Qatar Visa Types

The Qatar eVisa system is an advanced online service that simplifies the visa application process for eligible visitors to Qatar. It eliminates the need to visit Qatari embassies or consulates by allowing travelers to apply for their visas online, making the process more straightforward, convenient, and efficient.

Essential Steps to Secure a Qatari eVisa

Ready to explore the wonders of Qatar? Here's a simple breakdown of the process to secure your eVisa:

STEP 1: Travelers to Qatar can apply for a visa online by filling out a form and submitting the required documents, such as a photocopy of their passport and photo. The visa fee can be settled online via credit or debit card.

STEP 2: Once approved, the visa is emailed for printing and must be presented at Qatari border control upon arrival.

STEP 3: Choosing the right eVisa for your travel purpose in Qatar is essential. Before applying, familiarize yourself with each visa category's requirements and conditions.

Purpose of Your Travel: Choosing the Right Qatar eVisa

The Qatar eVisa system caters to various travel motives. Here's a breakdown to help you select the most suitable eVisa purpose for your trip:

For Business & Professional Visits:

• Business Meeting: Attending business meetings or conferences in Qatar.

• Convention Participation: Participating in industry conventions or events held in Qatar.

• Kids Expo 2024 Doha: Visiting the prestigious Kids Expo 2024 exhibition in Doha (applicable during the expo period).

For Leisure & Personal Visits:

• Friend Visit: Spending time with friends residing in Qatar.

• Heritage Tourism: Exploring Qatar's rich cultural heritage and historical sites.

• Leisure: Enjoying a relaxing vacation in Qatar, experiencing its diverse offerings.

• Shopping: Taking advantage of Qatar's vibrant shopping scene.

• Sports Event: Attending a sporting event held in Qatar.

• Wedding Party: Celebrating a wedding ceremony or attending one as a guest.

Popular Qatar eVisa Choices

Qatar's streamlined eVisa system simplifies entry for international visitors. Offering various visa categories tailored to different travel needs. Here's an overview of the Qatar eVisa categories:

• Qatar Tourist eVisa (30 days): Ideal for tourism, business ventures, and leisure activities. Perfect for exploring Qatar's wonders.
• Qatar GCC Resident eVisa (30 days): For residents of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Allows single entries for exploring Qatar.
• Companion eVisa for GCC Residents: Traveling with a GCC resident? This visa allows you to join them for tourism purposes in Qatar.
• Qatar ETA Authorization (30 days): For holders of valid residence permits or visit visas from specific countries (Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Schengen Area). Enjoy a 30-day stay in Qatar.

Qatar Visa Options and Services Offered by the Ministry of Interior

The text provided below details the various visa types and visa services offered by the Qatar Ministry of Interior, designed to meet diverse travel needs for different purposes.

A. Non-work Visit Visa

Tourist Visa

The Qatar A1 Tourist eVisa lets you explore Qatar for 30 days. Know in detail about the Qatar Tourist eVisa.

Visit Visa for GCC Residents and Those Accompanying

GCC residents & their companions can get a single-entry eVisa for 30 days. Know in detail about the Qatar eVisa for GCC Citizens and Residents.

Personal Visit Visa

This visa facilitates personal visits, allowing visitors to stay with their relatives or friends in Qatar, enhancing cultural exchange and familial bonds.

Requirements:

• Requires approval by the Ministry of Interior or their representative. 
• Valid for one month (30 days) initially. 
• Subject to approval, extensions of one month are available
• Requires proof of family residence facilities for extension. 
• Medical tests are mandatory for extensions beyond 30 days.

Official Visa

This visa is issued at no cost to individuals visiting at the invitation of ministries, government authorities, and official agencies.

Terms & Conditions

• Complete the application form.
• Provide a clear copy of the visitor's passport.
• Submit a valid registration ID of the establishment.

Family Visit

The Family Visit Visa allows families to maintain close ties and provides an opportunity for extended stays and personal interaction in Qatar.

This visa is valid for one month and may be extended by another 5 months for first-degree relatives.

Requirements:

• Upload a clear copy of the visitor's Passport, valid for at least 6 months.
• Provide documentation confirming the familial relationship.
• Submit proof of family accommodation registered under the host's name and recognized by the relevant authorities.

Conditions for Family Visit Approval:

• The host's occupation should not fall under the Labour category.
• The host must have a monthly income of at least QAR 5000, verified by an employment contract.
• The visitor must have health insurance for the duration of their stay.

Eligible Family Members for Hosting:

• First Degree: Father, Mother, Wife, Children
• Second Degree: Brother, Sister, Grandfather, Grandmother, Grandchildren
• Third Degree: Children of siblings, Paternal or Maternal Uncles and Aunts (Brothers and Sisters of Parents)

Bilateral Agreement Visas

Under the bilateral agreements between Qatar and various countries, government officials from these nations are not required to secure an 'In Advance Visa' for entry into Qatar.

Passport holders mentioned above can enter Qatar without a visa. They can stay for up to 90 days, either in a single visit or multiple trips over 6 months, as per the entry and exit rules of the "Bilateral Agreement." They can depart from Qatar without needing an Exit Permit.

