In August 2017, Qatar announced the (Qatar Visa on Arrival for Indians) policy for everyone having an Indian passport. The decision was made to improve economic and trade relations between India and Qatar, as well as to facilitate tourism and business travel.
What is a Visa on Arrival in Qatar?
It is a visa type that allows travelers and tourists to get their visa when they arrive at the airport or while landing at the borders. In the case of Qatar, Indian citizens do have the opportunity to avail of the visa-on-arrival facility and they do not need to have a visa in advance from a Qatari embassy or consulate, as they can get their visa while arriving at the airport or at the time of landing on the border. By having this opportunity of visa on arrival, Indian citizens can get permission to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days for tourism or business. The Visa can be extended for an extra 30 days if required.
- Passport:
The initial and most crucial precondition for Indian citizens is that they possess a valid passport that has at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in Qatar.
- Return Ticket:
All eligible travelers must have a return or onward ticket to their next destination.
- Hotel Reservation:
To stay in Qatar travelers need to have a confirmed hotel reservation.
- Required documents:
Visa application form with two passport-size photographs is necessary for all travelers and photos with white backgrounds are mandatory.
- Sufficient Funds:
providing the documents related to the funds that support their stay in Qatar, including the cost of accommodation, food, and transportation such as bank statements or credit card statements, with their visa application form is also important.
Note: Requirements can change over time so it is always better to check with the Qatari embassy or consulate in India for the latest information before making travel plans.
How Can Indians Apply for a Qatar Visa on Arrival?
Indian citizens have to follow these steps while applying for a Qatar visa on arrival facility.
- Eligibility
For being eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival opportunity all Indian nationals need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a confirmed return or onward ticket to their next destination. You must also provide documents related to your financial means as proof to support your stay in Qatar.
- Application Process
while applying for a Qatar visa on arrival for Indians, it is crucial for you to complete an online form and submit it to the embassy with all required documents.
- Required Documents
It is vital to submit all required and crucial documents when you apply for a Qatar visa on arrival, which includes the following:
- a copy of your passport
- two passport-size photographs with a white background
- Proof of financial means or a letter of invitation from a Qatari sponsor.
- return or onward ticket
- Fees
The cost of a Qatar on-arrival visa for Indians varies according to the length of stay and the kind of visa required. A single-entry visa valid for 30 days, for example, costs QAR 100, while a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days costs QAR 300. Fees are subject to vary and must be paid in cash or by credit card upon application.
- Processing Time
Normally, this procedure takes 3 to 5 working days although it may change depending on the time of year or the embassy where you apply.
How to Extend Your Qatar Visit Visa
If you wish to stay in Qatar for some extra days you will need to extend your visa timely. You have to visit the immigration department of Qatar to apply for an extension.
Here are the simple steps are given which you need to follow for this extension procedure:
- Go to the Immigration Department of Qatar:
You can visit the immigration department in person to apply for an extension of your visa, which is situated at Madinat Khalifa, Doha.
- Submit the Required Documents:
You need to bring documents such as your passport, your current visa, and any other documents that may be required while visiting the immigration department.
- Pay the Fee:
You must have to pay the fees according to the length of the extension and other factors.
- Wait for approval:
After submitting your application and paying the fee for a visa extension, you just need to wait for the authority’s approval. The time for this procedure may vary so you need to be patient.
- Collect Your Extended Visa:
If your visa gets approval from the related authorities, then you need to visit and receive a new visa from the immigration department.
- Renew Your Resident Permit (if necessary):
This procedure may be completed online at moi.gov.qatar or in person at any Immigration Department facility.
When are Indians able to Renew their Qatar On Arrival Visa?
It is important to submit your application for visa extension 5 to 10 days before the visa expiration date so that the application will be processed on time.
All on-arrival visas can be extended, and the Immigration Department has the right to reject any application for an extension. So, make sure to check if you are eligible before applying for an extension.
Advantages of a Qatar visa on Arrival
Qatar visa’s arrival program has the following benefits:
- Easy and Convenient:
This visa-on-arrival program makes it easy for travelers to get their visas while arriving at airports without facing a lengthy and often cumbersome visa application process.
- Time-saving:
Travelers who avail of visa-on-arrival opportunities can save time and avoid the hassle of applying for a visa in advance.
- Tourist-Friendly:
it is more beneficial for those tourists and visitors, who plan their trips on very short notice.
- Business-Friendly:
It is also a great option for business commuters who could visit Qatar for their official visit and conferences on even short time notice.
- Multiple Entries:
Depending on the type of arrival visa, visitors may also be given multiple entries in and out of Qatar during the visa’s validity period. Making it useful when it comes to needing to travel in and out of the country for business or personal reasons.
- Cost-effective:
A visa received through an embassy or consulate typically costs more money than a visa obtained upon arrival.
