Qatar Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Qatar

Thinking about whether you need a visa for your trip to Qatar? You've come to the right place. This guide will help you determine if a visa is necessary and which type best suits your travel needs. We're all about making the visa application process less stressful so you can spend more time planning your visit to Qatar.

What's a Qatar Tourist eVisa, and who's it for?

Who's the Qatar Tourist eVisa for?

More than 150 countries are eligible for the Qatar Tourist eVisa, including Afghanistan, Barbados, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Haiti, Vietnam, and more.

Do you need to apply for a Qatar Tourist eVisa? Use the Visa Checker Tool to find out.

Who's not eligible for a Qatar Tourist eVisa?

• Nationals of countries that are eligible for the Qatar ETA.

• Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).

• Nationals of eligible countries that don't require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa upon arrival in Qatar.

What's the purpose of the Qatar Tourist eVisa?

To permit travelers to enter Qatar for tourism-related activities. These activities range from leisure and sports events to cultural tourism and visiting friends or relatives.

How long can you stay with a Qatar Tourist eVisa?

Initially, the tourist visa allows for a stay of up to 30 days per entry in the country and is a Single entry permit. There's an option to extend the visa for an additional 30 days.

What's a Qatar ETA, and who's it for?

Who's the Qatar ETA for?

Travelers with valid visas or residency in the US, UK, Canada, Schengen countries, Australia, or New Zealand.

What's the purpose of the Qatar ETA?

To facilitate easy and quick entry into Qatar for tourism, business meetings, attending sports events, weddings, shopping, medical care, cultural tourism, and other leisure activities.

How long can you stay with a Qatar ETA?

The Qatar ETA allows for a stay of up to 30 days in the country. The validity period starts from the date of issue.

Learn more about the Qatar ETA.

What's a Qatar GCC Resident Visa, and who's it for?

Who's the Qatar GCC Resident Visa for?

• Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries who wish to visit Qatar. This includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE residents.

• Individuals traveling with a GCC citizen who need a visa to enter Qatar as their companion (this is a Visa for a GCC citizen's companion and is a separate application).

What's the purpose of the Qatar GCC Resident Visa?

This visa facilitates short stays in Qatar for GCC residents, allowing them to engage in various activities such as tourism, business meetings, or family visits.

How long can you stay with a Qatar GCC Resident Visa?

The visa initially allows for a 30-day stay in Qatar. There's an option to extend this period for two additional months.

What's a Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa, and who's it for?

Who's the Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa for?

This is a collaborative initiative between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at streamlining travel for tourists wishing to explore both countries. Citizens of more than 30 countries are eligible to apply for this visa, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Austria, France, Spain, and more.

What's the purpose of the Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa?

To make it easier and more convenient for tourists to explore the diverse attractions of both Qatar and Oman.

How long can you stay with a Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa?

This visa is valid for 30 days, with an option to extend it for another 30 days for a fee.

What's a Qatar Transit Visa, and who's it for?

Who's the Qatar Transit Visa for?

Passengers of all nationalities flying with Qatar Airways who have a layover of at least 5 hours in Qatar.

What's the purpose of the Qatar Transit Visa?

To allow travelers to visit Doha and explore its attractions without the hassle of arranging a regular visa. This visa allows travelers to make the most of their time by visiting iconic sites, indulging in local cuisine, or simply relaxing in a hotel during their transit.

How long can you stay with a Qatar Transit Visa?

The visa is valid for up to 96 hours (4 days) and can't be extended.

What are the Qatari long-term visa options, and who are they for?

Qatar offers a range of long-term visa options for various groups, including professionals, investors, students, and families, to support its economic and social development. They include:

• Work visa: For qualified professionals in specific sectors.

• Investor visa: For those investing significantly in the Qatari economy.

• Family visa: For relatives of Qatar residents, allowing family reunification.

• Student visa: For international students accepted into Qatari educational institutions.

• Start-up visa: Focused on supporting foreign entrepreneurs and their families looking to establish businesses in Qatar, often with the backing of local municipalities.

• Permanent residency visa: A special status offering long-term residency benefits.

We currently don't handle applications for long-term visas. For more detailed information and application procedures, and information on how to apply for them, you can visit the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Staying healthy in Qatar: Here's what you need to know

Qatar boasts a robust healthcare system designed to cater to residents and visitors. Ensuring your health and safety while exploring Qatar is essential for a fulfilling experience.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• Before traveling to Qatar, it's advisable to be up to date with routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.

• Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travelers due to potential exposure through food or water.

• Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for those who might have sexual contact with a new partner, undergo medical procedures, or get tattoos or piercings.

• The typhoid vaccine is especially recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and relatives where exposure through food or water can occur.

• Check the latest health advisories and COVID-19 guidelines, including any requirements for quarantine, testing, or vaccination proof, by consulting the Ministry of Public Health website.

Medical facilities

Qatar offers an extensive network of healthcare facilities, including state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics.

• The healthcare system in Qatar is accessible to tourists, with many facilities providing high-quality care.

• Both public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals.

• English is widely spoken in medical facilities, especially in urban areas, making communication easier for international visitors.

• Pharmacies are readily available nationwide, offering a range of over-the-counter and prescription medications. However, it's advisable to bring a sufficient supply of prescribed medications and a doctor's note.

Health insurance

The Qatari government introduced mandatory health insurance requirements for visitors in 2017. The new policy requires all visitors to Qatar to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the country.

Visitor insurance is only accepted from national insurance companies registered with the Ministry of Public Health and international insurance companies approved by the ministry.

Make sure your health insurance covers significant expenses, such as medical evacuation when needed.

Check with your insurance provider to confirm that your coverage is comprehensive, especially in terms of:

• Refunds for any travel plans that get canceled, delayed, or interrupted.

• Costs related to medical care and the need for medical evacuation.

• Reimbursement for any luggage that gets lost.

Things to be aware of when visiting Qatar

When planning your visit to Qatar, consider the following health and safety tips.

1. Extreme heat: Qatar's hot climate, especially during summer, requires precautions against heat-related illnesses. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against sunburn.

2. Food and water safety: Opt for bottled or purified water and ensure food is properly cooked to avoid foodborne illnesses.

3. Emergency services: Familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers in Qatar (e.g., 999 for ambulance services) and the location of the nearest medical facility to your accommodation.

4. Observe local laws and customs: Be mindful of cultural norms and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites.

Medication for personal use

Traveling to Qatar and need to bring along some medication? Here's what you should keep in mind:

• Declare all medications: Informing the authorities about any medication you carry is crucial, especially prescription or controlled drugs.

• Keep everything in its original packaging: Your medication should remain in its original container, with a label clearly stating it's prescribed to you.

• Have a prescription or doctor's note: A letter from your doctor or an up-to-date prescription should accompany you, detailing the necessity of your medication.

• Check for restrictions: Ensure none of your medications are prohibited or restricted in Qatar by checking the Ministry of Public Health website.

• Pack only what you need: Bringing enough medication for your stay will help you avoid complications.