Qatar Visa for Indians

Qatar, a small yet vibrant country in the Persian Gulf, is known for its rich culture, stunning skyscrapers, and bustling marketplaces. Travelling to Qatar promises an unforgettable experience with its vibrant mix of modernity and tradition. Before you set out to experience Qatari hospitality or explore its architectural wonders, you must check the Qatar visa requirements first.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

Plans for an individual of 30 years age travelling to USA for 15 days

About Qatar Visa

Qatar proudly calls itself 'one of the most welcoming countries in the world'. They offer multiple visa types for different travel purposes and durations. Before we get into how to apply for a Qatar visa, here are some key facts about the country.

Key Facts	Description
Country	Qatar
Currency	Qatari Riyal (QR) (QR 1 = INR 22.96)
Time Zone	AST (Arabian Standard Time), 2 hours and 30 minutes behind IST (Indian Standard Time).
Capital City	Doha
Official Languages	Arabic, English
Popular tourist destinations	Doha, The Pearl Island, Lusail, Al Wakrah, Dukhan, and Zekreet
Visa Application Method	Online

Features of Qatar Visa

Here are two unique features of Qatar visa from India-

Visa-free entry: Qatar provides visa-free entry to the citizens of 102 countries, including India, for a short visit as tourists. You can enter Qatar for a visit of up to 30 days without getting a visa in advance.
Health insurance: Travellers must have valid health insurance covering Qatar's medical facilities. If you don't have insurance, you can purchase a policy after you arrive in Qatar. The coverage should be up to QR 1,50,000 for emergency medical treatment. The policy should have a sub-limit of QR 35,000 for ambulance transportation within Qatar and medical evacuation to India.

Qatar Visa Types

Several Qatar visa types are available for Indians travelling to Qatar. The type you apply for will depend on the purpose of your visit. These can be broadly categorised as:

Qatar Visa Types	Description	Maximum Stay Allowed
Visa on Arrival	Granted to visitors upon arrival in Qatar.	30 days
Visit Visa	For individuals visiting Qatar for tourism.	3 months
Business Visa	For individuals visiting Qatar for business.	1 month
Transit Visa	For travellers transiting through Qatar.	2 days
Work Permit	Individuals intending to work in Qatar.	It depends on the duration of employment.
Student Visa	For individuals enrolled in Qatari educational institutions.	It depends on the duration of your course.

Visa Guide

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Documents Required to Apply for a Qatar Visa

You are required to submit various documents during each stage of the Qatar visa application process. If you are planning to get visa-free entry to Qatar, you need to submit the following documents at the Qatar airport after your arrival.

Passport	A valid passport with a remaining validity of at least 3 months.
Flight ticket	Confirmed onward ticket or return ticket to India.
Hotel reservations	Hotel bookings reserved through the Discover Qatar website. These bookings are to be made before travelling.

Documents Required for Qatar Visit Visa

If you plan to stay in Qatar for more than 30 days or up to 3 months for tourism, you need to apply for a visit visa. You must submit the following additional documents:

Documents Required	Additional Information
Bank Statement (3 months)	Showing a minimum balance of QR 5,000.
	Financially capable applicants known by the mission are exempt.
Hotel Reservation Confirmation	Reservations in a four- or five-star hotel.
Visa Application Form	Complete with all necessary details.
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months.
Two passport photos	Recent, clear photos of the applicant complying with the Qatar visa photo requirements.

Documents Required for Qatar Business Visa

If you wish to visit Qatar for business purposes, you need to apply for a business visa. Here are the additional documents that you need to submit for a business visa.

Documents Required	Additional Information
Evidence of Business Status	Must prove business credentials unless known commercial figure.
Visa Application Form	Complete with all necessary details.
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months.
Two passport photos	Recent, clear photos of the applicant complying with the Qatar visa photo requirements.

Documents Required for Qatar Work Visa

Those looking for employment in Qatar need to submit some additional documents for their work permit.

Document	Description
Smart Card (National Authentication System)	A smart card to verify the identity of the person authorised in the establishment to use the service through the national authentication system.
Valid Commercial Registration (CR)	Confirmation that the commercial registration (CR) of the establishment is valid.
Authorisation to Submit a Request	Evidence that the establishment has the right to submit the work permit request on behalf of the applicant.
No Ban on Establishment	Confirmation that there is no ban or restriction on the establishment from submitting work permit requests.

