Different Types of Qatar Travel Visas Explained

The small, yet very rich Arabian peninsula country of Qatar is rapidly becoming a favorite destination of both travelers and businessmen. The country offers everything, including a modern skyline of Doha, traditional souqs, deserts, and beaches, which makes it mix the old-world with futuristic development. As a visitor to the country, whether it is a tourism visit, work visit, transit immigration or long stay, it is important to have some knowledge on how the visa system works so that one can be well received beyond the border.

Over the last couple of years, Qatar has moved a long way towards facilitating its visa request with the aim to promote tourism and international business. However, there are a number of Types of Qatar Travel Visas that one should be aware of what suits their traveling requirements. This guide discusses the classes of travel visa to Qatar, eligibility, the validity and the required documentation of each. It also solves questions such as the most easy type of Qatar visa to obtain and the number of types of visas in the Qatar system of immigration.

1. Tourist Visa

The most general one when it comes to tourist visa is the Qatar Tourist Visa when people want to visit the country in order to have recreation. There are more than 95 countries whose citizens can enter the country without getting a visa or with a visa-on-arrival depending on the country. The rest can online through Qatar Visa Portal or through Hayya platform.

Eligibility:

• Persons of Non-visa exempt countries
• Needs to present document on the existence of the return ticket and proof of the stay

Validity:

• Approximately good 30 days
• This can be extended by 30 days

2. Visa on arrival

And in case you are asking, which is the easiest visa to obtain in Qatar, then this is probably the most available one. Visa on Arrival is available to the nationals of countries like the USA, the UK and EU members and India (subject to terms and conditions) among others, at the Hamad International Airport.

Eligibility:

• Legal passport 6 months validity
• Babu ticket (onward flight / return ticket)
• Accommodation booked
• Acceptable travel insurance

Validity:

• They normally expire after 30 days
• Refillable again after 30 days according to nationality

3. Transit Visa

Qatar has a Transit Visa that is provided to passengers who have to make transit during more than 5 hours. It is perfect to travelers who use Doha as their transit point and would like to spend a few hours visiting the city.

Eligibility:

• The Qatar Airways must be the mode of transport
• Stop-over – 5-96 hours
• Confirmed on-board flight

Validity:

• Good with 4 days (96 hours)
• At no cost to the Qatar Airways passengers

4. Business Visa

Business Visa can be applied by foreign national who is visiting Qatar because of business-related reasons. A sponsor (company) usually organizes it in Qatar.

Eligibility:

• At the invitation of one of the registered businesses in Qatar
• Should bring invitation letter and travel plan

Validity:

• Short-stay visa of 30 days
• Renewable at the request of the sponsor

5. Work Visa (Employment Visa)

The visa is granted to foreigners who work in Qatar. It will involve a job offer of an employer located in Qatar and an appropriate background verification.

Eligibility:

• Agreement with Qatari employee
• Medical clearance and police clearance
• Qualified and approved academic and professional documents

Validity:

• At first, it is guaranteed 1-3 months to process
• Approved to become a Residence Permit

6. Family Visit Visa

Family Visit Visa enables the people of Qatar to invite their relatives to stay in Qatar on a temporary basis. It particularly appeals to the expatriates.

Eligibility:

• Sponsor should be a Qatar national
• Evidence of accommodation and relationship was necessary

Validity:

• First, up to 30 days
• Can be increased up to 6 months in the case of immediate family

7. Student Visa

This visa is issued to international students studying in the well known Qatari schools. Application is normally done through the institution sponsoring.

Eligibility:

• An acceptance letter of a study institution in Qatar
• Evidence of funds and residential place

Validity:

• Lengthening of the academic course
• Renewable annually

8. GCC Resident Visa

A special visa to visit Qatar can be granted to the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to visit the country on tourism or business purposes.

Eligibility:

• A valid residence permit to one of the GCC countries
• Occupational certification (e.g. engineer, doctor)

Validity:

• As a rule, they remain valid within 30 days
• Expandable due to the situation

9. Residence Permit

Being not a classical visa, the Residence Permit enables long-term residence and is obtained based on the work or family visa.

Eligibility:

• Working contract or family sponsoring
• Security clearance and health clearance

Validity:

• Renewable annually
• Allows funding of dependants

FAQ

What are the types of the visas in the Qatar?

The most common Types of Qatar Travel Visas are about 9 in number, such as Tourist, Transit, Business, Work, Family Visit, Student, Visa on Arrival, GCC Resident Visa, and Residence Permit. The categories have various purposes and they have to be documented in different ways.

2. What is the easiest visa in Qatar?

The Visa on Arrival is the most convenient to the qualified travelers. The holders of the passports of more than 95 countries can receive this visa without any prior application as long as they can satisfy basic requirements of travel such as the purchase of a return ticket, hotel reservations and travel insurance.

3. What is the possibility that I can extend my Tourist Visa in Qatar?

The Tourist Visa is normally extendable once by another 30 days therefore the stay can be up to 60 days indeed. Extensions shall have to be done via the site of the Ministry of Interior.

4. Will I require a sponsor to get a visa to Qatar?

Not always. The tourist Visas and the Visa on Arrival are not sponsored. Nevertheless, work visas, family visas, and business visas are not free of sponsorship (by an employer, family, or a company).

5. What is Hayya Card and does it have any relationship with visas?

Hayya Card was first launched in relation to FIFA World Cup 2022, and it has turned into an instrument of travel authorization to specific events or Types of Qatar Travel Visas. You might have to use the Hayya platform depending on the purpose of your travel.

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Recommended Read: Complete Visa Information for Qatar Travellers

• Essential Documentation for a Qatar Tourist Visa from Oman Application