trip to your point of origin.
4.Turnaround Point: If your journey begins and ends in the same country with Doha as the stopover, you will not qualify for a transit visa.
| Requirement | Status Needed |
| Qatar Airways flights | ✅ Yes |
| Layover 5–96 hours | ✅ Yes |
| Passport valid ≥6 months | ✅ Yes |
| Confirmed onward ticket | ✅ Yes |
| Passport copy & photo | ✅ Yes |
| Apply 7–90 days before | ✅ Yes |
| Free of charge | ✅ Yes |
| Single entry, 96 h max | ✅ Yes |
Visa application period
It’s recommended to submit your transit visa application no less than seven days before your scheduled arrival in Qatar.It does not include public holidays.
Applications will not be approved if they are submitted more than ninety days before the applicant’s arrival in Qatar.
Qatar transit visa processing time
The minimum processing time is seven days excluding public holidays.
Transit visa validity
A transit visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours, or a maximum of four days, in Qatar.It is not allowed to remain in Qatar after this time.
This visa must be used to enter Qatar within 30 days of its issuance date.
Qatar transit visa extension beyond validity
Transit visa is non-extendable. It is not extended beyond its validity. It is strictly limited to 96 hours.
A fresh visa application is necessary in this situation.
Do you know Overstay Repercussions
In addition to daily fines (often around QAR 200 per day), exceeding the 96-hour limit may result in travel bans or future visa restrictions in extreme circumstances.
Qatar transit visa cost/fee
The transit visa has no cost. It is fully free of cost; however, additional expenses such as accommodation and food must be borne by passengers.
Approval Authority
Only Qatar’s immigration officers have the authority to authorize admission.Qatar Airways helps visa applications. The Ministry of Interior bears no responsibility for costs associated with visa processing delays or denials.
What if my transit visa is rejected
Visa Rejection on Arrival
If the passenger’s visa is rejected upon arrival in Qatar, he or she may continue on to their final destination if they have a valid visa. He may also make other arrangements for return travel to the origin/other destination on his own expense.
Nationals of over 90 countries are allowed for visa-free admission into Qatar. Citizens of these nations are no longer required to get a pre-approved transit visa.
Can a transit visa be obtained with a Qatar ID?
No, a Qatari ID cannot be used as a transit visa.A transit visa is primarily for foreign travelers and requires a valid passport for entry into Qatar.
Visa on Arrival Option
Travelers from over 95 countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Qatar, which can ease the transit process if you are switching airlines or bookings.Depending on your country, this visa can be obtained for free or for a small fee. Depending on your passport, it usually permits a stay of up to 30 or 90 days.
A confirmed return or forward ticket, a valid passport (with at least six months left on it), and, in certain situations, evidence of hotel reservation (particularly for those nationalities that need it) are required in order to be eligible. Additionally, you would need to present health insurance that has been authorized by the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar. The Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) or Visit Qatar website has a complete list of qualifying nations and requirements.
Transit Accommodations on Qatar Airways (STPC: Carrier-Paid Stopover)
Qatar Airways offers transit accommodation services (known as STPC – Stopover Paid by Carrier) for eligible passengers who have long layovers at Hamad International Airport (Doha). Here’s a detailed overview:
Who Is Eligible?
Free travel accommodations might be available to you if:
- Eight to twenty-four hours will be spent in Doha.
- No earlier connecting flight is available.
- Both your inbound and outbound flights must be booked with Qatar Airways.
- Your reservation is for a single ticket rather than several tickets.
- You do not qualify if the long layover is by choice (i.e., if shorter connections were available and not selected).
What’s Included?
If eligible, Qatar Airways will provide:
- Hotel accommodation
- Meal(s)
- Visa assistance (if required)
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers
How to Apply for Transit Accommodation?
- Book your flight through Qatar Airways (or an authorized agent).
- If your layover meets the criteria, Qatar Airways may automatically offer STPC or you can request it through their customer service or office.
- Request at least 72 hours before travel.
- You may also check eligibility by contacting Qatar Airways support or visiting a local Qatar Airways ticketing office.
