For residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Qatar has established convenient visa facilities that simplify travel procedures.
This article covers the essentials of obtaining a Qatar Visit Visa for GCC residents, detailing eligibility, application steps, document requirements, and important regulations.
What is Qatar Visit Visa?
Qatar Visit Visas are issued electronically to eligible applicants. You will be able to travel related to tourism, business, and leisure once it has been approved. Your visa is valid for 30 days after you arrive in Qatar.
Required Documents for Qatar visit Visa
To ensure a successful application, prepare the following documents:
- Passport with six months of validity.
- GCC residency permit valid for three months.
- Return flight ticket.
- Accommodation confirmation.
- Proof of health insurance.
Eligibility Requirements for Qatar Visit Visa
GCC residents must meet particular conditions to qualify for a Qatar Visit Visa. Here’s a breakdown of the primary eligibility criteria:
- Residency Status: Only residents of GCC countries are eligible.
- Passport Validity: Passports must have at least six months of remaining validity upon entry.
- GCC Residency Permit: The residency permit should be valid for a minimum of three months from the date of entry into Qatar.
- Professional Category: The applicant’s profession, as listed on the GCC residency permit, must fall within the approved list of professions by the Qatari government.
Qatar Visit Visa Application Process (Hayya Portal)
The Hayya portal facilitates the online application process for the Qatar Visit Visa, streamlining the experience for GCC residents. By submitting necessary documentation digitally, the Hayya portal removes the need for in-person application procedures.
Application Steps:
- Create a Profile: Register on the Hayya portal with personal information.
- Upload Documents: Required documents include a valid passport, GCC residency permit, accommodation details, return flight tickets, and health insurance proof.
- Payment of Fees: The visa fee can be paid directly through the portal.
- Submission: After uploading all documents and paying the fee, submit the application for review.
Once submitted, the application process typically takes a few days. Approved visas are emailed directly to applicants, making the process quick and efficient.
Qatar Visit Visa Price
You can get your visa on arrival at the airport for a fee of QAR 100. You can also apply for your Hayya visa online – choose the A1 visa. You will be able to book your hotel stay on Discover Qatar (visa-on-arrival eligible) before you depart, and you will be able to pay your Visa fee (QAR 100) at the airport.
Qatar Visit Visa Processing Time
Normal processing times for visas are about 2 weeks, whereas fast-track services take approximately 5 to 6 days.
Qatar Visit Visa Check Online
Step 1: Visit MOI Qatar’s Official Website: Open moi.gov.qa in your browser. This is the Ministry of Interior’s site where you can check your visa status and print documents.
Step 2: Go to “Inquiries and Requests”: Click on the Inquiries and Requests tab. From the dropdown, select Query and Print Attributes to access the visa status check portal.
Step 3: Enter Visa and Passport Details: Fill in your 15-digit visa number and passport information accurately to proceed.
Step 4: Choose Your Nationality: Select your nationality from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Complete the CAPTCHA: Enter the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen.
Step 6: Submit to View Visa Status: Click Submit to display your current visa status.
Qatar Visit Visa Extension
- Check Visa Eligibility: Use your visa number or passport details to log into the Ministry of Interior’s visa services portal and confirm your visa’s eligibility for extension.
- Open the Online Renewal Form: Navigate to the ‘Visa Renewal’ section to access and fill out the online extension form.
- Enter Required Information: Complete the form with accurate details matching your original visa application.
- Choose Extension Duration and Pay Fees: Select your desired extension period, typically an additional 30 days, and pay the associated fee to complete your application.
Qatar Visit Visa Duration
A 90-day visa entitles its holder to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days or make multiple entries during that time period. There is a possibility of extending it. Visa information can be found on the Qatari Government’s website.
Qatar Visit Visa-Free Countries
These countries’ citizens do not require a visa to enter Qatar and can stay for up to 90 days. Some may need a visa waiver, but the process is typically straightforward.
90-Day Visa-Free Entry:
- Schengen Area Countries
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Turkey
30-Day Visa-Free Entry: (Extendable for 30 additional days)
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Georgia
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
Qatar Visa on Arrival (Eligible Countries)
Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days, with a possible extension:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Brazil
- Cuba
- Kazakhstan
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
Qatar Visit Visa for GCC Residents
The Qatar Visit Visa allows eligible GCC residents to visit the country with a straightforward visa-on-arrival option. Qatar offers a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival specifically for residents of GCC nations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar itself.
This approach demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to fostering accessible travel for its neighbors and facilitates cultural and economic connections within the region.
- Visa Duration: 30-day single entry (extendable for another 30 days).
- Eligibility: Valid for GCC residents meeting specific residency and professional criteria.
- Application: Available both online through Qatar’s Hayya portal and on arrival at the airport.
Approval and Entry Procedures for Qatar Visit Visa
When your Qatar Visit Visa application is approved, a copy of the visa is emailed. Print this copy, as it must be presented at Qatar’s immigration counter upon arrival.
Upon entry, visitors are required to show:
- Passport
- GCC Residency Permit
- Printed Visa
Once admitted, GCC residents may stay for 30 days, with an option to extend their stay for an additional 30 days by paying a fee.
Important Regulations and Guidelines
- Visa Validity and Extensions: The Qatar Visit Visa permits an initial stay of 30 days. Failure to leave or renew the visa within this period results in fines and potential travel restrictions.
- Overstay Penalty: Each day of overstay incurs a fine of QAR 200 (approximately USD 55). It is advisable to adhere to visa conditions to avoid such penalties.
- Health Insurance Requirements: Health insurance is mandatory for all Qatar visitors. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) provides guidelines on accepted health insurance providers. GCC residents should ensure their health insurance complies with Qatari regulations before traveling.
Unified GCC Tourist Visa
An upcoming Unified GCC Tourist Visa is expected to further facilitate travel across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Announced during the 40th Meeting of GCC Interior Ministers, this initiative is scheduled for implementation between 2024 and 2025.
This visa will allow GCC residents and international tourists to move seamlessly between member countries, enhancing the region’s tourism sector and promoting inter-country tourism. Qatar’s Role in the Unified GCC Visa Initiative highlights its commitment to supporting tourism growth across the GCC.
FAQs About Qatar Visit Visa
Q 1: Is visit visa open in Qatar now?
Among Middle Eastern countries, Qatar has become the most open thanks to a number of visa facilitation measures. Depending on the passport they carry, visitors from all over the world can enter Qatar by getting a visa on arrival or filling out an online application.
Q 2: Is Qatar a 3 month tourist visa?
Three months are allowed for its validity.
Q 3: How long is a Qatar visit visa valid for?
The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and permits multiple entries during the 90-day period. The period may be extended. Visa information can be found on the Government of Qatar’s website.
Conclusion
Qatar Visit Visa streamlines travel for GCC residents, offering a straightforward application process via the Hayya portal and facilitating cultural connections. With essential documents and clear eligibility criteria, GCC residents can explore Qatar’s attractions hassle-free while adhering to regulations.