Qatar Transit Visa Procedure, and Requirements in 2025
Planning a layover at Doha’s Hamad International Airport? If your stopover is longer than 5 hours, the Qatar Transit Visa could let you step out of the airport and explore Doha for free. In 2025, Qatar still offers a complimentary transit visa for layovers between 5 to 96 hours, but there are important updates and new rules travelers must know.
This guide covers who needs a Qatar transit visa, how to apply, updated requirements for 2025, and the differences between transit visas, visas on arrival, and stopover options.
Qatar Transit Visa Updates
- Passengers flying with Qatar Airways can still enjoy a complimentary transit visa for layovers longer than 5 hours and up to 96 hours.
- The Qatar Airways online transit visa portal remains suspended in 2025. Travelers must contact Qatar Airways ticketing offices or agents to process applications.
- Citizens of 101+ countries continue to receive visa-free entry or visa on arrival, making a transit visa unnecessary for many travelers.
- Passengers who remain within Hamad International Airport’s transit area do not require any visa.
- For non-eligible nationalities or longer stays, a Hayya tourist visa is the recommended alternative.
- Eligible GCC residents can obtain a Qatar visa on arrival if they meet the required conditions (valid GCC residency card, hotel booking, and passport validity).
What is a Transit Visa?
A transit visa is a short-term permit that allows travelers to pass through a country while en route to another destination. It’s usually required when you:
- Have a long layover and want to leave the airport.
- Need to collect your baggage and re-check in with another airline..
However, there are certain situations where a transit visa may be required, such as when passengers have separate tickets with different airlines or need to collect their baggage for connecting flights.
It is essential to check the specific requirements and scenarios to determine if a transit visa is necessary.
What Is Qatar Transit Visa?
A Qatar Transit Visa is optional and only needed if you want to leave the airport’s transit area to collect baggage or explore Doha.
If you are a Qatar Airways passenger with a layover of at least 5 hours, you can apply for this free visa. It’s valid for up to 96 hours (four days) and available to travellers of all nationalities.
It is an optional travel visa but it is important to explore its validity and duration, as well as the eligibility criteria for obtaining it.
Visa Validity and Duration
Transit passengers can enjoy the convenience and flexibility of the Transit Visa, which allows them to leave the airport transit area and explore the vibrant city of Doha.
Qatar Transit visa is available to Qatar Airways passengers with a minimum 5-hour layover and is valid for up to 96 hours. It is free of charge and open to passengers of all nationalities.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Visa | 5 to 96 hours | Free of charge |
With the Qatar Transit Visa, transit passengers have the opportunity to make the most of their layover and experience the sights and sounds of Doha before continuing their journey. You can not stay more than 96 hours under this visa type.
How To Apply For Qatar Transit Visa?
The online application service for the Qatar Transit Visa is still suspended in 2025, but travelers flying with Qatar Airways can apply through ticketing offices or authorized travel agents.
Step-by-Step Process for Qatar transit visa:
- Book Flights with Qatar Airways:
Ensure both your inbound and outbound flights are on Qatar Airways with a layover of at least 5 hours. - Contact Qatar Airways Office:
Visit or call a Qatar Airways ticketing office to request the transit visa. - Submit Required Documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
- A confirmed onward ticket with Qatar Airways.
- A clear passport copy.
- Check Visa Status:
Check visa status by providing the visa request number or email to confirm approval. - Receive Visa Confirmation:
Once approved, you’ll receive your free transit visa, valid for up to 96 hours
Qatar Transit Visa Requirements and Application Process
The requirements and application process for obtaining a Qatar Transit Visa are essential to understand for travellers planning to leave the airport transit area or visit Doha city.
Passport Requirements
Ticket Requirements
It is recommended to apply for the transit visa at least 7 to 90 days before arrival. The current application process can be done at the Qatar Airways ticketing office or online, although the online service is currently suspended.
What to Do If Your Visa on Arrival Is Rejected?
In rare cases, your visa on arrival or transit visa request may be denied due to documentation errors, mismatched bookings, or ineligibility. If that happens, here are your options:
Stay in the Airport Transit Area: You can remain inside Hamad International Airport until your next connecting flight, as no visa is required for staying within the transit zone.
Contact Qatar Airways Help Desk: The Qatar Airways desk at the airport can guide you on alternative solutions, including rebooking assistance or stopover packages.
Proceed to Your Next Destination: If you cannot exit the airport, you must continue your journey as scheduled without leaving the transit area.
Apply for a Tourist Visa (if eligible): As a backup, some travelers can apply for a Hayya Tourist Visa online, which allows entry into Qatar.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your passport, ticket bookings, and hotel reservations (if required) are all correct before attempting to reapply.
