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MoI Announces Revised Regulations for Family Visit, Residence Visas

Doha, December 03 (QNA) - The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced Sunday revised regulations and procedures on bringing residents' families to either visit or reside in the country, a move aiming at simplifying their entry and elevating the quality of services in line with the State's strategies.

In a statement, the MoI said the amended regulations would link the residents' families' entry with the provisions of the employees' e-contracts concerning salary and accommodation. For government and semi-government sector, employees must secure family accommodation through their employer or maintain a salary not less than QR 10,000, verified by an employment contract.

Regarding private sector employees, the procedures stated that they must hold a technical or specialized occupation, with a salary not less than QR 10,000, or QR 6,000 along with family housing verified in the employment contract.

Children within the mandatory education age bracket (6-18 years old) must be enrolled in licensed schools in the country or submit proof of their education enrollment outside the country through the educational platform supervised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This requirement is mandatory for them receive or renew the residence permit.

For family visits, the sponsoring resident must have a profession not in the labor sectors, with a salary not less than QR 5,000 and family housing verified by the relevant authorities. The General Directorate of Passports offers all its services through the Metrash2 app and the MoI's official website, according to the statement. (QNA)

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Qatar implements new regulations for residency and visit visas

DOHA: The Ministry of Interior has introduced significant revisions to regulations governing the entry process for residents' families seeking both visitation and residency purposes.

The ministry, in a statement, emphasized that these updates aim to "enhance the quality of services in accordance with the state's overarching strategy."

According to the revised procedures, sponsorship for families is contingent on the provisions outlined in the employee's electronic work contract, particularly regarding salary and accommodation details. In the government and semi-government sectors, employees are required to either secure family housing through their employer or maintain a salary not less than QR10,000, as verified by their employment contract.

Private sector employees must hold professions in technical or specialized fields (non-labour), with a salary not less than QR10,000 or QR6,000 along with family housing, as stipulated in their employment contract.

Furthermore, in cases of family sponsorship, children must not exceed 25 years of age, and daughters must be unmarried. Health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay, effective from their entry into the country, is now mandatory.

For children within the mandatory education age bracket (6-18 years old), enrollment in licensed schools within the country or evidence of enrollment outside Qatar through the educational platform supervised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is a prerequisite for the issuance or renewal of the residence permit.

In the context of family visits, the sponsoring resident's profession must belong to non-labour sectors, with a salary not less than QR5,000.

The sponsoring resident should have family housing accredited by the relevant authorities. While there is no specific age restriction for the visitor, health insurance covering the visitor's stay in Qatar is compulsory.

The ministry has confirmed that these updated procedures and regulations are now in effect. To ensure public convenience and ease, the General Directorate of Passports is providing all its services electronically through the Metrash2 app and the Ministry of Interior's official website.

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal, accounting or tax advice or opinion provided by Ernst & Young LLP to the reader. The reader also is cautioned that this material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the reader's specific circumstances or needs, and may require consideration of non-tax and other tax factors if any action is to be contemplated. The reader should contact his or her Ernst & Young LLP or other tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. Ernst & Young LLP assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.

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Qatar updates residency and visit visa requirements for family members

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Qatar's Ministry of Interior has updated the rules and procedures regulating the entry of family members of permanent residents. The updates, implemented with immediate effect on December 5, concern family members intending to visit or reside in Qatar.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, attached below, provides additional details.

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How to Obtain Qatar Family Residence Visa: A Complete Guide

Family residence visa in qatar.

A family residence visa is the type of visa that allows a foreign worker to sponsor his family members instantly. His family members include his wife and children. They can stay for a long term in Qatar. After the process, every family member must have an individual residential visa to stay in Qatar. However, some specific requirements exist for a foreign employee to qualify to sponsor his family.

There is a procedure to submit required documents, including an attested marriage certificate, birth certificate, salary certificate, and tenancy contract. You will find a complete guide in this blog. You will get details about the required documents, visa fees, and steps to follow to apply for their family residence visa. You will completely know how to obtain a Qatar family residence visa.

Requirements to apply for a Qatar Family Residence Visa

Here are some main requirements for a foreigner to be eligible to sponsor his family.

