Visitor & short-stay visas
Qatari Visa-Free Entry (Visa Exemption)
For passport-holders of a large list of countries, who can enter Qatar without applying for a visa in advance and receive a free entry stamp on arrival.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Stay length per nationality (30 vs 90 days) and the exact list of exempt countries are not fully verified against a single official page — confirm on portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas.
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.
- Official name
- Visa Exemption / Visa-Free Entry
- Route type
- Visitor entry (short stay)
- Cost
- Free
- No visa fee for exempt nationalities; stamped on arrival.
- Duration of stay
- 30 or 90 days depending on nationality
- Exact stay period differs per country; verify on the MOI portal.
- Passport validity
- At least 3 months from date of arrival
Who it is for
- Nationals of the countries on Qatar's visa-exemption list travelling for tourism, short business or family visits
- Travellers who want to enter without applying for a visa in advance
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival
- Confirmed onward or return ticket
- Confirmed hotel booking on arrival (required for some nationalities)
- Compulsory health insurance where required by the Ministry of Interior
What you can do
- Enter Qatar for tourism or a short visit for the stay period granted to your nationality
- Apply to extend the stay in some cases before it expires
How to apply
- No prior application needed for exempt nationalities — the entry stamp is issued at the border
- Alternatively register in advance on the Hayya platform for an electronic entry permit
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.
Related Qatari visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISTHAYYA PLATFORMTourist Visa (A1) via HayyaAn electronic tourist entry permit for nationals of countries not covered by visa-free entry, applied for through the Hayya platform ahead of travel.View visa details
- SHORT STAYGCC RESIDENTSHAYYA PLATFORMGCC Resident Visa (A2)An entry permit for residents of other Gulf Cooperation Council states, allowing them to visit Qatar, applied for via the Hayya platform.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITQUALIFYING LAYOVERTransit VisaA short-stay permit for Qatar Airways transit passengers with a qualifying layover, letting them leave the airport and explore Doha between flights.View visa details