Transit Scenarios in examples:
The second question concerns the way you booked your flights. Let me take an example where you are travelling from New Delhi to Bangkok through Doha. Here are some possible situations:
- Transiting through Doha on a single ticket with the same airline. The first possibility is that you made a single reservation (from New Delhi to Bangkok) via Airline Xyz’s website and paid only once. Despite this, the airline allocated two flights on the same airline: one from New Delhi to Doha on Airline Xyz and one from Doha to Bangkok on Airline Xyz. In the preceding situation, Airline Xyz oversees your transit. You are not required to pick up your checked-in luggage because it is going to be managed by the airline.
- Transiting through Doha on a single ticket with two different airlines. The next situation is that you booked and paid for a single flight (New Delhi to Bangkok) via Airline X’s website. However, the airline assigned two flights with two different airlines: New Delhi to Doha on Airline X and Doha to Bangkok on Airline Y (which shares a code with Airline X). Airlines are in charge of your transit in the scenario described above. You do not need to pick up your checked-in luggage because the airlines will manage it. Since you will not be exiting through immigration, you will not require a transit visa for Qatar.
- Transiting through Doha on separate tickets with different airlines. Another situation is that you booked two flights with different airlines (Airline X and Airline Y) or via the same airline’s website (Airline X). In this case, you are in charge of collecting your checked-in luggage. To get the luggage checked in from conveyor belts outside immigration counters, you must go through immigration. This implies you’ll require a visa even if you’re not flying out of the airport. You need to fulfil all visitor visa requirements, including health insurance (for all visiting visas) and hotel reservations (in some situations).
- You are required to pick up your luggage from the Arrivals area and then check in again using the Departures area. Fortunately, all sectors are located in a single building (on different floors) at Hamad International Airport, so there is just one terminal. However, ensure that you leave adequate time between flights. In such instances, we recommend that you leave at least four to five hours between flights.
Helpline Qatar Government
If you have questions or face issues with your Qatar Transit Visa, you can contact the Qatar government or official support channels:
Qatar Airways Support: For transit visa inquiries, email [email protected] or visit a Qatar Airways ticketing office.
Inside Qatar: Dial 109 for direct assistance.
From Outside Qatar: Call +974 4406 9999.
Email: Send your queries to [email protected] (Hukoomi e-government portal).
Frequently Asked Questions for Qatar Transit Visa
Conclusion
The Qatar Transit Visa is a simple and free option for travelers who want to make the most of their layover at Hamad International Airport. Whether you’re planning a short city tour, booking a stopover hotel, or just collecting your baggage, knowing the latest 2025 rules can save time and avoid last-minute stress.
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways and have a layover of 5 to 96 hours, take advantage of this free visa and explore Doha’s rich culture, modern skyline, and world-class attractions. For longer stays or non-eligible nationalities, consider a Hayya tourist visa as an alternative.
Always double-check your passport validity, flight details, and visa requirements before you travel. With proper planning, your transit in Qatar can become a memorable part of your journey.
İ am a Pakistan citizen and have Japan permanent residency. İ will fly from Jakarta to Doha by Xiamen airlines and Doha to İslamabad on Qatar airways. Both tickets are different and gap between two flight is 10 hours.
My question is,,..:
Will there any problem while boarding in Jakarta airport?
How to deal my baggage at Doha airport?
Regards
Shah
Frequent flyer Qatar airways
Dear Aftab,Thank you for contacting us on QatarGuides.qa, Please note that for your Jakarta Airport query you must communicate with your Airline company regarding this matter.
In regards to your Qatar lay over for transiting passengers staying only inside the transit zone are not required to present a Transit Visa. We are always happy to serve you, Thank you for contacting us.Best Regards,
السلام عليكم
أود حجز تذكرة عبر الخطوط القطرية من ألمانيا إلى دمشق ولدي ترانزيت في قطر
جنسيتي سورية ولدي جواز سوري و اقامة المانية دائمة
مدة التبديل بالذهاب ٤:٥٠ وبالاياب٥ ساعات وجميع الرحلات مع الشركة القطرية
السؤال: هل أحتاج إلى أي اجراءات غير حجز التكت ذهاب اياب مثال تصريح أمني أو موافقة أو فيزا عبور اذا اردت البقاء بالمطار
أم أن فيزا العبور اختيارية
شكراً للإجابة وأرجو ذكر المصدر
إذا كنت **سوريًا** وتحمل **إقامة دائمة في ألمانيا** وتعبر **قطر لأقل من 5 ساعات**، **فلا تحتاج إلى تأشيرة عبور** طالما بقيت داخل المطار.
إذا كان **الترانزيت أكثر من 5 ساعات** وترغب في مغادرة المطار، يمكنك **التقدم بطلب للحصول على تأشيرة عبور مجانية (صالحة لمدة تصل إلى 96 ساعة)** بشرط أن تكون جميع رحلاتك مع الخطوط الجوية القطرية.
يرجى التحقق من أحدث المتطلبات عبر **الخطوط الجوية القطرية** أو من خلال **موقعهم الرسمي** قبل السفر.