• The sponsor must have a residence permit.
• The sponsor must have his residence permit in Qatar, the first and basic requirement. You must have your Qatar ID card and residence card before applying for a family residence permit if you are a sponsor.

Professional Requirement

The sponsor should not be a laborer, driver, cleaner, delivery boy, etc. He must be a technician or a specialized professional. For example, doctors, engineers, Managing directors, or high-salary grade jobholders can apply for a family residence permit. Laborers are not eligible to sponsor their families as they have lower salary scales.

The Salary Requirement to Apply for a Family Residence Permit

The foreign employee's salary must be QR 10,000 to sponsor his family. The employees with QR 7000 salary with the family housing granted by the company can also apply. The salary scale is fixed to ensure the sponsor can support his family's living costs in Qatar.

However, MOI is now processing salaries above 15,000 QR for the person. It may be to control the higher number of applications received after the break of visa service in 2020. The salaried person between 10,000 to 15,000 may be dealt with later.

Accommodation Requirement

If you have a 10,000 QR salary or above, you must provide a tenancy contract attested by the Municipality. In another case, if you have a salary above 7000 QR and less than 10,000, you must present the employment contract if it grants your family a housing allowance or an alternative.

The Process to Apply for a Qatar Family Visa

You can apply for a Qatar Family visa by following these steps. You can also take help from your company or employer, as some companies help do this process as it is their employment policy.

The steps to apply for a Qatar Family Visa Residence Permit

Apply directly or online for the family entry visa.

You must submit all required documents to get a family residence visa approval. You will get a one-month visa to allow your family to enter Qatar. Some other steps, like medical tests and fingerprints, are done after arrival. There is another simple process to bring the family on a visit visa. For it, you have to pay an extra fee of 500 QAR to change the visit visa without leaving the country. Some private employees must submit a six-month bank statement to complete this process.

Documents you required for the Qatar Family Visa Application

You require the following documents to apply for our family residence visa.

• A complete visa application form
• Your passport copy with photo page and bio page
• Your Qatar ID card copy.
• Passport copies of all family members
• Copy of marriage certificate attested by Qatar's embassy in your country, your country's embassy in Qatar, and Qatar's Ministry of foreign affairs.
• Copy of birth certificate of the children. Your country's embassy in Qatar should attest to it the Qatar embassy in your country and Qatar's Ministry of foreign affairs.
• You require a no-objection letter, the NOC from your company. It is in the Arabic language and dated within the last three months. Or a certified copy of the employment contract with detail and salary
• Copy of tenancy contract attested by the Municipality. Or you can give a letter from your company to provide family housing.
• Stamped bank statement from your bank for the last six months to prove your salary credit
• Copy of company registration card or copy of the employer QID
• Attested copies of your educational degrees or certificates
• Getting marriage, birth, and education certificates translated into Arabic. The private attestation companies in Qatar help you with attestation and translation work.

Family Visa Application Process – Online

• First, download and register on your cell phone's Metrash2 (Android, iOS) application.
• Open the Metrash2 application.
• Log in to your Metrash2 account.
• Select the "Visa" button or the icon on your screen.
• After it, click on the "Issue Visa" icon followed by the "Family Visit" icon.
• Now select "Family Visa Application" from the drop-down menu.
• Then, click "New Application" and fill in the visitor's details, including Gender, Relation, Date of Birth, Passport Details, etc.
• Select the" I agree on data validity" option to move on.
• Now, you have to upload the documents. A button will be to 'Upload the Visitor's documents,' including Birth Certificate, Passport Copy, and Passport Copy (Others). Make sure that the document pictures or scans are readable and clear.
• Upload all the required scans and documents and click the 'Next.' button.
• Confirm the uploading of all your documents. It is the final step of the process.

When the application is verified and approved, you will receive an application number within a few days to proceed with the fee payment. If there are any missing documents, the department will notify the applicant.

Make the Visa Payment

The applicant must now pay the visa fees once the application has been verified and approved. You can pay from the Metrash2 application. Once the payment has been completed, download the visa copy from the Ministry of Interior website and send it to the visitor.

