This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated October 2024
Key takeaways:
A free Qatar transit visa is available for transits over 5 hours, valid up to 96 hours
Discover Qatar offers various transit tours, including city, desert, and luxury packages
Qatar Airways provides stopover packages with 4 to 5-star hotel options
Table of Contents
Do I need a visa for transit in Qatar?
A transit visa is required if you are not among the 92 nationalities eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. Passengers transiting through Hamad International Airport for a minimum of 5 hours can apply for a free Qatar Transit Visa, valid for up to 96 hours (four days). Stays beyond 96 hours are not permitted under this scheme.
Book cheap flights to Qatar
How do I apply for a Qatar transit visa?
You can apply for your transit visa between 7 and 90 days before your arrival in Qatar. For more details, please consult our Qatar transit visa dedicated article.
How can I explore Qatar during my transit?
During your Qatar transit, you can take advantage of the free Qatar transit visa to explore the country. With a stop of up to 96 hours, you have plenty of time to discover the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history of Qatar. Make the most of your layover by immersing yourself in this unique destination.
Qatar transit tours
Travelers whose transit in Qatar is 4 to 8 hours and more can turn their stop into an extended holiday by joining Discover Qatar’s city tour of Doha in one of the seven following packages:
- Transit Exclusive: Discover Doha – QAR 115 per person
- Transit Exclusive: Discover the Art of the Airport – QAR 36 per person
- Transit Exclusive: Discover the Desert and Inland Sea (Private Tour) – QAR 227 per person
- Transit Exclusive: Discover Doha by Air – QAR 850 per person
- Transit Exclusive: Discover Doha Your Way – Luxury Vehicle (Mercedes V-Class or similar) – QAR 700 per person
Moreover, Discover Qatar also allows travelers with transit times of 2 hours or more to take the transit tour of Discover the Art of the Airport with its expert guide.
However, in case you are within 48 hours of arriving in Doha and cannot see availability to book a tour, visit the Duty-Free area of Hamad International Airport to check the live availability of transit tours.
Qatar stopover packages
Qatar Airways also has various kinds of stopover transit tour packages, which include hotels and other amenities depending on your layover time.
Here are the steps to access the Qatar Stopover package.
- Visit the Qatar Airways official website.
- Enter your origin and destination. Please be mindful not to enter Doha or Qatar as your destination or origin.
- Select your preferred stopover timing and duration.
- Choose your stopover flight and package. Please note that travelers from the listed countries can reserve both their flights and accommodations together, while those departing from other countries must initially book their flights and then visit “Discover Qatar” to arrange their hotel stay and select from a range of tours and services.
- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
The following are the various types of transit packages.
Standard
The standard transit package offers a selection of 4-star hotels. Prices range from USD 14 for one night to 23 for two nights, USD 49 for three nights and 76 for four nights.
Premium
The premium transit package offers a selection of premium 5-star hotels. The prices vary from USD 24 for one night to 43 for two nights, USD 77 for three nights and 111 for four nights.
Premium Beach
As the name suggests, the premium transit package offers a selection of premium 5-star hotels and includes access to Doha’s beautiful sandy beaches.
The prices range from 31 USD for one night to 57 USD for two nights, 98 USD for three nights and 138 USD for four nights.
Luxury
The luxury transit package offers a selection of plush 5-star luxury hotels, with breakfast included. The prices vary from 83 USD for one night to 162 USD for two nights, 255 USD for three nights and 348 USD for four nights.
Please refer to the official Qatar Airways website for more details on the Qatar stopover packages.
