Qatar Visa Extension: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Qatar is becoming increasingly popular for tourism and business travel in 2026, prompting many to seek visa extensions. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) manages traveler-friendly visa policies through online portals and the Metrash2 app. This guide outlines the latest visa extension rules effective January 2026, covering eligibility criteria, the extension process, fees, required documentation, and tips to avoid common mistakes. It’s essential to check official sources like the MOI website and Hayya platform for the most current information. Understanding the visa extension process can help travelers save time and avoid legal complications.

Qatar Visa Extension

कतर 2026 में टूरिज्म और बिज़नेस ट्रैवल के लिए तेज़ी से पॉपुलर हो रहा है, जिससे कई लोग वीज़ा एक्सटेंशन की मांग कर रहे हैं। मिनिस्ट्री ऑफ़ इंटीरियर (MOI) ऑनलाइन पोर्टल और Metrash2 ऐप के ज़रिए ट्रैवलर-फ्रेंडली वीज़ा पॉलिसी मैनेज करता है। यह गाइड जनवरी 2026 से लागू होने वाले लेटेस्ट वीज़ा एक्सटेंशन नियमों के बारे में बताती है, जिसमें एलिजिबिलिटी क्राइटेरिया, एक्सटेंशन प्रोसेस, फीस, ज़रूरी डॉक्यूमेंटेशन और आम गलतियों से बचने के टिप्स शामिल हैं। सबसे नई जानकारी के लिए MOI वेबसाइट और Hayya प्लेटफॉर्म जैसे ऑफिशियल सोर्स चेक करना ज़रूरी है। वीज़ा एक्सटेंशन प्रोसेस को समझने से ट्रैवलर्स का समय बच सकता है और कानूनी दिक्कतों से बचा जा सकता है।

Qatar Visa Types and Initial Validity in 2026

Qatar offers various entry options for travelers:

Visa-Free Entry

Available to over 95 nationalities.
Citizens of the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can stay for 90 days; others (like India and Pakistan) may get 30 days.
US citizens have 90 days visa-free until 2026.

Hayya A1/A3 Tourist Visa: For non-eligible nationalities, can be applied online, typically valid for 30 days.

Family Visit Visa: Sponsored by a Qatar resident; initial stay of 30-90 days.

Business Visa: Sponsored, duration varies.

Transit Visa: Valid for layovers up to 96 hours.

Health Insurance: Mandatory for all visitors, can be purchased upon arrival if needed.

Eligibility for Visa Extension

Not all visas are extendable; approval is at the discretion of MOI.
Tourist/Visa-Free Entry:
30-day entries can typically be extended by another 30 days (total of 60 days).
90-day entries (for countries like the US and EU) may have limited extensions.
Family Visit Visa: Extendable monthly up to 6 months for immediate family (spouse, children, parents) and up to 3 months for others.
Hayya Tourist Visa: Usually extendable by 30 days.
Extensions beyond standard limits may require medical checks, sponsor approval, and valid reasons.
Applications must be submitted before the current visa expires to avoid overstay fines.

Required Documents for Extension

Standard requirements:

A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity remaining after the extended stay).
A copy of the current visa or entry stamp.
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
Evidence of accommodation (such as hotel reservations or sponsor details).
Proof of adequate financial resources (may be necessary in some cases).
A health insurance certificate.
For family visas lasting more than one month: A medical examination (including a blood test and chest X-ray) at an authorized facility (cost approximately QAR 100).
The sponsor’s QID and a No Objection Certificate (if relevant).

How to Extend Your Visa: Step-by-Step Process

When it comes to extending your visa, you have convenient options available both online and in person.

Online Extensions

The easiest way to extend your visa is through the MOI Portal or the Metrash2 app. To get started, visit the MOI website at portal.moi.gov.qa or download the Metrash2 app, which requires registration using your QID or visa details. Once you are logged in, follow these steps:

Navigate to “Visa Services” and select “Visit Visa Extension.”
Enter your visa number, passport details, and nationality.
Check your eligibility for extension. If eligible, you can choose the duration of the extension, such as 30 days.
Upload the required documents.
Make the payment online using a credit or debit card.
After submission, your application will be processed, usually within 1-2 working days.
You will receive your extended visa via email or can print it out directly from the portal.

In-Person Extensions

If you prefer to handle your extension in person, you can visit an MOI Service Center or an Immigration Office, such as those located at Hamad International Airport or the main MOI headquarters. Here’s what to do:

Fill out the extension form, which is downloadable from the MOI website.
Please submit the completed form, along with the required documents, and pay the applicable fee.
Same-day processing is often available at these centers.

Extension for Hayya Visas

If you hold a Hayya visa, you can extend it through the Hayya platform. Simply log in to Hayya. qa, navigate to the visa services section, and follow the prompts to apply for your extension.

This information should guide you effectively through the visa extension process, ensuring a smooth experience whether you choose to apply online or in person.

Extension Fees in 2026

Standard fee: QAR 200 per month (per person).
Medical exam (if required): ~QAR 100.
No fee for some initial checks, but payments are non-refundable if rejected.

Read Also: Qatar Visa Fee

Visa Type	Initial Stay	Possible Extension	Total Max Stay	Fee (per month)
Visa-Free (30 days)	30 days	+30 days	60 days	QAR 200
Visa-Free (90 days, e.g., US/EU)	90 days	Limited/case-by-case	Varies	QAR 200
Family Visit	30-90 days	Monthly up to 6 months	6 months	QAR 200
Hayya Tourist	30 days	+30 days	60 days	QAR 200

Overstay Penalties and What to Do If Expired

Penalty: QAR 200 daily.
Potential for travel restrictions, detention, or removal.
If you have overstayed: Go to MOI right away, settle fines, and request an exit permit if necessary.
Address the issue before leaving to prevent future entry restrictions.

Tips for a Successful Extension in 2026

Apply for visas 3-7 days before expiry.
Ensure all documents are clear and valid.
Involve sponsors early for family or business applications.
Track application status on the MOI portal with visa/passport number.
Mandatory health insurance must be purchased through registered providers or upon arrival.
The upcoming GCC Unified Visa is expected in 2026, which may simplify regional travel but won’t impact extensions.
For queries, contact the MOI Helpline at +974 4406 9999.

Conclusion

Extending a visa in Qatar in 2026 is straightforward if done through official channels like the MOI portal, Metrash2 app, or Hayya platform. Many visa types can be extended, but approval depends on eligibility and proper documentation. To avoid fines and complications, apply before your visa expires, maintain valid health insurance, and stay updated with MOI announcements. Proper planning allows for a smooth and lawful extended stay in Qatar for tourism, family visits, or business.

FAQ’s

Can I extend my Qatar visa after it expires?
No, you must apply before your current status expires. If it has already expired, you must first pay the overstay fines and then visit the MOI to regularize your status.

How long does a Qatar visa extension take?
Online applications usually take one to two business days, while in-person requests are often processed the same day.

Is health insurance mandatory for a visa extension in 2026?
Yes, having valid health insurance is mandatory for all visitors and is required for visa extensions.

Qatar Visa Extension: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026