Qatar Visa on Arrival: Eligibility and costs

Disclaimer: An arrival card is not a visa. It cannot be used as a substitute for a visa and does not grant permission to enter any country. Travelers are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa, if required, prior to arrival. The arrival card is for administrative purposes only and does not serve as a travel authorization or entry permit.

Planning a trip to Qatar? You might be in luck with visa requirements! If you're from one of the eligible countries for visa-free entry or a Qatar Visa on Arrival, you're all set.

Otherwise, a Qatar eVisa through the official Hayya platform or via our app is your go-to option.

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Can I get a visa on arrival in Qatar?

It's good to know that the Qatari government has changed the term from Visa on Arrival to visa-free entry. However, the entry process is the same. On arrival you'll receive, if eligible, a stamp in your passport that authorizes a short stay for tourism or business.

If you're from one of the countries on this list you can get visa-free entry and don't need to pre-apply for a visa to visit Qatar.

The length of stay varies per nationality and can found in the above list.

Visa-free entry for citizens from GCC countries

Citizens of the following Gulf Cooperation Council countries enjoy freedom of movement in Qatar. They do not require a visa (even a Visa on Arrival) under any circumstances:

Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates

Note: If you’re a resident (not a citizen) of a GCC country, 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. 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.

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Do I need to pay for the Qatar Visa on Arrival?

The Qatar Visa on Arrival is free for most eligible travelers.

The only exceptions are nationals of the following countries, who must pay a fee of QR 100 (about US$27 at the time of writing):

Belarus
Iran
Macao
Mauritius
Montenegro
Taiwan

Note that this list can change at any time. To pay the fee, simply make your way to an immigration counter upon arrival in Qatar, and pay by card (some bank fees may apply).

Qatar Visa on Arrival requirements

Make sure to meet the following requirements, in addition to being from an eligible country:

Have a passport that's valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Qatar.
Can show a return or onward flight ticket.
Can present a confirmation for accommodation (hotel or contact details of a local host).

Note: Citizens from Pakistan, India, Thailand, Iran, and Ukraine must book an accommodation via the authorized channel of Discover Qatar for their entire stay. Regular hotel bookings are not accepted to get the Visa on Arrival.

Having (travel) health insurance is recommended, and mandatory for people staying in Qatar longer than 30 days. If that's the case, you must get insurance through the official Qatar website for QR 50 (about US$ 13) per day.
Have proof of enough funds to pay for your trip. Some nationalities are asked upon arrival to show a valid international credit card (such as travelers from Pakistan, Iran, or Thailand) or at least US$1000 in cash.