Connecting in DOH -- passport control and security?
Jun 23, 2023, 7:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Programs: UA, AA, DL, BA, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Hyatt
Posts: 1,300
Connecting in DOH -- passport control and security?
I will be flying IAH-DOH-RUH. While connecting in DOH, do I need to clear passport control and security? I ask because QR is offering a VIP connection in DOH for about $120, and I would like to understand if it is worth it.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jun 23, 2023, 11:22 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: PAR
Programs: QR Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,090
You don’t need to clear immigration for a connection in DOH but you will likely have to go through security check (it depends of your flight origin and the mood of the staff, so it’s quite unpredictable). There’s a dedicated line for J and F passengers, so, assuming you’re not flying Y, it shouldn’t take too long and probably doesn’t worth booking any VIP connection service
Jun 23, 2023, 11:33 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,930
Provided your mobile and can walk and use travelators easily, I also agree that paying for a VIP service is unnecessary.
Doha is an airport that was designed and built for transit, 90% of passengers are transiting.
Doha is an airport that was designed and built for transit, 90% of passengers are transiting.
Jun 24, 2023, 8:12 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Programs: UA, AA, DL, BA, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Hyatt
Posts: 1,300
You don’t need to clear immigration for a connection in DOH but you will likely have to go through security check (it depends of your flight origin and the mood of the staff, so it’s quite unpredictable). There’s a dedicated line for J and F passengers, so, assuming you’re not flying Y, it shouldn’t take too long and probably doesn’t worth booking any VIP connection service
Jun 24, 2023, 8:34 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Programs: UA, AA, DL, BA, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Hyatt
Posts: 1,300
One more question:
I just realized that US citizens need a visa to enter Qatar. If the first flight is late and I need to spend the night in Doha, will I be allowed in the country without a visa? Or should I apply for a visa just to be on the safe side?
I just realized that US citizens need a visa to enter Qatar. If the first flight is late and I need to spend the night in Doha, will I be allowed in the country without a visa? Or should I apply for a visa just to be on the safe side?
Jun 24, 2023, 11:43 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: EK Gold, A3 *G, AB Gold, Jetblue Mosaic
Posts: 1,388
It's a visa on arrival so just head to immigration if you need to enter Doha. No need to do anything beforehand
Jun 24, 2023, 12:00 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Programs: UA, AA, DL, BA, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Hyatt
Posts: 1,300
Jun 26, 2023, 6:18 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: EK Gold, A3 *G, AB Gold, Jetblue Mosaic
Posts: 1,388
Jun 26, 2023, 7:41 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 250
Also, it's my understanding that you're supposed to have proof of a "Qatar-approved" travel insurance plan. I purchased one for my overnight layover but was never asked about it (which I learned is pretty much the norm).
Jun 26, 2023, 7:44 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,997
Jun 27, 2023, 8:03 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,930
As a total geek that enjoys flipping through my passport and admiring the stamps and visas, I was very disappointed in the aesthetics of the VOA. Just a lame barcode and no mention of Qatar or Doha (other than www.moi.gov.qa). Given the 39 mile hike to passport control, I felt like I'd earned a damn stamp, if not a medal.
Also, it's my understanding that you're supposed to have proof of a "Qatar-approved" travel insurance plan. I purchased one for my overnight layover but was never asked about it (which I learned is pretty much the norm).
Also, it's my understanding that you're supposed to have proof of a "Qatar-approved" travel insurance plan. I purchased one for my overnight layover but was never asked about it (which I learned is pretty much the norm).