Alternative: Discover Qatar Stopover Packages
Qatar Airways also provides paid stopover packages through Discover Qatar, which include hotel accommodations in Doha starting at $14 per night, if you are not qualified for free transit lodging.
🇵🇰 Qatar Transit Visa for Pakistani Travelers
Holders of Pakistani passports are eligible to apply for a free Qatar transit visa if their layover is between 5 and 96 hours and both legs of the journey are booked with Qatar Airways.A valid passport, onward ticket, and early application (7+ days) are required.
🇮🇳 Qatar Transit Visa for Indian Travelers
Indian citizens transiting through Doha with Qatar Airways can get a complimentary transit visa for short layovers (5–96 hours).Though Indians may also qualify for visa-on-arrival, the transit visa is ideal for short, airport-based layovers.
🇵🇭 Qatar Transit Visa for Philippine Passport Holders
Filipino travelers flying Qatar Airways with a layover over 5 hours can avail the free transit visa. To get approval, you must have a valid passport, a confirmed ticket to a third country, and a clear photograph.
Qatar Airways Transit Tour
If you have a layover of eight hours or more, you can enhance your stopover by joining a guided city tour of Doha.Once more, be sure to speak with Qatar Airways about your visa needs.
✨ Discover Qatar Transit Experiences – Tailored Adventures for Every Layover
Maximize your layover in Doha with a rich selection of engaging and time-efficient experiences, thoughtfully curated by Discover Qatar.Whether you have just 3 hours or nearly a full day, there’s something exceptional waiting for you.
🕌 Doha City Overview Tour – QAR 115
Enjoy a 3-hour panoramic journey through the city’s key landmarks including the Museum of Islamic Art, Dhow Harbour, Katara Cultural Village, and the Pearl. Perfect for visitors with at least 6 hours between flights.
🎨 Airport Art Discovery Walk – QAR 36
Explore the acclaimed art collection within Hamad International Airport, featuring pieces from globally renowned artists. For layovers of 2+ hours, expert-led walks are also available.
🏜️ Private Desert and Inland Sea Tour – QAR 227
Go on an exclusive off-road adventure through Qatar’s desert dunes and take in the mesmerizing views of the Inland Sea. Requires a minimum 8-hour stopover.
🚁 Aerial Tour Over Doha – QAR 850
Board a scenic flight for an aerial tour over major landmarks including Lusail Stadium, the Pearl, Corniche, and mangroves. Ideal for those with 4+ hours layover.
🚘 Personalized Doha Tour – QAR 700
Create a personalized travel itinerary and discover Doha in style aboard a luxury V-Class or a comparable vehicle.Great for families or small groups seeking a flexible and private sightseeing experience (min. 6-hour layover).
💆♀️ Wellness Experience at the Airport – QAR 275
Recharge during shorter stopovers (3+ hours) with premium lounge access and spa treatments, including massages and relaxation zones.
🏨 Qatar Stopover Packages – From QAR 52/Night
Turn your layover into a mini-vacation. Choose hotel packages based on your comfort:
- 4-star stays from QAR 52
- 5-star city hotels from QAR 88
- Beachfront stays from QAR 113
- Luxury options with breakfast included from QAR 304
Add-ons include city tours, desert safaris, golf sessions, or beach club access.
🔍 Additional Tips
- Visa on Arrival: Citizens from 100+ countries can enter visa-free; others may obtain a transit visa.
- On-Site Booking: If tours are fully booked online, visit the Discover Qatar desk in the Duty-Free zone of Hamad International Airport within 48 hours of travel.
- Tour Timings: Ensure enough buffer time for each tour to avoid delays to your onward flight.
Qatar Airways Stopover Packages
You can get attractive stopover packages from Qatar Airways (exclusive service for passengers) that include hotel reservations and related services tailored to best suit passengers’ needs and desires.
