Qatar Tourism now uses “visa-free entry” as the updated term for what was previously called “visa on arrival.” However, entry conditions still vary by nationality, and some travellers may need to meet additional requirements before travelling.
Which countries are eligible for the visa-free entry to Qatar?
As of May 2026, citizens from over 100 countries can enter Qatar without applying for a visa in advance.
The eligible countries are divided into main categories based on the duration of stay permitted, with additional conditions for some nationalities.
90 days visa-free entry
Nationals of the nations listed below can stay in Qatar for up to 90 days on a single visit or on multiple visits.
For most listed countries, the waiver is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
Note for Ukraine: Ukrainian nationals are eligible for a free on-arrival tourist visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Note for United States: U.S. citizens can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days per visit. Visit Qatar states that U.S. citizens receive a multiple-entry visa valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
30 days visa-free entry
The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance for citizens of the countries listed below and enables its holder to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days, either on a single visit or on multiple visits.
An extension of an additional 30 days is available for this visa waiver.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Georgia
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Suriname
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Note: As of March–April 2026, visa-on-arrival has been temporarily suspended for nationals of Pakistan and Lebanon due to the prevailing situation. These countries have been removed from the active list above. See below for details.
Visa on arrival with additional requirements
Nationals of India, Iran, Pakistan, and Thailand must book a Discover Qatar visa-on-arrival hotel before travelling. However, visa-on-arrival is currently suspended for Pakistani nationals, who must obtain a visa in advance through the Hayya platform.
Nationals of Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Macau, Mauritius, Montenegro, and Taiwan (China) are shown by Visit Qatar as paid visa-on-arrival cases. Nationals of Belarus and Iran are treated as paid or special visa-on-arrival cases and should check the official Visit Qatar visa checker before travelling.
GCC visa exemption
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates can enter Qatar visa-free as GCC citizens.
Qatar visa-free and visa-on-arrival requirements
Eligible travellers entering Qatar visa-free or with a visa on arrival should meet the following general requirements:
- Passport must be valid for at least 3 months
- Return/onward ticket must be confirmed
- Proof of accommodation must be available; some nationalities must book accommodation through Discover Qatar before travel
- Health insurance from a provider registered with the Qatar Ministry of Public Health may be required, depending on visa type and length of stay
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Qatar without a visa?
It depends on your nationality. Eligible travellers in the longer-stay category can stay up to 90 days. U.S. citizens receive a multiple-entry visa valid for two years, or until the passport expires, with each stay up to 90 days. Other eligible travellers can generally stay up to 30 days, with an option to extend for another 30 days.
Is health insurance required for visiting Qatar?
Health insurance is mandatory for visitors who need a visa in advance and for on-arrival visitors extending beyond the first 30 days. For visa-on-arrival stays of 30 days or less, health insurance is recommended but not required. You can purchase basic health insurance for QAR 50 per month from providers listed on the Qatar Ministry of Public Health website.
Do I need to book a hotel through Discover Qatar?
Only nationals of certain countries — including India, Iran, Pakistan, and Thailand — are required to book accommodation through the Discover Qatar website. However, visa-on-arrival is currently suspended for Pakistani nationals. Travellers from other eligible countries can book hotels through any platform.
Can Pakistani citizens still visit Qatar?
Yes, but as of 31 March 2026, the visa-on-arrival facility has been temporarily suspended for Pakistani nationals. Pakistani travellers must now obtain a visa in advance through the Hayya platform.
What documents do I need for visa-free entry to Qatar?
You will generally need a passport valid for at least 3 or 6 months, depending on nationality and visa type, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details). Some nationalities have additional requirements such as Discover Qatar hotel bookings or proof of funds.
Sources
- Visit Qatar — Visas & Visa Check
- Qatar Ministry of Interior — Visit Visas Portal
- Discover Qatar — Hayya E-Visa & Visa on Arrival Approved Hotels
- DohaGuides — Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates
- Wikipedia — Visa Policy of Qatar
- EY Global — Qatar Suspends Visa-on-Arrival for Nationals of Pakistan
- EY Global — Qatar Suspends Visa-on-Arrival for Nationals of Lebanon
- Qatar Ministry of Public Health — Health Insurance Scheme
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.

