Qatar Visa on Arrival Guide (2025 Update)
Qatar offers a Visa on Arrival for citizens of over 100 countries, making it easy for travelers to enter without applying in advance. Nationals of several countries are eligible to receive a visa on arrival in Doha, Qatar. This allows them to enter the country without a visa. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, requirements, fees, and the process at the airport. A visa on arrival costs QAR 100 and is valid for 30 days, renewable for a similar period.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival?
Citizens of more than 100 countries are eligible, including:
- Most European countries
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia & New Zealand
- Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore
- Others: Check eligibility on the Visit Qatar Visa Portal.
Stay Duration:
- 30 days: For most eligible countries (extendable once for another 30 days)
- 90 days: For select countries (e.g., US, UK – not extendable)
Qatar Visa on Arrival Applying Process
- Proceed to the e-gate area at Hamad International Airport.
- Approach an immigration counter.
- Present your passport.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa
Eligibility Criteria
Qatar offers a Visa on Arrival to nationals of over 102 countries, allowing them to enter without a prior visa. The duration of stay varies based on nationality.
- 30 Days: Most eligible countries.
- 90 Days: Some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom
Please note that the visa waiver is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
General Requirements
To obtain a Visa on Arrival, travelers must meet the following conditions.
- Valid Passport: Minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Confirmed flight booking.
- Accommodation: Proof of accommodation during the stay.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for stays over 30 days, recommended for shorter stays.
- Proof of Funds: Travelers from certain countries, including India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran, must provide proof of financial means.
Special Requirements for Specific Nationalities
Nationals from India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine have additional requirements:
- Hotel Booking: Must be made through the official Discover Qatar platform.
- Proof of Funds: A valid international credit or debit card with a minimum balance of QAR 5,000 (approximately USD 1,370). Debit cardholders must also provide a bank statement for the last three months.
- Hotel booking
- For some countries, this must be booked via Discover Qatar
- Health insurance
- Mandatory if staying over 30 days; recommended for all travelers
- Proof of funds
- Applies to citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine
- Valid credit/debit card with at least QAR 5,000 (~USD 1,370)
- Debit card holders must also show 3-month bank statements
Arrival Process at Hamad International Airport (Doha)
- Follow the signs to the Visa on Arrival counters
- Submit the required documents
- Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
- Immigration officer reviews your documents
- Get your passport stamped and enter Qatar!
Special Notes for India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine
These travelers must:
- Book hotels only through Discover Qatar
- Provide proof of sufficient funds
- Carry a valid credit/debit card + bank statements (if using a debit card)
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking (via Discover Qatar if required)
- Health insurance
- Proof of funds (for certain nationalities)
Arrival Process at Hamad International Airport
Upon arrival:
- Proceed to the Visa on Arrival Counter: Follow signs to the designated VOA counters.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, health insurance, and proof of funds.
- Verification: Immigration officers will verify your documents.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa
Visa Fees and Extensions
- Visa Fee: The visa on arrival is free of charge for eligible travelers.
- Extension: The visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- Extension Fee: If you choose to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days, a fee of QAR 100 applies.
Important Considerations
Arrival Process at Hamad International Airport
Upon arrival:
- Proceed to the Visa on Arrival Counter: Follow signs to the designated VOA counters.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, health insurance, and proof of funds.
- Verification: If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa.
Conclusion
Qatar Visa on Arrival offers a simple, efficient, and cost-free entry for citizens of over 100 countries. It’s a tourist-friendly system, provided that all requirements are met, including passport validity, confirmed accommodation, travel insurance, and proof of onward travel. While the process is mostly smooth, travelers from certain countries, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Thailand, should pay special attention to stricter documentation and booking requirements.
FAQ’s
Which countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival in Qatar?
Over 100 countries are eligible, including most European nations, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Check eligibility on the Visit Qatar Visa Portal.
How long can I stay in Qatar with a Visa on Arrival?
30 days for most eligible countries (extendable once for another 30 days)
90 days for select countries like the US and UK (not extendable)
Is there a fee for the Visa on Arrival?
For most travelers, the visa is free of charge
In some cases, a fee of QAR 100 may apply (especially for extensions)
What documents are required at the airport?
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Return or onward flight ticket
Hotel booking (via Discover Qatar if required)
Health insurance (mandatory for stays over 30 days)
Proof of funds (for some nationalities)
Do I need to apply online in advance?
No. Eligible travelers can obtain the visa directly at Hamad International Airport.
Who needs to book accommodation through Discover Qatar?
Nationals of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine must book hotels via the Discover Qatar platform.
What counts as proof of financial means?
Valid international credit/debit card with at least QAR 5,000 (~USD 1,370)
Debit cardholders must also present a 3-month bank statement
Can I work in Qatar with a Visa on Arrival?
No. This visa is strictly for tourism or personal visits, not for employment.
Can I extend my Visa on Arrival?
Yes, the 30-day visa can be extended once for another 30 days by paying QAR 100.
90-day visas are not extendable.
10. What happens if I overstay the visa?
Overstaying can lead to fines, legal issues, and future visa restrictions. Always extend your visa on time.