Family Visa Application Process – Offline

You can apply for the Qatar family visit visa offline by following these steps:

• You need the visa application form that is in Arabic.
• Please fill out this visa application form and submit it to the Ministry of Interior (MoI) service center and other required documents.
• The person at the counter can decide to accept the form or write comments asking you to meet the Officer for final approval.
• The Officer will interview you about your reason for visiting Qatar and your relationship with the sponsor. If the inquiry Officer gets satisfied with your answers, he will give a receipt.
• That receipt has a tracking number to use after working for two days to check the status of a Qatar visa online.
• When the visa gets approved, revisit the MOI center and submit your receipt.
• After submitting that receipt, you must pay the visa fee at the center or online from the Metrash 2 application.
• After paying the fee, you will get a printout copy of your family visit visa. You will book the tickets for your family members.
• You can download it from the Ministry of Interior website .

Applying for a Family Visa Through Metrash:

Metrash is an online portal the Ministry of Interior in Qatar provides to offer services such as visa applications, traffic violation payments, etc. To apply for a family visa through Metrash, you must create an account, select the visa type, and submit the required documents online. The documents required for a family visa application may vary depending on your nationality, the relationship with the Qatar sponsor, and the visit's purpose. It is advisable to check the latest visa requirements and procedures on the Ministry of Interior's website or contact the embassy of Qatar in your home country.

Cost of a 2-year Work Visa in Qatar:

The cost of a 2-year work visa in Qatar may vary depending on the visa type, the applicant's nationality, and the company sponsoring the visa. Generally, the visa cost includes application fees, visa issuance fees, and medical examination fees. Some companies in Qatar may cover the visa cost for their employees, while others may deduct the visa fees from the employee's salary. It is advisable to check with the sponsoring company about the visa cost and other expenses associated with living and working in Qatar.

Monthly Expenses for a Family in Qatar:

The monthly expenses for a family in Qatar may vary depending on the family size, lifestyle, and location of residence. Generally, the major expenses in Qatar include rent, food, transportation, utilities, and education (if applicable). According to a 2021 report by Numbeo, the cost of living in Qatar is relatively high compared to other countries in the region. For example, the average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center of Doha is around QAR 7,500 (USD 2,058), while the cost of groceries for a family of four is around QAR 2,200 (USD 604) per month. Preparing a budget based on your family's specific needs and lifestyle is advisable.

Working for 2 Companies at the Same Time in Qatar:

As per the labor law of Qatar, an employee is not allowed to work for two different employers simultaneously unless they have written approval from both employers and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs (MADLSA). Violating this law can lead to legal consequences such as fines, deportation, or imprisonment. Additionally, it is important to note that working for two companies simultaneously may affect the quality of work and may not be feasible in practice due to conflicting work schedules and responsibilities.

How do We Know the Qatar Family Resident Visa Opening Date?

The opening date for Qatar family resident visa application may vary depending on the policies and procedures of the Ministry of Interior in Qatar. Generally, the Ministry of Interior announces visa application opening and closing dates through its official website and social media channels. You can check the Ministry's website or social media accounts periodically for updates on visa applications. Additionally, you can contact the Qatar embassy in your home country or a reputable travel agency for the latest information on visa application procedures and timelines. Applying for the visa well before your intended travel dates is advisable to avoid delays or complications.

When Applying for a Family Visa, Can My Daughter Attend School?

If you are applying for a family visa in Qatar, your daughter may be able to attend school in Qatar if she meets the eligibility criteria for school admission. Qatar has several international schools that offer education in English and follow various international curricula such as British, American, or IB. To enroll your daughter in a school in Qatar , you may need to submit her passport and visa documents along with her academic records to the school. It is important to note that the admission process and requirements may vary depending on the school and the grade level.

Additionally, you may be required to provide proof of residence in Qatar or a letter from your employer/sponsor indicating that you have a valid residency permit. It is advisable to contact the school of your choice and check their admission policies and requirements before applying for the family visa.

How can you check the status of your Qatar Family Visit Visa?

You can check your Qatar family visit visa status on the MoI website under Inquiries >> Visa Services >> Visa Approval Tracking. Fill out all the required details accurately, and you can check the status of your visit visa.

