Qatar has updated its tourist entry requirements, exempting citizens of five specific countries from applying for a tourist visa. The exemption applies exclusively to passport holders from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This arrangement allows nationals of these countries to enter Qatar without obtaining advance tourist visa authorisation or paying tourist visa fees.
The exemption is part of Qatar's efforts to streamline entry requirements for international travellers. According to Qatar's official tourism guidelines, citizens of GCC member states do not need to obtain a tourist visa before travelling to Qatar or upon arrival. This move aims to promote tourism and ease travel restrictions for visitors from neighbouring countries.
For travellers from outside the GCC, Qatar's tourist visa requirements depend on their nationality. Qatar provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements to citizens of more than 100 countries, while other travellers may need to pay an entry fee or obtain approval before travelling. The requirements can therefore vary depending on the passport held by the traveller.
Travellers who need to obtain authorisation before entering Qatar can submit their applications through the country's Hayya online platform. The standard processing fee is QAR 100 per applicant for applicable applications. Qatar's tourism authorities advise prospective visitors to check the entry requirements applicable to their nationality before making travel arrangements.
In a related development, Qatar had published a full list of 37 countries whose citizens qualified for a joint tourist visa covering both Qatar and Oman. The joint tourist visa was issued on arrival and was valid for 30 days, allowing multiple entries into both Gulf nations under a single document.
Eligible travellers could extend the joint tourist visa for an additional 30 days by paying a separate fee. This arrangement aims to promote tourism in both Qatar and Oman, making it easier for visitors to explore both countries.
Qatar's tourism authority continues to update its entry requirements, and visitors are advised to check the latest guidelines before travelling. The country's efforts to simplify entry requirements are expected to boost tourism and make Qatar a more attractive destination for international visitors.
Key points
- Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are exempt from tourist visa requirements.
- Qatar provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements to citizens of more than 100 countries.
- Travellers can submit applications through the Hayya online platform.
