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Reviewed May 2024
In a significant move to enhance its appeal as a global travel destination, Qatar has recently unveiled a groundbreaking set of visa rules that promise to simplify and streamline the process for visitors from around the world. These innovative regulations, implemented through the Hayya platform, are designed to revolutionize the way tourists and business travelers access the country, offering convenience, flexibility, and tailored options for a diverse range of visitors.
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From easier access for international tourists to simplified procedures for GCC residents and accelerated approvals for certain nationalities, Qatar’s new visa rules signal a commitment to fostering tourism and business opportunities while ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for all who wish to explore this remarkable Gulf nation. Keep reading to find out more about Qatar’s new visa rules for the year 2024.
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Qatar’s visa rules in 2024
The following are some of the new visa rules developed in Qatar for the year 2024:
Qatar’s new unified tourist visa rules
A unified tourist visa for GCC countries has been in the works for a long time, facilitating seamless travel between the six GCC nations for residents and tourists. The visa has been approved by members of the GCC. However, it is not yet operational. The unified tourist visa will allow travelers to visit Qatar and the other GCC nations, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, only with a single visa. This move is meant to boost the economic and tourism sectors in the region. Following the approval, this new visa is expected to be in effect between 2024 and 2025, depending on each country’s internal regulations.
Recently, on 30 April 2024, The UAE Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri al, confirmed that GCC nations are working on launching the Unified Tourist Visa. However, he didn’t confirm any launch date.
For further information about the GCC unified tourist visa, you can check our dedicated article below.
Qatar’s new Mustaqel 5-year Residency visa
In February 2024, the Qatari Government announced the introduction of Mustaqel visas, which are five-year residency visas for eligible talented individuals and entrepreneurs. The official website lists the eligibility and requirements for both types and can be applied on the same website as well.
- The Talent Visa Administrative Cost: QAR 4000
- The Entrepreneur Visa Administrative Cost: QAR 5000.
If the application is rejected, refunds are also available. However, it excludes the administrative cost and bank processing fee. Please visit the website for more details.
Qatar’s new conditions for visiting family members
According to the Qatar Ministry of Interior’s new guidelines, there are a few conditions that need to be fulfilled by both the resident and their visiting family members in order for them to receive family visit visas. These conditions are as follows:
- The applying resident should have family accommodation duly accredited by relevant authorities.
- The applying resident should possess a minimum monthly salary of QAR 5000.
- The profession of the applying resident should be in the non-labor category.
- The visitor must possess health insurance for the period of their visit to the State of Qatar.
- The visitor must be a relative of the applying resident within the allowed degrees of relation.
- Applications must be submitted through the Metrash2 app.
Qatar’s new conditions for bringing families to residency
Here are the new conditions implemented for residents who are intending to bring their families for residency in Qatar:
General Conditions:
- The son should not be more than 25 years of age.
- The daughter must be unmarried.
- Children within compulsory education age (6-18) must be enrolled in schooling inside or outside the country.
- The expatriates being hosted should have health insurance for the duration of their stay, starting
from the date of entry into the country.
For Government and Semi-Government Employees:
The employee should have family housing allocated by the employer or a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 duly accredited with an employment contract.
For Private Sector Employees:
The employee’s profession should be of a technical or specialized (non-labor) category, accredited with an employment contract.
The employee should have a minimum salary of QAR 10,000 or QAR 6,000, with family housing provided by the employer and duly accredited with an employment contract.