What Is The Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee/Cost?

A Qatar family visit visa fee is fixed monthly at QAR 200 (USD 55).

What Is Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity?

The validity of the Qatar family visit visa is one month. Who can extend the visa validity to six months for quick family members (wife, children, and parents) and up to three months for other relatives?

How Can You Extend A Qatar Family Visit Visa?

You can extend your one-month Qatar family visit visa in the following two ways:

• Visit the MoI Service Center or the office of the Ministry of Immigration and submit your passport and return ticket. Pay QAR 200; the renewal fee for the visit visa is QAR 200 per month for each extra month.
• You can also extend your visa from the Ministry of Interior website for the online process.

What Is A Family Visa in Qatar?

The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a short-term visa that enables settler residents to bring their father, mother, wife, children, or families to Qatar for a visit. The visit visa is issued for one month and can sometimes be extended up to six months.

After submitting the fees, all Qatar visas take 7-10 days to process time. You will get an application number to proceed to pay after the application is approved. Usually, the time taken to process a family visit visa is a maximum of one week. Resuming visa applications in 2021 takes up to 4 weeks for many people.

Why Is A Family Visa Rejected in Qatar?

Family visit visa Qatar rejected the main reason for rejection is the sponsor's salary or profession. If the salary is 20,000 or above 20,000, but the RP shows you are lower than an engineer, your visa will get rejected.

Can A Wife Sponsor Her Husband in Qatar?

In Qatar, a wife can only sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit for certain professions and her salary is not less than QR10 000.

Can I Update My Qatar Residence Permit?

You can update your Qatar Residence Permit for your family by making essential changes to the Metrash2 mobile app. Further, you will need to make an online payment.

Can I Get A Qatar Residence Visa For Other Relatives?

Qatar Family Residence Visa is issued for spouses and children only. Sometimes, who can sponsor parents, but it is rather rare.

What If My Family's Qatari Residence Application Is Declined?

If your family visa application is declined, visit the Gharafa Immigration Office and relate your issue to the visa approval committee.

Arriving In Qatar Using Entry Visas

Your spouse and children can come to Qatar when you meet all the civilities. The visit visa expires after a month from the arrival date. The next courses, like dactyloscopy and health tests, should last one month. When your family arrives using a Visit Visa, it's easy to move on to the next actions.

Obtaining Family Residence Permit Card

You need to obtain a Qatar ID (a Residence Permit Card). You can visit your local Police Office with your Qatari ID card, spouse's and children's photos, and Passport copies. For the first year, the Residence Permit fee is QR 500 . After paying the fees, the officers will notify you once the cards are ready for collection.

• Qatar Family Visa Fees (Per Person)
• Qatar Family Visa QR 200
• Qatar ID card (for one year) QR 500
• Health Examination QR 100

Remember that extra charges may be for document verification, Blood Group certificates, etc. Also, you will be charged extra money if you decide to transform a Visit Visa into a Residence Visa without leaving the country.

If You Are Children Above the Age with You

When bringing your family members, please note that sons 25 years and above cannot be on their parents' visas. But there is no age limit for daughters until they are married. Adult children who overstep the age limits can get a Residence Permit from their parents for one extra year to find a job during that time.

If you're a Family member, Decide To Work

If your adult children or spouse intend to work, they need to get special permission (called a Work Permit) to work legally in Qatar. It is also possible to use Metrash2 to obtain the Permit.

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Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates (2024)

Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.

Since August 2017, the State of Qatar has been allowing visa-free entry for citizens of more than 80 countries, making it the most open country in the Middle East.

After it was briefly suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19, Qatar’s visa-on-arrival service has resumed with some conditions. As of 2024, citizens of 90+ countries are eligible for a free Qatar Visa On Arrival.

This article explains all the requirements, eligible nationalities, application procedures, and visa renewal procedures, and answers the frequently asked questions about the free visa on arrival in Qatar .

Visa-Free Entry

Qatar visa on arrival new rules & updates, requirements for qatar visa on arrival, nationalities eligible for visa-free entry to qatar, special conditions for some nationalities, visa waiver for gcc citizens, documents checklist for visa on arrival passengers, qatar visa on arrival cost, procedure at the immigration counter, how to extend qatar visa on arrival, faq on qatar visa on arrival.