Documents Required for Qatar Student Visa

If you are a student planning to study in Qatar, you must submit the following additional documents.

Document	Description
A letter of confirmation from the college	Confirmation of acceptance from the respective college
Passport	Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of studies)
Financial documents	Documents demonstrating the ability to pay student fees
Health check report	Report that includes a blood test, a chest X-ray, and an HIV test.

Who Can Apply for a Qatar Visa?

Here are some general guidelines about who can apply for a Qatar visa from India. Qatar visa is available for:

Indian citizens holding a passport with a minimum validity period of 3 months.
Individuals who wish to visit Qatar for a valid purpose such as tourism, family visits, business, employment, or study.
Individuals who have valid health insurance coverage of at least QR 1,50,000 for emergency medical treatment. The policy should have a sub-limit of QR 35,000 for ambulance transport in Qatar and medical evacuation to India.
Individuals with evidence that they have financial resources to stay in Qatar. For instance, you need to demonstrate a bank balance of QR 5,000 for a visit visa.

How to Apply for a Qatar Visa?

If you wish to visit Qatar as a tourist for up to 30 days, you don't need to apply for a Qatar visa before your journey. Once you arrive in Qatar, you must submit your valid passport and confirmed return flight ticket to get entry into the country.

However, if you wish to stay longer in Qatar for tourism, you need to apply electronically for a Qatar visa. Similarly, you need to submit online applications for student visas and work visas. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Qatar visa.

Visit the official website: Go to the official Qatar e-visa website to submit your electronic visa application. You can submit your tourist visa applications through the Hayya website or app.
Select Visa Type: Choose the type of visa you need based on your purpose of visit, such as a tourist visa, a business visa, or a work visa.
Fill out the application form. Fill out the online visa application form with accurate information. This includes personal details, passport information, travel dates, and the purpose of the visit.
Upload the Required Documents: Scan and upload all necessary documents, such as a passport copy, photographs complying with Qatar visa photo requirements, proof of accommodation, a flight itinerary, and any other documents required for your specific visa type.
Submit the Application: Review all the information provided and make sure it's accurate. Once you are satisfied, submit your visa application online.
Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa processing fee using a valid payment method accepted on the website. Visa fees can vary depending on the type and duration of the visa.
Track Application Status: During the Qatar visa processing time, you can track your visa status online. The official portal of the Ministryof Interior enables you to check your Qatar visa status during this time.
Receive Visa Approval: After the Qatar visa processing time is over, you will receive an email notification confirming the approval along with instructions on how to download the visa.
Receive Your Visa: Receive your electronic visa and start planning the rest of your trip to Qatar.

Qatar Visa Fees

Each type of Qatar visa has a different fee structure. The table below covers various Qatar visa fees.

Qatar Visa Types	Qatar Visa Fee
Visa on Arrival	Free
Visit Visa	QR 200 (INR 4,592.51)
Business Visa	QR 200 (INR 4,592.51)
Transit Visa	QR 100 (INR 2296.26)
Temporary Work Permit	Free
Student Visa	N/A

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Check Qatar Visa Status?

During the Qatar visa processing time, you can keep track of your visa status. Follow these steps to check your Qatar visa status online.

Visit the Ministry of Interior's (MOI) official website.
Click on 'Visa Services' and select 'Visa Approval Tracking'.
Enter your application number and application date.

Enter the verification code and click "Submit." Your Qatar visa status will be quickly revealed to you.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to book my accommodations before visiting Qatar?

Ans: According to the Qatar visa requirements, citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Thailand are required to book hotels through the Discover Qatar website before travelling to Qatar. You cannot extend your Schengen visa beyond 90 days except during unforeseen circumstances or on humanitarian grounds.
Q: Can I extend my stay in Qatar beyond the validity of my visa?

Ans: Yes, you can apply for an extension online using the official website of the Ministry of Interior.
Q: What if my Qatar visa application is rejected?

Ans: You can appeal against the decision within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Q: Do I need health insurance for my Qatar visit?

Ans: Yes, Indian visitors to Qatar must now have a valid health insurance policy with a coverage of QR 1,50,000 for emergency medical treatment. It should have a sub-limit of QR 35,000 for ambulance transport in Qatar and medical evacuation to India.
Q: How can I check my Qatar visa application status?

Ans: Once you submit your Qatar visa application, you can track its status online through the MOI website.

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