How to get stopover package
| Visit qatar airways official website |
| When booking on the Qatar Airways website, click on the “Qatar Stopover” switch in the flight search panel to enable stopover options.Select your departure city and your final destination. Please note: Doha should not be selected as your destination. |
| Select the time and length of your preferred layover. |
| Choose Qatar airways stopover package. |
| If you’re departing from major countries (e.g., USA, UK, India, UAE), book your flight and hotel together in one transaction. |
| For other origins, book your flight first, then visit the Discover Qatar site to add your hotel and tour options. |
Pick Your Stopover Package
Choose from different hotel categories suited to your taste and budget:
Standard (4★) from USD 14/QAR 52 pp/night
Premium Beach (5★ + beach access) from USD 31/QAR 113
Premium (5★) from USD 24/QAR 88
Luxury (5★ + breakfast) from USD 83/QAR 304
You will be provided with a hotel booking confirmation along with detailed guidelines for meeting the visa requirements.
Enjoy Your Stay in Doha
Be sure to pack essentials in your carry-on, as checked luggage isn’t accessible for short stopovers.
Please be aware that as visa rules and laws are subject to change, you should always confirm the most recent ones before departing.
Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] if you have any issues concerning a Qatar visa.
End note:
Qatar’s free 96-hour transit visa offers a great opportunity for travelers flying with Qatar Airways to explore Doha during a stopover. With simple eligibility requirements and no visa fee, it is an ideal option for those with a layover of 5 to 96 hours. However, travelers must apply in advance and ensure they meet all conditions. For those eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, accessing the city is even easier as no transit visa is needed. Always check the latest guidelines before your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Disclaimer
Prices, fees, and package details may change over time. It’s strongly recommended to check with official sources or contact the relevant authorities directly to get the most up-to-date information before making any travel arrangements.
What is the cost of a Qatar Transit Visa?
The Qatar Transit Visa is issued free of charge, although a small service fee (around QAR 25) may apply if the visa is rejected.
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa to visit Qatar?
Yes, Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter Qatar. They can apply for a transit visa (if flying Qatar Airways) or check eligibility for a visa-on-arrival, which is available with specific conditions (e.g., hotel booking via Discover Qatar, valid credit card, etc.).
Do I need to collect my luggage if I have a transit visa?
If your flights are booked under the same ticket and your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you don’t need to collect your luggage. However, if you have separate bookings, you may need to claim and recheck your bags.
What if my nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar?
If you’re not eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, you can still apply for a Qatar Transit Visa if you meet the airline and layover conditions. Otherwise, a pre-approved tourist visa may be required.
Does permanent residency in another country qualify me for a visa on arrival?
No, permanent residency in another country doesn’t automatically grant eligibility for visa-on-arrival in Qatar.
Can I extend my Qatar Transit Visa?
No, the Qatar Transit Visa cannot be extended. It is strictly valid for up to 96 hours only.
Does the Qatar Transit Visa include a complimentary hotel stay?
No, it doesn’t include hotel accommodation. However, Discover Qatar offers optional stopover packages that include hotels for an added fee.
Can I apply online for a Qatar Transit Visa?
The online application system is currently suspended. You can apply through a Qatar Airways ticketing office or at the Discover Qatar Transit Desk at the airport.
Is the transit visa suspended in Qatar?
The visa itself is not suspended, but the online application system is temporarily unavailable. Manual applications through Qatar Airways or Discover Qatar are still accepted.
Do I need to collect my luggage on a connecting flight in Qatar?
If your itinerary is on a single booking, you usually don’t need to collect your luggage. For separate tickets, it’s recommended to check with the airline, as you may need to recheck baggage.
What is the difference between airport transit visa and transit visa?
An airport transit visa lets you stay inside the terminal during layover without entering the country. A Qatar transit visa allows you to exit the airport and explore Doha for up to 96 hours.
How do I know if I need a transit visa?
You need a transit visa if you plan to leave the airport and your nationality is not eligible for visa-free or VOA entry. If you stay airside, no visa is required for most nationalities.
What is the minimum time for a transit visa?
You need a minimum 5-hour layover in Qatar to qualify for the transit visa.
How can I get a transit visa fast?
To speed up the process, apply at least 7 days before your trip through a Qatar Airways ticketing office or Discover Qatar. Ensure all documents (passport, ticket, accommodation) are ready to avoid delays.
