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Visitor & short-stay visas

Qatari Transit Visa

A short-stay permit for Qatar Airways transit passengers with a qualifying layover, letting them leave the airport and explore Doha between flights.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The 6-hour minimum and 4-day maximum are from Visit Qatar and not cross-checked against an MOI transit-visa page — confirm current terms with Discover Qatar / MOI.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Qatar government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Transit Visa
Route type
Short-stay transit permit
Minimum transit time
6 hours
As stated by Visit Qatar.
Maximum stay
Up to 4 days (96 hours)
As stated by Visit Qatar; confirm current limit.
Eligibility
Qatar Airways transit passengers
Cost
QAR 100 per applicant
Per the Discover Qatar transit visa application. If the visa is rejected, a QAR 25 service fee per applicant is deducted from the refund.
Passport validity required
At least 3 months from the date of travel
As stated by Discover Qatar.
Processing time
Minimum 3 working days
For online applications, excluding weekends and public holidays (Discover Qatar).
Where to apply
Discover Qatar (online) or the Discover Qatar Transit Desk at Hamad International Airport
The Transit Desk is in the Duty Free area of the airport.
Decision authority
Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI)
All visas are approved and issued at the sole discretion of Qatar's Ministry of Interior.

Who it is for

  • Qatar Airways passengers connecting through Hamad International Airport
  • Travellers not eligible for visa-free entry who want to visit Doha during a layover

Requirements

  • A Qatar Airways connecting flight with a transit of at least 6 hours
  • Valid passport
  • Application via the Discover Qatar Transit Desk (or in advance through Discover Qatar)

What you can do

  • Leave the airport and stay in Qatar for the transit period granted (up to 4 days)
  • Join Discover Qatar transit tours of Doha

How to apply

Apply online through the Discover Qatar website by completing the transit visa application form, uploading your documents and paying the fee, or apply in person at the Discover Qatar Transit Desk in the Duty Free area at Hamad International Airport.

Allow a minimum of 3 working days for online applications to be processed, excluding weekends and public holidays, so apply well ahead of travel. All applications are approved and issued at the sole discretion of Qatar's Ministry of Interior, and a QAR 25 per-applicant service fee is deducted from your refund if the visa is rejected.

Documents you may need

  • A colour copy of your passport showing full name, nationality, date and place of birth, passport number, and dates of issue and expiry
  • A passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of travel
  • A 6x6cm colour photograph (minimum 600x600 pixels) with a white background
  • Documents in JPEG or PDF format, each no larger than 1 MB

Frequently asked questions

  • The Discover Qatar transit visa application lists a fee of QAR 100 per applicant. If the visa is rejected, a QAR 25 per-applicant service fee is deducted from the refund. Confirm the current fee with Discover Qatar before applying.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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