Visa-free entry is now the new term defining previously “visa on arrival”. According to Qatar Tourism, nothing changed except the name. 

JANUARY 2024 STATUS

1. citizenship.

The visitor must be a citizen of an eligible country ( the list of countries is given below ).

2. Passport Validity

The visitor’s passport must be valid for at least six months .

3. Confirmed Return Tickets

The visitor must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

4. Accommodation

The visitor should have a confirmed accommodation (clear address and contacts of the local host) or hotel reservation for the duration of the stay. This can be a regular hotel booking for travellers from most countries. For hotel booking, we recommend TripAdvisor as it has the largest database of hotel reviews.

However, for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine, the hotel booking for the entire duration of the stay should be through the Discover Qatar website . Staying with a Qatar resident or booking directly with a hotel is not accepted for these nationalities (to avail visa on arrival).

A minimum of 2 nights should be booked through the Discover Qatar website. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

Please note that even if you book the hotel for a longer duration, the initial visa issued will be for 30 days only. You need to extend that by visiting any MOI Service Center or the Airport Immigration office. The online extension may not be possible for these nationalities.

This requirement is only mandatory for travellers coming on a visa on arrival and not for family visit visas .

5. Health Insurance

As per the new law launched in February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for visitors who are staying for more than 30 days . Insurance is highly recommended even for visitors staying less than 30 days, but it is not mandatory.

Visitors can buy basic health insurance for QAR 50 (for 30 days) from any registered insurance company listed on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website .

6. Proof of Funds

From 10 March 2022, visitors from countries like India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran (using a visa-on-arrival facility) are required to have a valid international credit card or debit card . Cash of QR 5,000 will no longer be accepted (Belarus nationals can show USD 1,000 in cash).

• For debit cardholders , a three-month bank statement is also required. There should be a minimum balance equivalent to at least QR 5,000 in your local currency.
• The card should be under the name of the visitor . If you are travelling together as a family, one card (under the family head’s name) is enough.
• This rule applies only to nationalities that require proof of funds (like India, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran, etc.)

The countries under this facility are divided into two categories as below:

Category 1: Visa waiver for 180 days

• Visa waiver valid is for 180 days from the date of entry.
• Visitors can stay for a total of 90 days , either during a single trip or multiple trips.
• The stay is not extendable beyond 90 days.
• Requirements are a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation (local host details or hotel booking), and health insurance (if staying for 30 days).

The following are the countries included under this category:

Category 2: Visa for 30 days

• The initial visa is issued for 30 days from the date of entry.
• For most countries, the stay can be extended for another 30 days .
• This is a single-entry visa .
• Requirements are a passport (with 6 months validity), return/onward flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance (if staying for 30 days). Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds will be required for some nationalities (explained below).

In addition to the general conditions (passport valid for 6 months, round-trip flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance), there are some special conditions applicable only to some countries , as explained below:

1. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indian Nationals

A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Indian nationals for a maximum period of 30 days , or according to hotel reservation.

• (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
• (b) A credit or debit card per family is required. Proof of fund requirement is explained above.

2. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Pakistan Nationals

A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Pakistan nationals for a maximum period of 30 days , or according to hotel reservation.

• (c) A polio vaccination certificate is required.

3. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Thailand Nationals

A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Thailand nationals for a maximum period of 30 days , or according to hotel reservation.

• (c) Extension of stay possible for an additional 30 days .

4. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Ukraine

A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Ukrainian nationals for a maximum period of 90 days , or according to hotel reservation.

• (b) An initial visa is issued for 30 days or as per the hotel booking. Visitors can apply to extend their stay up to a total of 90 days after obtaining health insurance upon arrival.

5. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Iran

On-arrival tourist or business visa is granted to Iranian nationals for a fee, of up to 30 days or depending on hotel booking.

