By the end of this guide, you’ll understand every option for entering Qatar—from visa-free stays to special joint schemes—and know exactly how to apply, what documents you need and how to extend your trip.

Navigating Qatar’s Entry Options

Qatar offers one of the most liberal entry regimes in the Gulf. You can visit without a visa, get one on arrival or choose from a range of specialized permits:

• Visa-free entry for citizens of over 95 countries, with stays from 30 to 90 days, as detailed in Visit Qatar’s visa-free entry information.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Hamad International Airport for many nationalities, with clear steps outlined on Qatar Airways’ visa and passport requirements page.
• Hayya Card for major sporting and cultural events, including free public transport during the event, via the Hayya Portal.
• Joint Tourist Visa covering Qatar and Oman through the new scheme reported by Arabian Business.
• GCC Resident Visa for Gulf Cooperation Council residents, with eligibility and application guidelines on the Gulf Cooperation Council official portal.
• Transit visas for layovers up to 96 hours, available free of charge through the Ministry of Interior’s Transit Visa Service.
• Special multi-entry VOA for U.S. citizens valid up to two years.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of nations like the UK, most EU states, Japan and Australia can enter Qatar without a prior visa. Allowed stays vary:

• 30 days: Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea
• 90 days: EU member states, Norway, Switzerland, USA

Always verify your permitted length before booking by consulting the official Visit Qatar portal.

Visa on Arrival

If you’re not on the visa-free list, you may still obtain a VOA on arrival at Hamad International Airport:

• Valid for 30 days, extendable once for an additional 30 days.
• Fees apply: QAR 100 on arrival, QAR 100 for extension.
• Eligible nationalities include China, India, Turkey and others.

Required documents:

• Passport valid for at least six months.
• Return or onward ticket.
• Proof of accommodation.

For full details on visa-on-arrival eligibility and requirements, refer to Qatar Airways’ visa and passport requirements page.

The Joint Tourist Visa with Oman

This permit lets you explore Qatar and Oman on a single visa:

• Valid for 30 days from first entry.
• Multiple entries between both countries.
• Available to nationals of 23 eligible countries.
• Apply online via Oman’s eVisa portal or Qatar’s e-visa website, as covered in the Arabian Business report on the joint scheme.

Benefits:

1. Seamless border crossings.
2. No need for a separate Oman visa.
3. Ideal for road trips across the Gulf.

Hayya Card for Major Events

If you plan to attend major sports or cultural gatherings, the Hayya Card acts as both your entry permit and fan ID:

• Issued for FIFA World Cup, Asian Cup, etc.
• Includes free public transport throughout the event.
• Can be extended up to six months after the event.

Learn more and apply on the Hayya Portal.

GCC Resident Visa

Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries working in approved professions can visit Qatar without requiring a full tourist visa:

• Stay up to 30 days, extendable for another 30 days.
• Professions include healthcare, education, oil and gas.
• Apply online via the Gulf Cooperation Council official portal.

Transit Visa

Got a long layover? Explore Doha without a full visa:

• Available for stopovers between 5 and 96 hours.
• Free of charge.
• Book through the Ministry of Interior’s Transit Visa Service before departure.

Special Visa for U.S. Citizens

United States passport holders enjoy a unique VOA benefit:

• Multi-entry permit valid for two years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
• Each stay can be up to 90 days.
• Fee: QAR 100 on arrival, no extension fee if you re-enter.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Choose the right visa type.
2. Gather documents (listed below).
3. Apply online via Visit Qatar or Oman eVisa portals.
4. If required, schedule an appointment with VFS Global’s appointment booking service.
5. Pay fees and await confirmation by email.

Must-Have Documents

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of health insurance (for certain nationalities)
• Hayya Card (if attending events)

Extending Your Stay

If you want more time, options include:

• VOA extension: apply online or at the Immigration Department.
• Hayya Card extension up to six months post-event.
• GCC Resident extension via the online portal.

Your Qatar Adventure Starts Here

You now have a clear roadmap to enter and explore Qatar—whether you’re slipping in on a layover, hopping overland from Oman or enjoying a two-year multi-entry permit. Gather your documents, pick the right visa and get ready to discover Qatar’s unique blend of heritage, modernity and desert landscapes.