Entry and Exit Rules for Qatar
General entry requirements for entering Qatar are:
Passport: Travelers must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry. The passport should also have blank pages for visa stamps.
Visa: Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may need to obtain a visa before traveling to Qatar. Some countries have visa-free entry or offer visa-on-arrival for a specified period, while others require pre-approved visas. It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality and purpose of travel.
Travel authorization: In some cases, travelers may need to obtain a travel authorization or entry permit before traveling to Qatar. This requirement may be applicable to certain nationalities or specific travel purposes. It is important to check if you need travel authorization and the process to obtain it.
Health insurance: It is advisable to have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in Qatar. This may be a requirement for certain visa categories or recommended for your own peace of mind.
Arrivals
Visa on arrival
- If your passport is from one of the countries on this list then you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. Approach an immigration counter, present your passport and pay your visa fee.
- 90‑Day Stay within a 180‑Day Period (up to 90 days per visit or multiple visits)
- These travelers receive a visa waiver valid for 180 days and may stay up to 90 days in total:
(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, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine)
- 30‑Day Stay (extendable once to 60 days)
- Passport holders from the following countries can obtain a visa waiver valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days:
(Andorra, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Georgia, Guyana, Hong Kong, 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, Uzbekistan)
- If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council) then you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. The visa will only be issued if your residence permit is valid for at least six months. Please approach an immigration counter, present your passport and pay your visa fee. Your visa will be valid for a one-month stay in Qatar and it can be renewed for a further two months.
Paying your visa fee
- The easiest way to pay your visa fee is with your credit card or debit card, directly at an immigration counter. The visa fee depends on your nationality and type of visa.
- If you’d like to pay your visa fee with cash, then you need to visit the designated bank counter (map) before you approach a passport control counter. The bank will charge a fee (QAR 25/USD 7) for processing your cash payment. All major currencies are accepted.
Getting a visa before you travel
If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival, then you need to arrange a visa before you travel to Qatar. This can be done at Qatari embassies around the world, or by enquiring with a hotel you have a booking within Qatar. The visa fee depends on your nationality and type of visa. Please ensure you plan enough time for the visa to be processed.
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways, then you may be able to arrange a visa on arrival by booking a hotel stay for the duration of your visit. Please visit the Qatar Airways Holidays website for more information and assistance. Please note that the normal visa processing time is about two weeks, while the fast-track service takes about five to six days.
Hayya e-visa platform
Qatar’s Hayya platform allows an easy entry to the State of Qatar through an e-visa. You can get your e-visa in 4 easy steps:
- Register on the Hayya platform website – www.hayya.qa or via the Hayya app.
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the visa fee & submit
- Receive your Hayya permit approval
Visit www.visitqatar.com/visa to learn more on how to get an e-visa with Hayya and download the comprehensive guide.
Priority processing
All Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing on arrival at Hamad International Airport.
Things to avoid
- Please don’t approach a passport control counter if you’d like to pay your visa fee in cash. The passport control counters can only accept credit cards and debit cards. Please use the designated bank counter for cash payment (map).
- Please don’t commence your journey before confirming visa requirements. This will help minimize any inconvenience or delays during travel.
Departures
Important information for passengers departing from Hamad International Airport:
Exit permits
- To find out if you need an exit permit, please visit the Hukoomi website
- If members of your family are visiting you in Qatar, then any male visitors whose stay in Qatar exceeds one month are required to obtain an exit permit when exiting the country (female family members are exempt).
Clearing passport control
- Scan your boarding card at the automated security gates just before the passport control area.
- Keep your travel documents (passport, exit permit, boarding pass and ticket) ready to present to the immigration officer.
- Dedicated lanes are available for First Class and Business Class passengers.
Priority processing
All Al Maha customers, special assistance travelers and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing when departing from Hamad International Airport.
Al Maha Lounge
- The Al Maha Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport is an independent lounge operated by Qatar Airways. The lounge is primarily meant for passengers who purchased an Al Maha meet and greet package, a set of services intended to expedite transit through the airport.
- The lounge features hot meals, showers, a family room, as well as a smoking area.
- You need to book the Al Maha Lounge service in order to access this lounge. Exclusive Meet and Greet services are made available in case of arrival, departure, and transit. Travelers are offered several packages to choose from. All the detailed information may be collected through the website of Qatar Airways or Hamad International Airport.
- Location: Doha Hamad International
- Airside – Level 2 of Duty Free South. From the Teddy Bear Area, walk straight ahead and take the lift or escalator on the left. The lounge is located near Gates A, B and C.
- Opening Hours:
- 24 hours daily Note: Due to peak times (17:00 – 19:00; 22:00 – 02:00 & 04:00 07:00), it is expected this lounge will see an increase in the number of guests. Therefore, access may be periodically restricted due to space constraints.
- Conditions:
- Maximum 4 hour stay – Access may be restricted due to space constraints – Children under 5 years are admitted free – All children must be accompanied by an adult – Alcoholic drinks are not available during the month of Ramadan – Business Centre available – Quiet area – Family room – Smart casual dress at all times – Separate smoking area available.
Things to avoid
- If you’re travelling to a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), then your passport must be valid for at least six months (three months for GCC citizens). Please make sure your passport meets this requirement, otherwise, your airline won’t be able to accept you for travel.
- If you have any unpaid fines in Qatar, then you won’t be allowed to leave the country. Please make sure any unpaid fines are settled before you travel. You can also pay your fines at the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport (map).
Solving problems
- If you’re not allowed to leave the country because of unpaid fines, you can pay them at the Ministry of Interior fees and fines office at Hamad International Airport. It is located at the end of check-in Row 8 (map).
- If you’re not allowed to leave the country because you don’t have an exit permit, please approach the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport.