Generally speaking, Qatar’s visa-on-arrival initiative simplifies the procedure for visitors to visit Qatar, either for business or pleasure, by abolishing the need for a post visa and easing the visa-on-arrival procedure.
How Can I Get A Complimentary Free Visa To Qatar?
Although visa on arrival program is beneficial for many travelers. It is still necessary to adhere to a few restrictions and guidelines.
- Nationality Restrictions:
Travelers should check their eligibility through the official website of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. Also contact the immigration department as not all nationals are eligible for this visa type.
- Valid Passport:
All travelers are suggested to have a valid passport with at least 6-month validity from the date of entry into Qatar.
- Proof of Departure:
Travelers need proof of their return or onward travel.
- Purpose of Visit:
Visitors must have a clear reason to be there, such as a family vacation, business trip, or tourism.
- Length of Stay:
The visa on entrance permits for a specific period of stay. Which varies based on the country of the tourist and the purpose of their visit.
- Criminal Record:
visitors with any criminal record are not allowed to enter Qatar.
- Health Restrictions:
Depending on the health history in the traveler’s native land. Visitors may be compelled to show proof of vaccination or pass a health check on arrival.
Note: violating these restrictions may result in your visa being terminated and you being ordered to leave Qatar immediately.
Is it necessary to bring the renewal receipt on return?
it is important to keep the renewal receipt and provide it at the checkpoint while leaving the country. You may be denied entry or departure from Qatar if you lack the required paperwork.
As a result, you should keep your renewal receipt secure until you depart Qatar.
How Can I Get A Free Visa For Qatar?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to obtain a free visa for Qatar. However, there are some ways you can reduce the cost of obtaining a visa:
- Look for Visa Promotions:
Some airlines or travel agencies offer promotions that include a free visa when you book a flight or a package tour to Qatar. Be sure to check if any promotions are available before you apply for a visa.
- Check if you are Eligible for Visa-Free Entry:
Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar for a limited period. You can check if your country is on the list of eligible countries on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website.
- Apply for a Visa through your employer or Educational Institution:
If you are traveling to Qatar for work or study. Your employer or educational institution may be able to assist you with obtaining a visa. They may also cover the cost of the visa.
- Apply for a tourist visa online:
The Qatar eVisa website allows you to apply for a tourist visa online. The cost of the visa is currently USD 30, but this may be subject to change.
Note: It’s important to note that any website offering a free visa is likely to be a scam, and you should not provide any personal information or payment to such websites.
Fine for Having an Expired Visit Visa.
If you overstay your visit visa in Qatar, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.
- The penalty for visas that have expired for one day to thirty days is 100 Qatari Riyals.
- The fee for expired visas ranging from 31 to 180 days is 500 Qatari Riyals.
- The penalty for visas that have expired for more than 181 days is 1,000 Qatari Riyals.
Furthermore, you may have to pay regulatory and legalized charges related to overstay
Is it possible for Indians to enter Qatar without a visa?
No, Indian citizens cannot enter Qatar without a visa. Indian citizens must obtain a visa before they can enter Qatar.
But they do have the facility of visa on arrival, which means that they can enter Qatar without having a post visa but they need to apply for a visa on arrival so that they can get their visa at the time they arrive at the airport. For this purpose, travelers need to provide all required documents after which the immigration department will grant Henry which is valid for up to 30 days.
Can GCC Citizens Avail Visa on Arrival Facility in Qatar?
Yes, GCC residents can obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar. The visa-on-arrival is available for GCC residents who hold a valid residency permit in one of the Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visiting Qatar for tourism, business, or family trips.
The visa-on-arrival for GCC residents is usually valid for a period of 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. The visa fee is QR 100, but it may be subject to change, and it’s recommended to check with the relevant authorities or the embassy or consulate of Qatar for the latest information on visa requirements and procedures.
It’s important to note that the visa-on-arrival is subject to certain conditions and requirements, such as holding a valid passport with at least six months validity, having a return or onward ticket, and having sufficient funds for the duration of the stay in Qatar. It’s recommended to ensure that you meet all the requirements before you travel to Qatar to avoid any inconvenience or delays.
What additional visa options do Indian nationals have?
Tourist, business, student, and labor visas are available to Indian people. Depending on the reason for your travel, you can apply for a eVisa ahead of time or a visa when you arrive.
Conclusion
Finally, the Qatar visa-on-arrival facility allows tourists, travelers, and visitors, whether they visit for any reason, to enter Qatar swiftly and straightforwardly.
They just need to provide all required documents and pay the fees accordingly.
GCC residents are also allowed to avail of this facility depending on their nationality.
In the end, depending on the objective of their journey, Indian nationals may apply for various visas such as tourist, business, student, and work visas. For the most up-to-date information and requirements, contact the relevant embassy or consulate.
