How to Apply Visit Visa in Qatar? Online Application Guide

Your bucket list includes experiences like riding camels through the desert at sunset, bargaining for wares in the chaotic Souq, and gazing out at the glittering Doha skyline. But before your adventures can begin, you need to navigate the paperwork for your Qatar visit visa. We get it—you want to book those flights and hotel rooms. With all the documents, forms, and fees, the visa application process might seem intimidating. What if you miss a step? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. 

Using this comprehensive guide to apply visit Visa for Qatar, we walk you through the process from start to finish, so you can spend less time worrying and more time planning the trip of your dreams. Moreover, our simple, step-by-step instructions and pro tips will ensure your visa application is error-free and complete.

Qatar Visit Visa Types: A Guide to All Options

Qatar has rolled out the welcome mat for travelers worldwide, but navigating the visa landscape can be overwhelming when you’re just trying to plan your trip. Here, we’ve sealed them in a cup just for you.

Visa-Free Entry – The Royal Treatment

The Qatari government has expanded its visa waiver program to allow citizens from over 95 countries to enter the country visa-free for a short stay. It makes traveling to Qatar an absolute breeze for those citizens who qualify.

There are typically a few requirements for obtaining visa-free entry:

• Valid passport (minimum validity of 6 months) 
• Confirmed hotel booking
• Return or onward ticket out of Qatar

Make sure to check your homeland for any special conditions before packing.

Online Tourist Visa – Quick & Easy Access

There is no need to worry about those not qualifying for Qatar’s visa waiver. The online tourist visa provides a fast and convenient method of entering Qatar, especially during a time-limited visit.

With Qatar’s eVisa portal, you can apply online for your tourist visa for stays of up to 30 days. Here are the steps to follow:

• Complete the online application
• Pay the QR 100 fee 
• Upload supporting documents 

Note: Upon approval, you will receive your tourist visa via email within 1-3 business days.

Visa On Arrival – For Flexible Travelers

Many nationalities may qualify for visas upon arrival at Qatar’s airport, so it’s perfect for spontaneous trips. You must, however, have the following qualifications:

• Passport (minimum six-month validity)
• Confirmed hotel reservations 
• Return or onward ticket out of Qatar
• Printed visa approval letter 

Family Visit Visa – For Long-Stay 

Qatari expats are entitled to sponsor the visit of family members who require a longer stay. The family visa allows a visitor to stay for a maximum of 30 days at first and is extendable up to a maximum of 6 months with a medical examination.

Qatar Transit Visa

Passengers on transit visas in Qatar can stay 96 hours between flights during short layovers. 

• Offered to all nationalities.
• Apply in advance online.
• Only valid if you have an onward ticket.

Qatar Visa for GCC Residents

Visitors from the GCC traveling to Qatar for work or business may obtain a GCC Residents Visa online or upon arrival in Qatar.

• Valid for 30 days, can extend to 90 days.
• Need job proof from your GCC home country.

Qatar Business Visa

A business visa is available to individuals traveling to Qatar for work, such as conferences, meetings, or short projects.

• 72-hour visas or longer 30–90-day visas.
• Letter of invitation required.
• Fees and documents vary by nationality.

How to Apply for a Qatar Visit Visa: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting Qatar but need a visa first? Here is a step-by-step guide to the entire visa application process.

Step 1: Select A Qatar Visa

The first step to obtaining a Qatar visit visa is to decide what type of visa suits your travel plans and nationality: visa-free entry, tourist visas, and transit visas.

• 95+ countries have visa-free entry
• Tourist visas are available online for 30 days
• Travelers can get 96-hour transit visas
• Expats can sponsor long-term family visa

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

All the required paperwork must be ready to upload/submit before applying for a visa.

• Passport copy – should be valid for 6+ months
• Visa application form – completed online
• Passport photo – white background, proper sizing
• Booking confirmation for Qatar stay
• Qatar return ticket – can be printed

Step 3: Complete Qatar’s Online Visa Application

Several types of visas are available from Qatar, but most must be applied online via the eVisa portal. Here’s how to do it:

• Create an account and login to the eVisa site
• Select the appropriate visa category
• Complete all required fields of the online form  
• Upload supporting documents from Step 2
• Pay visa fees via credit card

Step 4: Get Qatar Visa by Email

After you submit your completed application, you should receive a response within 1-3 business days. If approved, you’ll receive your Qatar visit visa electronically.

Step 5: Qatar Entry Documents

The following documentation must be available for presentation to immigration officials when entering Qatar:

• Printed or electronic visa approval letter
• Valid passport 
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Onward/return flight ticket  

In case you did not receive your visa, then you can Check Qatar Visa online and print your visa.

Qatar Visit Visa Durations: How Long You Can Stay in Qatar

As a tourist in Qatar, you will want to spend as much time as possible exploring its sparkling skyscrapers, historical market bazaars, and endless desert landscapes. But how long can you stay on a visit visa?

Tourist Visas – Enjoy Up To 30 Days in Qatar

A standard online tourist visa allows visitors to take in the sights of Doha for up to 30 days in a single stay. You’ll have enough time to see the Museum of Islamic Art, wander the Souq Waqif, and enjoy a falafel lunch before visiting the Qatar National Theater for a show.

A tourist visa is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend it to 90 days for longer-term trips.

Visa-Free Entry – Varies by Nationality

The Visa Waiver Program allows people from many countries to enter Qatar visa-free, but the length of stay varies based on your nationality.

Depending on your country’s visa-free entry rules, you can extend up to 90 days.

Family Visit Visa – Extend for Up To 6 Months

Qatari expats can sponsor family visit visas that last up to 6 months with a medical check, so you have plenty of time with your family.

Transit Visa – 96 Hours Maximum

Qatar transit visas allow you to stay in Doha for up to 96 hours during international travel. There will only be time to visit some top sites, but you can visit MIA Park, Falcon Souq, and Corniche during your short stay.

In contrast with other visas, 96-hour transit visas are not extendable.

Qatar Visit Visa Extension: How to Extend It

Having too much fun at a Bedouin camp or haggling and needing more time? Extending your Qatar visit visa is simple with Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.

Step 1: Assessing Extension Eligibility

Visa extensions are possible for most types of Qatar visas, including tourist, family visits, and some visa-free entry permits. However, transit visas, such as 96-hour extensions, are not allowed. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Visa Information

Make sure you gather the following information before you begin the online extension process:

• Visa number – should be printed on your passport
• Passport number – also found in a passport
• Your nationality – as submitted on the original application
• Visa expiry date – double-check 

Step 3: Visit Qatar’s Visa Extension Site

Go to the MOI visa extension website. For access, you can use these methods:

MOI portal > MOI Services > Inquiries > Visa Services

Step 4: Fill Out Your Visa Info

On the visa extension page, carefully enter your passport or visa number. Then select your nationality and enter the verification code.

Step 5: Duration of Extension

Depending on your original visa duration, you can often extend your stay in Qatar for up to 90 days.

Step 6: Pay Extension Fees If Applicable

For some visas, you can pay extension fees securely via credit card, whereas others, like visa-on-arrival, are free.

Step 7: Get Instant Approval

Your Qatar visa extension application will be approved instantly after submission. 

Conclusion

Simply put, this step-by-step guide provides everything you need to obtain your ideal Qatar visit visa. Just choose the right visa type, gather documents, apply online if required, and get ready to explore Qatar’s dazzling mix of modern architecture, vintage markets, and awe-inspiring deserts.