Joint Tourist Visa

Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman have established a joint tourist visa agreement, allowing travelers to move freely between Qatar and Oman during the visa's validity. However, the visa holder must not travel to a third country within this period; otherwise, a new visa application is necessary. 

This service excludes holders of Travel Documents, except those carrying 'British Travel Documents' valid for 4 years and with at least 1 year remaining. This visa is issued upon arrival at the immigration counter in the Arrival Terminal of Doha International Airport.

Eligible Nationalities include:

Requirements

• The applicant must be a citizen of one of the 33 countries listed above.
• An original passport with 6+ months validity is mandatory.
• This visa is not available to holders of temporary passports and travel documents.
• The applicant must have a round-trip ticket.

The visa initially grants a one-month stay, with the option to extend for another month.

Special On-Arrival Visas

Here's a breakdown of on-arrival visas available to citizens of specific countries at Qatari airports:

B. Work Visit Visas

Multiple Entry Business Visa

This visa allows government entities, semi-government organizations, and private companies to bring in expatriate workers with rare professions.

• Validity: One month, extendable to a maximum of six months.

• Requirements:

• Approval from the RARC (Qatar Recruitment and Visa Processing System)

• Copy of the sponsoring company's establishment ID

• Passport copy of the incoming worker

• Documentation proving the worker's profession or educational qualifications

• Medical tests required for stays exceeding 30 days

Business Visa for 72 Hours and Extendable for a Similar period

Business travelers to Qatar can obtain this visa upon arrival at designated entry points.

• Requirements:

• Proof of business profession (documents)

• Invitation letter from a registered Qatari company

• Credit card with a minimum balance of QR 5000 (or equivalent cash)

• Confirmed accommodation for the length of your stay

• Valid return ticket

Business Visa

Companies involved in trade and investment activities can use this visa to invite business visitors.

• Validity: One month (non-extendable)

• Requirements:

• Prior approval from relevant Qatari departments for the company/establishment.

• A completed application form submitted by a company representative or owner.

• Documents verifying the visitor's business status.

• Visitor's valid return air ticket.

• Clear copy of the visitor's passport.

Visa for Truck Drivers and Their Assistants

Export/import companies, transport companies, and the national cargo company can sponsor truck driver visas.

• Validity: Three months with multiple entries.

• Stay Limit per Entry: One week.

• Requirements:

• Supporting application documents

• Proof of profession (truck driver documents)

Visa for GCC Resident Truck Drivers And their Assistants

Truck drivers and assistants residing in GCC countries can obtain this visa upon arrival at land border crossings.

• Eligibility: Residents of GCC countries with valid residence permits (minimum 6 months)

• Validity:

• Single Entry: One week

• Multiple Entry: Three months (maximum one week per visit)

• Requirements:

• Valid passport or travel document covering the visa period

C. Seamen Entry and Transit Visas

Entry Permit for Seamen

This visa is for seamen and oil and gas industry personnel working temporarily on ships or onshore/offshore oil and gas facilities.

• Validity: One month, extendable up to 6 months.

• Requirements:

• Letter of undertaking from the maritime agent (seafarers)

• Medical tests required for stays exceeding 30 days

Seamen Transit Visa

Seafarers working for marine or oil field companies can get this visa upon arrival at designated ports.

• Validity: 48 hours (not extendable)

• Requirements:

• Letter from the marine agent

• Copy of the company's establishment card

• Original marine passport

Camel Race Visa

Residents of GCC countries can participate in camel races using this visa.

• Eligibility: Valid residence permit in any GCC country.
• Requirements: An official invitation letter from the Camel Race Organizing Committee.
• Validity and Extension: Determined by the duration specified in the invitation letter.

Transit Visa

Issuance of this visa occurs at the airport, following these conditions:

• For passengers arriving on Qatar Airways who plan to continue their journey to another destination:

• Qatar must be a transit point on the way to their final destination.

• The traveller must have a return ticket.

• The stay in Qatar should be between 12 and 48 hours.

• For passengers arriving on Qatar Airways for tourism in Doha:

• A Qatar Airways officer must complete the required form.

• The stay in Qatar should be between 4 and 12 hours.

• Qatar Airways is responsible for transporting passengers from entry to departure.

D. Entry Visas for Non-work Residence

Family Residence Visa

This visa allows residents to sponsor their spouses and children for the first time for a residence visa in Qatar.

Eligibility:

• Valid residence permit for work in Qatar (by a sponsor)

Required documents:

• Sponsor's valid passport copy
• Proof of relationship documents
• Good Conduct Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) for family members 18+
• Sponsor's health insurance covering the family
• For Male Children: Should be aged under 25
• For Female Children: Should be married

Additional Requirements:

1. Government/Semi-Government Employees:
• Senior position in the profession with an employment contract or official employer letter
• Employer-provided family housing OR minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 (as per employment contract)
1. Private Sector Employees:
• Technical or specialized (non-labor) profession with an employment contract
• Minimum monthly salary of a certain amount depending on the contract with employer-provided family housing (as per employment contract)

Residence visa for spouse, children and parents of Investor, real estate owner or beneficiary of a residential unit 

Property owners and real estate investors can sponsor their family members (spouses, children, parents) for residence visas in Qatar.

