Qatar Waives Entry Visa Requirements for Citizens of 80 Countries

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways today announced that Qatar will allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, effective immediately. 

Citizens of those countries* wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket. 

Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days, from the date of issue, and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar (multiple-entry waiver); or it will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue and entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days (multiple- entry waiver).

These developments come as part of a series of measures that Qatar has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country. Last month, Qatar launched an e-visa platform, www.qatarvisaservice.com, through which travellers of all nationalities can apply for tourist and visitor visas with more efficiency and ease. The country is also considering further enhancements to its visa policy, such as waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or a valid visa from the nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the Schengen countries. This waiver would allow eligible visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation by completing a simple online application at least 48 hours prior to travel.

In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities transiting in Qatar for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days). In May 2017, QTA launched +Qatar, an initiative to promote the country as a stopover destination, with the national carrier, Qatar Airways. These measures, along with intensified international marketing, have resulted in a 39% increase in the number of stopover visitors during the first six months of 2017, compared with the same period last year.

As part of Qatar Airways’ and QTA’s combined efforts to boost tourism in the country, the award-winning airline has accelerated its global expansion plans, and recently announced the launch of a number of new destinations that it is adding to its network by the end of August including Kiev, Ukraine and Prague, Czech Republic. Yesterday, the airline launched Sohar, in the Sultanate of Oman. Qatar Airways also recently launched a direct service to Dublin, Republic of Ireland; Nice, France; and Skopje, connecting even more people to more places, and making it easier than ever for passengers to visit Qatar as part of their journey.

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• The below section details the new visa waiver eligibility for citizens of the 80 countries. 

• Entry to Qatar is approved at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. 

A) Nationals of the following 33 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.

1.            Austria 2.            Bahamas 3.            Belgium 4.            Bulgaria 5.            Croatia 6.            Cyprus 7.            Czech Republic 8.            Denmark 9.            Estonia 10.         Finland 11.         France

12.         Germany 13.         Greece 14.         Hungary 15.         Iceland 16.         Italy 17.         Latvia 18.         Liechtenstein 19.         Lithuania 20.         Luxembourg 21.         Malta 22.         Netherlands

23.         Norway 24.         Poland 25.         Portugal 26.         Romania 27.         Seychelles 28.         Slovakia 29.         Slovenia 30.         Spain 31.         Sweden 32.         Switzerland 33.         Turkey

B) Nationals of the following 47 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days.

1.            Andorra 2.            Argentina 3.            Australia 4.            Belarus 5.            Bolivia 6.            Brazil 7.            Brunei 8.            Canada 9.            Chile 10.         China 11.         Colombia 12.         Ecuador 13.         Panama 14.         Costa Rica 15.         Georgia 16.         Guyana

17.         Hong Kong 18.         India 19.         Indonesia 20.         Ireland 21.         Japan 22.         Kazakhstan 23.         Lebanon 24.         Azerbaijan 25.         Macedonia 26.         Malaysia 27.         Maldives 28.         Mexico 29.         Moldova 30.         Monaco 31.         New Zealand 32.         Paraguay

33.         Peru 34.         Russia 35.         San Marino 36.         Singapore 37.         South Africa 38.         South Korea 39.         Suriname 40.         Cuba 41.         Thailand 42.         Ukraine 43.         United Kingdom 44.         United States 45.         Uruguay 46.         Vatican City 47.         Venezuela

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Qatar

A land that understands a traveller can never be a stranger, just a friend not yet met.

That ultimately everyone is on their own journey,

seeking the warmth of a friendly embrace,

unique experiences, new stories to share.

Where a meal is not a meal unless it is shared.

A land rooted in ancient cultures, authentic soul,

where past learning informs contemporary vision.

Progressive spirit ignites new futures.

A land offering enlightenment, invigoration and inspiration

through its warmth of soul and spirit of vision.