Qatar Suspends Visa-on-Arrival for Pakistani Nationals Amid Middle East Crisis

Last updated: Apr 6, 2026

Qatar has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Doha issued a travel advisory on 30 March 2026, warning that the service is “currently unavailable” and urging travellers to obtain visas before departure.

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What Has Changed for Pakistani Travellers

According to the embassy’s advisory, travellers arriving without a pre-arranged visa may face entry restrictions and delays at immigration.

The advisory did not specify a timeline for when visa-on-arrival services will resume.

The suspension is expected to affect:

Business travellers who relied on visa-on-arrival for short-notice trips to Doha
Contractors and short-term workers travelling from Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad for project-based assignments
Transit passengers who planned stopovers in Qatar without pre-arranged visas

Other nationalities have not been officially confirmed as affected at the time of writing, but this is likely a developing situation.

Citizens of other countries should check with the Qatar Ministry of Interior visa portal or their respective embassies in Doha before travelling.

How to Get a Qatar Visa Now

If you’re a Pakistani national planning to travel to Qatar, you must apply for a visa in advance through the official Hayya platform. This is Qatar’s online visa application system for tourist and visitor entries.

Here’s what you need to apply:

A valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond your entry date (six months recommended for smoother processing)
Confirmed accommodation in Qatar for your entire stay
A return or onward flight ticket
A recent passport-style photo with a white background
Health insurance covering your stay in Qatar (mandatory for all Hayya visa applicants — a visa will not be issued without proof of insurance. The premium is QAR 50 per month through approved providers)

The Hayya A1 tourist visa costs QAR 100 (approximately USD 27 or approximately PKR 7,660) and is typically processed within 48–72 hours. It is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.

The embassy strongly recommends applying well before your travel date to avoid any last-minute complications. You can compare flights to Doha and book hotels in Doha on Wego once your visa is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pakistani nationals still travel to Qatar?

Yes, but you must obtain a visa before departure. Apply through the Hayya platform — visa-on-arrival is no longer available for Pakistani travellers.

Are other nationalities affected by the visa-on-arrival suspension?

Only Pakistani nationals have been officially confirmed so far. If you hold a different nationality with visa-on-arrival or visa-free eligibility, check with the Qatar Ministry of Interior or your embassy in Doha before travelling.

When will visa-on-arrival resume for Pakistanis?

No timeline has been announced. The Pakistan Embassy in Doha has advised travellers to monitor official channels for updates.

My Qatar visa expired while I was stranded — do I need to renew it?

No — Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has automatically extended all entry visas at no cost. As of 6 April 2026, travel news outlets report the current extension covers visas through 18 April 2026, though a direct MOI confirmation of this specific date has not been published. You do not need to visit a government office or take any action. Check the Qatar MOI visa portal for the latest extension dates, as further extensions may be announced if the crisis continues.

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Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.