Transit or Tourist Visa?
Feb 3, 2014, 3:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Programs: AA EXP, SPG PLT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton GLD
Posts: 974
Transit or Tourist Visa?
I will be traveling with my family on Qatar via Doha to South Africa. We are traveling in Business Class (on AA miles) and have a 12 hour layover in Doha on the way to Africa. I have booked an overnight hotel accommodation on my own as our tickets are on miles.
However, I want to know specifically what visas we will need? We are all US citizens. Does this require a "transit visa" as our layover is greater than 8 hours? Or do we need a "tourist visa" on arrival?
I called Qatar Airways but did not receive clear information.
Thanks
However, I want to know specifically what visas we will need? We are all US citizens. Does this require a "transit visa" as our layover is greater than 8 hours? Or do we need a "tourist visa" on arrival?
I called Qatar Airways but did not receive clear information.
Thanks
Feb 4, 2014, 7:02 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,737
As previous poster said, just queue up at immigration in the arrivals terminal, and you will be charged 100 QAR (approx US$27) each for an entry visa. Payment only possible by VISA or Mastercard. No cash and no other types of cards are accepted.
There is no such thing as a Qatari Transit Visa - people of any nationality can transfer at Doha airport. You are not just transferring/transiting - you actually want to enter the country.
There is no such thing as a Qatari Transit Visa - people of any nationality can transfer at Doha airport. You are not just transferring/transiting - you actually want to enter the country.
Feb 5, 2014, 12:17 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Qatar Airways Gold, Singapore air Kris flyer,Emirates Silver, Etihad Gold
Posts: 359
As previous poster said, just queue up at immigration in the arrivals terminal, and you will be charged 100 QAR (approx US$27) each for an entry visa. Payment only possible by VISA or Mastercard. No cash and no other types of cards are accepted.
There is no such thing as a Qatari Transit Visa - people of any nationality can transfer at Doha airport. You are not just transferring/transiting - you actually want to enter the country.
There is no such thing as a Qatari Transit Visa - people of any nationality can transfer at Doha airport. You are not just transferring/transiting - you actually want to enter the country.
Feb 5, 2014, 1:44 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
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OK - turns out I was wrong.
There is a 24 hour transit visa available which allows you to leave the airport - it has to be applied for at a Qatari embassy (unless provided as part of QR's STPC package, which obviously does not apply in this case)
I won't provide a link as they generate massive URLs which probably are valid only for one visit each: visit http://portal.www.gov.qa, type "Transit Visa" in the search box, and click on the first search hit.
No idea how much this visa costs - but in terms of time and hassle, it's probably just easier to get the Visa on Arrival (which allows a stay of something like 28 days).
There is a 24 hour transit visa available which allows you to leave the airport - it has to be applied for at a Qatari embassy (unless provided as part of QR's STPC package, which obviously does not apply in this case)
I won't provide a link as they generate massive URLs which probably are valid only for one visit each: visit http://portal.www.gov.qa, type "Transit Visa" in the search box, and click on the first search hit.
No idea how much this visa costs - but in terms of time and hassle, it's probably just easier to get the Visa on Arrival (which allows a stay of something like 28 days).
Apr 15, 2014, 12:36 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Warks.England
Programs: Thai Silver,Skywards Silver,Gulf Silver, Interconti Prority Platinum, FR Priority Q!
Posts: 697
QR pre-arranged VOA
Forget the question- I now have the answer-a prearranged VOA through the QR site is $55 but on arrival is $27 so it is a no brainer.
thanks
SS
thanks
SS
Last edited by Silverswimmer; Apr 15, 2014 at 3:50 pm Reason: Found the answer
Apr 15, 2014, 11:01 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: QR Gold
Posts: 772