FlyerTalk Forums - Qatar Visa and Visa on Arrival.

Qatar Visa and Visa on Arrival

"All visitors to Qatar require a visa, and certain passengers are eligible for visas on arrival. For your own convenience and comfort, it’s best to confirm these requirements before starting your journey." Link to DOH / Hamad International Airport ("HIA")Arrivals page.

Tourist Visa: Single entry (non-extendable Tourist) visa on arrival for up to thirty days is available for passport holders of The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, the Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Lichtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea (sic).

Link to Hukoomi / Qatar e-Government web page on visas.

"Your passport is from one of the countries on this list then you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. This is valid for a one-month stay in Qatar. Please approach an immigration counter, present your passport and pay your visa fee." The visa fee is payable with a credit card; cash will complicate things immeasurably. Immigration counters are open 24/7 at HIA.

Tourist Visa Fee:
Visa issuance fee: QR 100 for each visa and QR 50 for each accompanying person. (~£20, USD $27.50 at writing)
Fine for overstay: QR 200 per day

Link to Qatar Ministry of Interior Visa Services web page

"If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council) then 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 six months and if your profession (as mentioned on your residence permit) appears on this list. Please approach an immigration counter, present your passport and pay your visa fee. Your visa will be valid for a one-month stay in Qatar and it can be renewed for a further two months." (HIA)

All others should check IATA TIMATIC and make necessary arrangements in advance. Link to IATA TIMATIC web to check your own visa requirements. (All airlines use TIMATIC to determine if you can board and fly or not.)

NOTE: Travelers from countries not mentioned above can apply for a Tourist Visa through booking with a hotel in Qatar or Qatar Airways.

Maps links for DOH / HIA: Link to maps for arrivals at DOH / Hamad International Airport (HIA)

Al Maha meet and greet: HIA is fairly easy to navigate, but if you have doubts you can make arrangements with Al Maha services. "Al Maha Services is a personalised meet-and-assist service for passengers arriving, departing or transferring through Hamad International Airport." Al Maha offers several levels of service, including a transit lounge. Link to Al Maha Services website.

NOTE: Alcoholic beverages will be confiscated by Qatar Customs if you take them landside. Smuggling alcoholic beverages into Qatar is punishable by forty lashes.

Updated 23 Aug 2016 by JDiver