Every journey to Qatar begins at your desk, with the online visa application. Success depends on preparation: the right documents, the right timing, and an understanding of Qatar’s entry rules. This guide lays out those requirements plainly, so that when you arrive, your focus is on the experience, not on paperwork.
Regardless of the visa you apply for, these essentials remain the same:
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining
A recent photo that meets identification standards
Accommodation proof through a hotel or host document
The only difference is that GCC residents must also provide their residence permit or GCC visa.
Qatar issues two common short-term visas:
Both visas share these features:
What you must prepare depends on the visa type. Let us examine the details.
The Tourist Visa (A1) is Qatar’s standard entry permit for leisure visits. It keeps the paperwork simple:
These three items form the foundation of your application, and without them, the process cannot begin.
This visa is reserved for travellers who already live in another GCC country. The stay period and validity mirror the tourist visa, but one additional document is mandatory.
Without this, your GCC Resident Visa application will not be accepted.
Where you plan to stay in Qatar is not just a question of comfort, it is a condition for visa approval.
Having the right documents is not enough, they must be presented correctly. A blurred passport scan or an unclear booking confirmation is all it takes for an application to be delayed.
Before you upload, review each file carefully:
These small checks are the difference between fast approval and weeks of waiting.
Keep these rules in mind:
Most Qatar visa applications are processed within a few working days. Delays are common if files are incomplete or unclear. To avoid problems, apply well before your travel date and check each document twice before submission.
The Qatar visa process becomes simple once you recognize the requirements. Every traveller needs a photo, a valid passport, and proof of where they will stay. GCC residents add only one more step, their residence permit. With these items ready and carefully prepared, your application stands on solid ground, and your time in Qatar begins with confidence rather than uncertainty.
Feature |
Tourist Visa (A1) |
GCC Resident Visa (A2) |
Purpose |
Leisure travel to Qatar |
For residents of other GCC countries visiting Qatar |
Entries |
Single entry |
Single entry |
Max Stay |
30 days |
30 days |
Validity |
90 days from issue date |
90 days from issue date |
Required Documents |
• Applicant Photo • Passport Scan • Hotel booking or host details |
• Applicant Photo • Passport Scan • Hotel booking or host details • GCC visa or residence card |
Extra Requirement |
None |
Proof of GCC residence |
No. The application only asks for your photo, passport, and proof of accommodation.
Yes, provided the booking clearly shows your name and the full address of the property.
Your application will be refused. Renew your passport before applying.
Not for these categories. The Tourist (A1) and GCC Resident (A2) visas both allow single entry only.
No. These visas cannot be extended. Overstaying may result in fines, so plan your departure within the allowed period.
Disclaimer: Although this information is updated as of September 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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