Do I need a visa to visit Qatar?

Over 97 nationalities including USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan are visa-free for 30 days. Others can get a Visa on Arrival (free) or apply for an eVisa (QAR 110 total including insurance) at visa.moi.gov.qa.

What is the Qatar stopover visa?

Qatar Airways passengers transiting through Doha (DOH) can apply for a free 96-hour Stopover Visa at qatarairways.com. This allows you to explore Doha and even includes optional hotel packages. A great way to add Qatar to any itinerary at no extra cost.

How do I apply for a Qatar eVisa?

Apply at visa.moi.gov.qa. Upload your passport scan, complete the form, and pay QAR 100 + QAR 10 travel insurance (approx. USD 30 total). Approval is typically instant to 3 business days. The visa is valid for 30 days.

Can I work in Qatar on a tourist visa?

No. Paid employment requires an employer-sponsored work residence permit (QID). Your employer initiates the process with the Ministry of Labour. You then undergo a medical examination and receive your Qatar ID card. Freelance permits are available in select fields.

How long can I stay in Qatar?

Tourist visas (visa-free, VoA, or eVisa) allow 30 days initial stay. Extensions are possible at moi.gov.qa up to 6 months total (QAR 200 per 30-day extension). For work or residency, your visa duration matches your employment contract.

Qatar eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Qatar
Capital	Doha
Currency	Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Main Airport	Hamad International (DOH), Doha
eVisa Fee	QAR 100 (~USD 27) + QAR 10 insurance
Visa on Arrival	Free (for eligible nationalities)
Max Stay	30 days (extendable to 6 months total)
Hayya Card	Legacy FIFA 2022 card — no longer valid

Introduction

Qatar is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, known for Hamad International Airport (one of the world's best), ultra-luxury tourism, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup legacy. Qatar has implemented a progressive, open visa policy — over 95 nationalities can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival. The eVisa is available for all other nationalities via visa.moi.gov.qa.

Tourist & Short Stay

Visa-Free (30 days): Citizens of 97+ nationalities including USA, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and GCC members enter Qatar without a visa for 30 days. Extension possible.
Visa on Arrival (Free): Available for citizens of select countries not covered by visa-waiver — free at DOH airport. 30-day stay.
eVisa — QAR 100 + QAR 10 insurance (~USD 30 total): For nationalities not covered by visa-free or VoA programs. Apply at visa.moi.gov.qa. Processing: instant–3 business days. Valid 30 days, single or multiple entry.
Stopover Visa (96 hours, free): Qatar Airways passengers transiting through Doha can apply for a free 96-hour stopover visa, including hotel packages. Apply at qatarairways.com.
Extension: Apply at Ministry of Interior (moi.gov.qa). Initial 30-day tourist stay can be extended up to 6 months total.

Business Visa

Business visits are permitted on the tourist visa/VoA for most nationalities. For long-term business, company registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and a residency permit are required. Qatar offers 100% foreign ownership in many sectors and free zone opportunities (Qatar Financial Centre, Manateq free zones).

Work & Long-Stay Visas

Work Residence Permit (QID): Employer-sponsored; employer files with the Ministry of Labour. Worker receives a Qatar ID (QID) upon arrival with medical and biometric checks. Labour Law No. 14 of 2004 governs employment. Reform: no-objection certificate (NOC) for job changes largely abolished in 2020.
Investor/Business Visa: For investors in Qatari companies or projects. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and MOCI manage investor visas.
Freelance Permit: Qatar introduced freelance permits in 2020 for self-employed professionals in specific fields.

Student Visa

Students at Qatar Foundation universities (Education City) or Qatar University apply through their institution. Work permission (part-time) may be granted by the employer/institution. Student residence permit issued for the duration of studies.

Airport Transit

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is a major global hub. Most nationalities may transit without a visa. Qatar Airways passengers eligible for the 96-hour Stopover Visa apply at qatarairways.com for a free hotel and city tour package. Landside transit (leaving airport) requires a valid Qatar visa or VoA/visa-free eligibility.

Required Documents

Valid passport (6 months validity)
eVisa approval or VoA eligibility
Return or onward ticket
Hotel/accommodation booking confirmation
Proof of sufficient funds
Travel insurance (included in eVisa fee)
For work visa: employer NOC, medical examination, police clearance

Visa Fees

Visa Type	Fee
Visa-free / VoA (eligible nationalities)	Free
eVisa (tourist)	QAR 100 + QAR 10 insurance (~USD 30)
Stopover Visa (96 hours)	Free (Qatar Airways passengers)
Extension (30 days)	QAR 200 (~USD 55)
Work Residence Permit	QAR 100–500 (employer-sponsored)

How to Apply

Check your eligibility at visa.moi.gov.qa — visa-free, VoA, or eVisa required.
For eVisa: apply at visa.moi.gov.qa. Fill in details, upload passport scan, pay QAR 110. Receive approval by email (instant–3 days).
For Stopover Visa: apply at qatarairways.com if flying Qatar Airways through DOH.
On arrival at DOH: present passport (and eVisa if applicable) at immigration.
Collect QID on arrival if on a work visa or long-stay permit.

Official Links

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

97+ nationalities are visa-free including: USA, UK, all EU/Schengen countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, all GCC members (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman). Nationalities requiring eVisa include most of South Asia, Africa, Central Asia. Check the full list at visa.moi.gov.qa.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Qatar immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.