• (a) Confirmed hotel reservation through the  Discover Qatar website only. Hotel reservations from other sites are not accepted.
• (b) A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of one month for a fee of QR 100 .
• (c) A credit card per family is required for a tourist visa.
• (d) Business visa for a period of one month and a maximum of six months for a fee of QR 200 per month . A business visa is granted if there is an invitation letter from a company that is certified by the Government of Qatar.

6. 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 valid for a maximum of one month for a fee of QR 100 .
• (b) Business visa for a period of one month and a maximum of three months for a fee of QR 200 per month .
• (c) Possession of an amount of cash equivalent to 1,000 US Dollars or a valid credit card.
• (d) Hotel reservation in one of the hotels in Qatar during the visit period.

7. Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival

Nationals of these countries can get Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa-On-Arrival. There may be a fee of QR 100 for 30 days.

In addition to the above countries, citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.

Visa on arrival is granted entirely free of charge for most nationals , and there will be no charge for the extension. There may be a fee for nationals of some countries such as Iran and Belarus.

Travelling To Qatar

• During the check-in from your departure country, inform the airline staff that you are visiting on a visa on arrival. They may check your accommodation details. If you are staying with a relative, it is good to have their contact details, address, and QID copy.
• At the immigration counter in Doha, mention that you want a visa on arrival.
• Give the hotel’s / host’s contact details (name, contact number) if you are asked.
• Show credit or debit card if required (for some nationalities only)
• When asked, look at the camera for an iris scan (eye scan). A green light would blink to confirm this.
• A fingerprint scan may be required for some passengers.
• The immigration officer would fix a small sticker on your passport. That’s it. Welcome to Doha!

If you are a citizen of a country eligible to extend the 30-day visa-on-arrival, you can do the renewal online.

Health Insurance For Visa Extension

Here is how you can extend your visa through the Ministry of Interior website:

Step 1: Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page on the MOI website

This is available under Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension.

Step 2: Enter the visa 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: Select nationality from the drop-down list

Step 4: enter the verification code from the picture or audio, step 5: click on the “extend” button.

The visa will be renewed for another 30 days.

Is there any fee for a Qatar visa on arrival extension?

Qatar visa on arrival can be extended free of cost.

How many days after arrival can I renew the visa?

You can renew any day after arrival. Make sure you do it before the expiry to avoid complications.

I did not get any message or e-mail after renewal. How can I check the validity?

You can check the validity of your visa on the Ministry of Interior website. Here is how to check the validity of a Qatar visa .

• Go to the MOI website Visa Inquiry & Printing page .

• Enter the visa number (available on the sticker in the passport) or passport number.
• Select nationality from the drop-down list.
• Enter verification code from picture or audio.
• Click on the “Submit” button.
• The details, including visa validity, will be shown.
• Click on the print icon to save or print a copy for future reference.

Do I need the renewal receipt while going back?

A receipt is not needed as the renewal date will be updated in the immigration system. However, you may keep a copy for your peace of mind.

Are GCC residents eligible to get a Qatar visa on arrival?

If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. The visa will only be issued if your residence permit is valid for at least three months and if your profession (as mentioned on your residence permit) appears on the list of eligible professions. You can see the list of eligible professions here.

What can I do if my nationality is not eligible for a visa-on-arrival?

Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-on-arrival can apply in advance for other types of visas such as tourist visas. You can check our detailed guide on how to apply for Qatar Tourist Visa .

Qatar Government Contact Center

Please note that even as we strive to keep this page updated, official policies are subject to change without prior announcement. For any query, travellers are advised to contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 or email [email protected] for any inquiries.

How can I get a free visa for Qatar?

You can get visa-free entry to Qatar if you hold a passport from any of the 90+ eligible countries. You can see the full list of countries on this page. There may be additional requirements for some countries.

Is there any age limit on visas on arrival?

There is no specified age limit for visas on arrival. However, airlines may refuse to board minors not accompanied by an adult. If a minor is travelling alone, please check with your airline.

Is a medical check-up needed to extend visa-free entry

A medical check-up is not needed to extend visa-free entry. A medical check would be required for renewing a family visit visa only.

Are Indians eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival?

Indian citizens are eligible for 30 days of visa-free entry to Qatar if they meet some conditions such as Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds.

