What is Qatar Transit Visa Procedure, and Requirements in 2025?
You might need a Qatar Transit visa, If you are flying somewhere and have a layover at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport. You can get a free Transit Visa in Qatar if you have a layover of 5 hours. Qatar Transit visa depends on various things, including the airline you have chosen, the sort of tickets you have booked, and if you want to leave the Qatar airport. There are several types of Qatar visit visas.
In today’s globalized world, international travel has become increasingly common, and transit visas are crucial in ensuring smooth journeys for passengers worldwide. Here is a brief guide whether a Qatar transit visa is required at Qatar Airport, shedding light on the current visa regulations, exemption criteria, and application processes
Qatar Transit Visa Updates
- Since 2016, Qatar has implemented a free transit visa program allowing travellers with layovers of 5 hours to 96 hours at Hamad International Airport to apply for a complimentary transit visa.
- Citizens of over 101 countries can get a Qatar visa on arrival.
- You do not require a transit visa, if you do not plan to leave the Qatar airport.
- It is important to note that the Qatar Airways Online Transit Visa Service is currently suspended.
- GCC residents can obtain a Qatar on-arrival visa for GCC residents, if they meet the requirements.
- Non-eligible nationalities can contact the Qatar Airways office or apply for an Online Tourist Visa through the Hayya portal.
These updates aim to provide a smoother transit experience for travellers passing through Qatar Airport.
What is a Transit Visa?
It is important to understand the concept of a transit visa. A transit visa is a temporary travel authorization that allows individuals to pass through a foreign country while on their way to another destination. In the case of Qatar, most transit passengers do not require a transit visa if they are staying within the airport transit area.
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. This 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. To give you a better understanding of its validity and duration, here is a table:
| 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?
Passengers seeking to obtain a Qatar Transit Visa should follow the application process outlined by Qatar Airways. Currently, the online service for applying for the transit visa is suspended. However, non-eligible nationalities can still contact the Qatar Airways ticketing office for assistance.
In addition to the transit visa, Qatar Airways also offers stopover packages that include hotel accommodations and city tours. It is important to note that the transit visa is free of charge and valid for up to 96 hours. To check the status of the visa application, passengers can use the visa request number or email provided ([email protected]).
The table below provides a visual representation of the application process:
| 1. | Contact Qatar Airways ticketing office |
| 2. | Submit required documents |
| 3. | Check visa application status |
| 4. | Receive approved transit visa |
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?
If a visa on arrival is not obtained in Qatar, passengers can choose to continue their journey to the next destination at their own expense. Otherwise, they will be required to return at their own cost.
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
For more information, call the Qatar Government Helpline at
-> 109 (inside Qatar)
-> +974.44069999 (from outside Qatar)
-> contact@hukoomi.qa (Email Adress)
We hope you have found it informative. If you are planning to transit through
Qatar, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey!
Frequently Asked Questions for Qatar Transit Visa
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important for travellers passing through Qatar Airport to be aware of the current Qatar transit visa regulations and application process.
Whether it is for sightseeing in Doha or simply staying in the airport transit area, understanding the specific requirements and options available is crucial.
By following the necessary steps and meeting the passport and ticket requirements, travellers can ensure a smooth transit experience in Qatar.
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,