Being one of the fast-growing countries in the Gulf region, people from various countries visit Qatar throughout the year. They may visit for work because of the oil industry or visit just for recreational purposes. Citizens of over 85 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar upon their arrival, with varying allowable lengths of stay. This visa can also be issued online prior to travel.
Qatar’s Travel and Return Policy during COVID-19
As part of the State of Qatar’s plans for the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed to respond to COVID-19 pandemic, the previously announced travel and return policy was reviewed. It was agreed to continue the implementation of the same policy with minor amendments effective on, 29th November. For complete details please click here.
Visa Requirements
Tourists from all around the world can now enter Qatar either visa-free, or by filling out simple online applications, depending on the passport they carry.
Visitors and tourists who wish to visit Qatar can obtain tourist visas through some easy steps. Such visas can be obtained through employer, hotels, or Qatar Airways, upon one’s nationality and the requirements of each. You can process your online application here.
Visa-free Entry
Nationals of eligible countries do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar, by presenting a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
For nationals of the countries listed below, the waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.
1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Austria
4. Bahamas
5. Belgium
6. Bulgaria
7. Croatia
8. Cyprus
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
11. Dominican Republic
12. Estonia
13. Finland
14. France
15. Germany
16. Greece
17. Hungary
18. Iceland
19. Italy
20. Latvia
21. Liechtenstein
22. Lithuania
23. Luxembourg
24. Malaysia
25. Malta
26. Netherlands
27. Norway
28. Poland
29. Portugal
30. Romania
31. Serbia
32. Seychelles
33. Slovakia
34. Slovenia
35. Spain
36. Sweden
37. Switzerland
38. Turkey
39. Ukraine
Armenia:
Similar to the countries listed above, nationals of Armenia can enter Qatar visa-free and spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during a single or multiple trips, not extendable, if the following terms and conditions are met:
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- Return ticket must be confirmed
For nationals of the countries/regions listed below, the waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days.
1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Azerbaijan
4. Belarus
5. Bolivia
6. Brazil
7. Brunei
8. Canada
9. Chile
10. China
11. Colombia
12. Costa Rica
13. Cuba
14. Ecuador
15. Georgia
16. Guyana
17. Hong Kong, China
18. India
19. Indonesia
20. Ireland
21. Japan
22. Kazakhstan
23. Lebanon
24. Macedonia
25. Maldives
26. Mexico
27. Moldova
28. Monaco
29. New Zealand
30. Pakistan
31. Panama
32. Paraguay
33. Peru
34. Russia
35. Rwanda
36. San Marino
37. Singapore
38. South Africa
39. South Korea
40. Suriname
41. Thailand
42. United Kingdom
43. United States
44. Uruguay
45. Vatican City
46. Venezuela
Pakistan
Similar to the 46 countries listed above, nationals of Pakistan can enter Qatar visa-free and spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during a single or multiple trips, with an option to extend for another 30 days, if the following terms and conditions are met:
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- Return ticket must be confirmed
- Hotel booking confirmation for duration of the stay must be presented
- The passenger must have a valid credit card
- Those coming directly from Pakistan should present a certificate of vaccination against polio
- The duration of the visa can be extended only after confirming the return ticket
The same to the 48 countries listed above, nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina are allowed to enter Qatar visa-free and spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during a single or multiple trips, with an option to extend for another 30 days, if the following terms and conditions are met:
- Citizen must carry a permanent passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- Return ticket must be confirmed
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Individuals who are not eligible for visa-free entry, but who hold a valid residence permit or visit visa to either Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, UK, USA or New Zealand, can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) free of charge* by completing an online application prior to traveling.
The form is easy to fill in. You will be asked to provide:
- proof of accommodation in Qatar (e.g. hotel booking, or your host’s address)
- details of your return (or onward) travel
- a copy of your passport (with a minimum validity of six months)
- a copy of your residence permit or visa to any one of the eligible countries stated above (with a minimum validity of 30 days).
Apply for an ETA here
Online Tourist Visa
Individuals who are not eligible for visa-free entry or ETA can apply for a Tourist Visa online. Visitors to Qatar traveling onboard any airline may apply for a Tourist Visa through the Qatar Visa Service. The cost of the Qatar Tourist Visa is QAR 100. Tourist Visa holders are allowed to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days on a single trip.
To submit a request for a Qatar Tourist Visa, visitors are required to:
- complete an online form
- upload required documents (including passport scans & personal photographs)
- provide an airline booking reservation
- make an online payment using a valid Visa or Mastercard
Click here to be redirected to the Qatar Visa Service website.
Note: visitors traveling to Qatar with Qatar Airways, may select ‘Apply for a visa’ after logging in to ‘My Trips’ on the airline’s website. This automatically directs them to the Qatar Visa Service website, where they can start the Qatar Tourist Visa application process for themselves and any accompanying travelers under the same booking.
The visa policy may change without notice so it would be better that you check Qatar’s official visa website for updates regarding this matter.
