Planning to visit Qatar in 2025? Exciting news!
Qatar has a simplified visa on arrival process for travelers from over 90 countries. In this guide we will cover everything you need to know about eligibility, requirements, costs, and recent updates.
Whether you’re coming for a holiday, business, or just passing through, understanding Qatar’s visa policies will ensure a hassle-free entry.
What is Qatar Visa on Arrival? (Quick Answer)
A Qatar visa on arrival allows eligible travelers from over 90 countries to enter Qatar without prior application. This visa is granted at the airport, offering a 30- or 90-day stay, depending on nationality. Travelers need a valid passport, return ticket, and, for some, hotel booking and proof of funds.
Qatar Visa on Arrival: New Rules & Updates for 2025
The Qatar visa on arrival program has had recent updates. These changes, effective in 2025, make entry easier while introducing a few new rules for certain countries. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hotel Booking Requirement: Travelers from India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine must book hotels through Discover Qatar to qualify for the visa.
- Health Insurance Requirement: Stays longer than 30 days require a health insurance purchase.
- Country-Specific Rules: Certain nationalities have unique requirements (covered below), so it’s essential to be well-informed.
These updates help streamline entry, ensuring a smooth experience while prioritizing visitor safety.
Visa on Arrival vs. Visa-Free Entry
Though Qatar Tourism refers to this as a “visa-free entry,” the process essentially operates as a visa on arrival. Visitors from eligible countries can receive their visa at immigration upon arrival, without any prior application. This easy process has made Qatar a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience and efficiency.
Eligibility for Qatar Visa on Arrival
Travelers from 95 countries are eligible for the Qatar visa on arrival. Depending on the traveler’s nationality, the length of stay can vary:
90-Day Stay Group
Citizens from the following countries can stay up to 90 days in a single visit or split across multiple visits within a 180-day validity period. Note, however, that this waiver cannot be extended beyond the total of 90 days. Eligible countries for the 90-day stay include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
30-Day Stay Group
Travelers from the following countries are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival, with the option to extend for another 30 days, allowing a maximum stay of 60 days in Qatar. This single-entry visa is ideal for short to moderate visits:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Falkland Islands
- French Guiana
- Georgia
- Guyana
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Lebanon
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Suriname
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
GCC Nationals
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, do not need a visa to enter Qatar. This policy highlights Qatar’s regional cooperation and ease of movement within the Gulf.
Requirements for Qatar Visa on Arrival
To successfully get a visa on arrival in Qatar, travelers need to meet specific requirements:
- Valid Nationality: You must hold a passport from one of the eligible countries.
- Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of a return or onward travel ticket is necessary.
- Accommodation Booking: For some nationalities (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, and Ukraine), accommodation must be booked via Discover Qatar.
- Health Insurance: Stays over 30 days require the purchase of health insurance, available for 50 Qatari Riyals (approximately $14).
- Proof of Funds: Some countries, like India and Thailand, require proof of sufficient funds, with at least 5,000 Qatari Riyals to cover expenses.
By meeting these requirements, travelers can expect a seamless entry experience.
Special Conditions for Specific Nationalities
Some nationalities have unique requirements when applying for a Qatar visa on arrival:
- India: Free 30-day visa on arrival, a Discover Qatar hotel booking, and proof of funds are required.
- Pakistan: Free 30-day visa with a hotel booking requirement through Discover Qatar and proof of funds. Additionally, travelers need a valid polio vaccination certificate.
- Thailand: 30-day stay with the option to extend, accommodation booking via Discover Qatar, and proof of funds.
- Ukraine: Free 90-day visa on arrival, a Discover Qatar hotel booking, and health insurance for extended stays are required.
- Iran: A 30-day tourist visa costs 100 Qatari Riyals. Business visas are available for stays of up to six months.
These specific requirements help Qatar manage arrivals efficiently, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cost of Qatar Visa on Arrival
For most eligible travelers, Qatar’s visa on arrival is free. However, certain nationalities, such as Iran and Belarus, may need to pay a nominal fee for their visas or extensions. This policy makes Qatar accessible to travelers from around the world without high entry fees.
How to Apply for Qatar Visa on Arrival?
Getting a visa on arrival is quick and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step process to make it as smooth as possible:
- Arrive at Immigration: Go to the immigration counter upon arrival.
- Present Documents: Show your passport, return ticket, hotel booking (if required), and proof of funds (if applicable).
- Answer Questions: The immigration officer may ask about your travel purpose.
- Receive Visa Stamp: If approved, your passport will receive a visa stamp.
- Entry Complete: After customs, you’re ready to start exploring Qatar!
This efficient process typically takes just a few minutes, making it ideal for travelers seeking a quick and easy entry experience.
Transit Visa vs. Visa on Arrival
Qatar offers both transit visas and visas on arrival to cater to different travel needs. Here’s a look at the differences between these options to help you make the right choice:
Transit Visas
- Open to all nationalities.
- Valid for up to 24 hours.
- Free of charge.
- Ideal for travelers with short layovers who want a quick visit to Qatar.
Visas on Arrival
- Available to nationals of 95 countries.
- Valid for either 30 or 90 days, based on nationality.
- Usually free, with a few exceptions.
- Suitable for longer stays, including tourism or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival?
Citizens from over 90 countries are eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival.
Q: How long can I stay with a Qatar visa on arrival?
Eligible visitors can stay between 30 and 90 days, depending on their nationality.
Q: Is the Qatar visa on arrival free?
Yes, it is free for most nationalities, though a few countries may need to pay a small fee.
Q: Do I need health insurance to obtain a Qatar visa on arrival?
Yes, if you’re staying more than 30 days, health insurance is required.
Q: Can I extend my Qatar visa on arrival?
Yes, most 30-day visas are extendable for an additional 30 days.
Q: What documents are needed for a Qatar visa on arrival?
Required documents include a passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Q: Are there specific conditions for Indian and Pakistani visitors?
Yes, Indian and Pakistani visitors need a Discover Qatar hotel booking and must show proof of funds (5,000 Qatari Riyals).
Hi, I’m Haya Al-Nuaimi, the owner of QatarCheck.com. On my website, you’ll find detailed guides on exploring the Qatar visa process, including the mandatory medical exam. As a Qatari national, I’m passionate about helping others successfully obtain their visas to live and work in my home country.