Requirements:

• Proof of relationship documents
• Police clearance certificate (attested)
• Medical exam completed abroad

Apply at: MOI Service Centers

Residence Visa For Beneficiary of Residential Unit

This visa grants residence to those with beneficiaries of Qatari housing units.

Requirements:

• Valid passport copy
• Beneficiary letter from relevant authority
• Attested police clearance certificate
• Medical exam completed abroad (as per guidelines)

Visa Application Form for Residential Unit Beneficiaries

Apply at: MOI Service Centers

Visa for New Born Babies

Newborn babies (under 6 months old) arriving with their mothers can get this visa to begin residence permit processing.

Requirements:

• Baby under 6 months old
• Valid passports for both parents (mother sponsored by husband)
• Original, attested birth certificate
• Valid residence permits for both parents

Residence Visa for Realestate Owners

This visa allows property owners in Qatar to obtain residency.

Requirements:

• Valid passport copy
• Ownership document from the relevant authority
• Attested police clearance certificate
• Medical exam completed abroad (as per guidelines)

Visa Application Form for Real-estate Owners and Beneficiaries.

E. Return Visas

Return Visa for more than 6 months outside the country

This visa allows residents who've been outside Qatar for more than 6 months to re-enter the country, provided their residence permit is still valid.

Types:

• Personal Sponsorship (Housemaids):
• For housemaids and similar roles.
• Requires sponsor application and copy of sponsor's ID.
• Family Sponsorship:
• For family members of residents who’ve been outside for more than 6 months.
• Requires sponsor application, sponsored person's passport, and sponsor's ID/passport.
• Company Sponsorship:
• For company-sponsored residents outside for more than 6 months.
• Requires sponsor application, sponsored person's passport, and company establishment card.

Return Visa (Passport Loss)

Expatriate residents who lose their passports abroad can use this visa to re-enter Qatar.

Requirements:

• Sponsor application
• Sponsor's passport copy (personal sponsor) OR company establishment card (company sponsor)
• Copies of the sponsored person's new and lost passports
• Lost passport report from relevant authorities

Fill out the Return Visa Form.

Return Visa for Family Visitors

Family visit visa holders can exit and re-enter Qatar multiple times during their visa's validity as long as at least 30 days remain on the visa upon each exit. 

Provide a filled Return Visa Application Form

Return Visa for House Workers of Qatari Diplomats Working Abroad 

Holders of diplomatic passports or cards can obtain this visa upon arrival in Qatar, regardless of their residence permit status or time spent outside the country.

Requirements:

• Original diplomatic passport or card copy

Location:

• At the port of entry

General Requirements for Qatar eVisa Application

Applying for a Qatar eVisa is straightforward but requires specific documents:

• Valid Passport: To enter, your passport must have 6 months remaining validity from arrival and two blank pages for official stamps.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent photo (taken within 6 months) with a white background is needed.
• Proof of Onward/Return Travel: A confirmed booking for your return or onward flight is required.
• Proof of Accommodation: Confirm your hotel reservation or other lodging.
• Means of Payment: The eVisa fee requires a debit or credit card.
• Email Address: You'll receive your eVisa via email.
• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, though not mandatory.

Apply for an Online Qatar eVisa

Applying for a Qatar eVisa is a simple process accessible to applicants from many countries through an online system. Here’s a concise guide:

Submit Your Application Online

Begin your eVisa journey by accessing the official Qatar eVisa portal. Carefully complete the online application form, providing accurate information about your passport, travel details, and any required sponsor details. Once you have filled out all necessary fields, proceed to the payment section and securely pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.

Track Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you will receive an application reference number. To monitor the progress of your visa application, return to the Qatar eVisa website and select the "Check Visa Status" or "Track Application" option. Enter your passport number and the reference number provided. This will allow you to view the current status of your application, whether it's approved, under review, or unfortunately, denied.

Receive Your eVisa

If your visa application is approved, you will receive your eVisa via email. This electronic visa will contain essential information such as your visa validity period, permitted duration of stay, and other relevant details. It's crucial to print a copy of your eVisa and carry it with you during your trip to Qatar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which eVisa I need for Qatar?

For most travel purposes, choose the Regular Tourist Visa (A1). If you're visiting family or friends, opt for the Family/Friend Visit Visa and provide documentation confirming your relationship.

Is there a visa-free entry option for Qatar?

Yes, citizens of certain countries can enter Qatar visa-free for short stays. Check Qatar's Visa Policy page for details on visa-free nationalities.

What documents do I need for a Qatar eVisa application?

Generally, you'll need a valid passport, a recent passport-size photo, and proof of onward or return travel (flight ticket).

How long does it take to process a Qatar eVisa?

Processing times can vary, but they usually take a few days. It's recommended that you apply at least four days before your trip.

How can I track my Qatar eVisa application?

Track your application on the eVisa portal using your reference number or passport information.




Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in October 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.