How much is the fine for an expired visit visa in Qatar?

If the validity of your visit visa has expired, you will be charged a penalty of QAR 200 per day.

Is hotel booking required for Qatar on-arrival visa?

A confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or local address) is required for all visitors to get a visa on arrival. Discover Qatar hotel booking is required for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Ukraine, and Thailand.

Should I use only Qatar Airways for my travel?

You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on the mode of travel. If you travel via another airline, ensure your airline knows about this Visa On Arrival facility. Some airline staff unaware of this facility may refuse to board you without a visa.

Should I show proof of funds/credit cards?

Proof of funds may be required for some nationalities. Please carry an International Credit / Debit card under your name with at least a QR 5,000 balance (one card per family).

Should I show the salary certificate or tenancy contract of my host?

The host’s salary certificate or tenancy contract is not required for a visa on arrival. There is no minimum salary requirement for anyone to host a visitor. However, you are advised to keep your host’s contact information ready to show if officers request it.

Related Articles:

• Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Guide
• Visitors Guide To Doha Expo 2023
• Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
• How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
• How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
• Check Qatar Visa Status Online
• Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Important Rules To Know

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.

Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health , Qatar Airways , Qatar Tourism Authority (Visit Qatar)

Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.

1,239 thoughts on “Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates (2024)”

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My son is moving to Qatar to work and his employer is providing accommodation for his initial stay and I will be travelling with him to settle him in. Do I need anything to come with him as I will staying with him for up to 2 weeks. We are from the United Kingdom

Hi there I am holding a Kosovo passport with a Swiss Perminent Residenz status and will be in transit in Doha for 2,5 hours coming from Zuerich going to Male. Do I need a transit visa for this period of time in Transit or not at all? Thank you for your answer. Claudia

Hi Claudia, You don’t need Transit Visa is you are not leaving the airport.

can visit visa holder of Qatar exit by road ??? or should be return by air only ???

Hi Shahnawaz, They can exit by road also.

I have a 5 month old, he was born outside of Qatar. I want to return to my job with him but my husband is not a resident of Qatar. What do I do?

Hi Roseline, If your profession and salary is good enough (normally you would need QR 10,000 or Qr 6,000 with family accommodation), you can sponsor your baby. But you can apply for that only after reaching Qatar and will take few weeks. If your nationality is eligible, you can try visa on arrival for baby or Hayya A1 Tourist Visa.

I have a Canadian passport and I am planning to visit Qatar via land border from Saudi Arabia and then will drive back. Will I still be able eligible for visa on arrival? I am also not a resident in Saudi but I am here on a tourist visa and will have a flight from Saudi to Canada after visiting Qatar

Hi Sasa, Usually this is allowed. However, you may double-check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974 44069999 to ensure the policy hasn’t changed.

Please update visa requirements. You are posting old information!

Hi Jana, We regularly confirm this information with the official websites (Ministry of Interior, Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism) and we believe they are all up-to-date. Please specify which part you think is wrong and we can check again.

Can I apply ‘on arrival visa’ 2 months before the visit.

Hi Paul, Visa On Arrival cannot be applied in advance. You can apply for Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) in advance. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/

as per your guide- south africans get a 30 day visa on arrival however latelythey have been receiving a 90 day visa on arrival? could you clarify if this is a multi entry visa and will this 90 day visa on arrival be permannently applicable to south africans?

Hi Khadija, We are not sure if there is a recent change in policy. According to official Visit Qatar website , South African citizens are eligible for 30 days visa free entry (not 90 days). There is another group of countries with 90 days visa, but SA is not include in that. For clarification, please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] .

I am an RP holder and I would like to book a hotel through Discover Qatar for my wife, daughter, and myself. However, the hotels listed on Discover Qatar only mention ‘room only for VOA (visa on arrival)’. Can I still book a hotel for three guests, including myself, even though I am an RP holder?

Hi Khan, Usually if a family is coming on visa on arrival, RP holder can add himself as a guest and stay with them. However there is a clause on DQ website that says “If anybody books these hotels who do not require them for these purposes, the hotels may charge an additional supplement at check-in.” So it is better to confirm with the hotel before booking.

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