Qatar visas

Who needs a visa to Qatar

Travelers visiting Qatar are required to get a visa unless they meet one of the following criteria:

Visitors seeking to enter Qatar may get visas for the country online, either via the countries official website or on the Qatar Airways website if they are flying with the carrier.

The passports of all tourists, with the exception of nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council, must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival. When entering Qatar, citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are permitted to use their national ID cards.

• They are nationals of one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
• They are nationals of one of the nations that are qualified for visa exemption.

Entry into Qatar

During the duration of the Tournament, the following rules shall apply:

• Until December 2, those entering Qatar will be required to show proof of match ticket purchase.
• After 2 December, those entering Qatar will only be required to present proof of a confirmed hotel reservation.
• Visitors to Qatar are no longer required to pre-register on the Ehteraz App prior to their arrival; however, it is recommended that they download and activate the app. This can be accomplished upon arrival by using a local or international SIM card. The Ehteraz App status must be displayed exclusively while entering healthcare facilities.
• A number of Gulf countries do not accept Emergency Travel Certificates as valid entry documents. If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you may not be able to return to your country of stay or residence in the Gulf with an Emergency Travel Certificate. You may be required to return to Ireland and apply for a new passport there. Ensure that your passport is secure at all times in order to avoid unwarranted delays.

Criteria to apply for a Qatar Visa

Before traveling to Qatar, visitors will not be required to undergo a Covid-19 PCR or Rapid Antigen test. In addition, you will not be required to register on the Ehteraz health application before your arrival.

You will need:

• Possess a passport valid for at least six months upon entry, with two visa page(s) remaining blank.
• Carry evidence of adequate finances to support your stay.
• Hold documentation of your onward and return flights.

Health

rivate healthcare treatment is accessible, but it can be costly. We recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance.

Accommodation

You must arrange your accommodations for your stay in Qatar before your departure.

Who Can Visit Qatar Without a Visa?

Upon arrival in the State of Qatar, Indian nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa for a stay of up to 30 days, provided they meet the following criteria: A passport must be valid for a minimum of six months. The passenger must have a confirmed return ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation.

Qatar Local Customs and Laws

Respect and familiarize yourself with all local laws and customs. Qatari laws and customs differ significantly from most countries. Be mindful of your actions to avoid offending others. There may be severe penalties for actions that may not be illegal in your home country, such as importing certain goods. This includes pork products, alcohol, electronic cigarettes/vaping devices, and anything that could be perceived as pornographic.

Drugs

Do not involve yourself with drugs. Possession of even trace amounts of narcotics is punishable severely. In Qatar, there is zero tolerance for illegal drugs. The penalties for drug use, possession, trafficking, and smuggling can include lengthy prison terms, hefty fines, and deportation.

Alcohol

Currently, alcohol is only available to guests in licensed hotel restaurants and bars; however, availability is expected to expand during the tournament at select fan zone locations. Alcohol is not available for purchase in stores. There is only one distributor in the country, which is restricted to permit-holding citizens. Qatar has a legal drinking age of 21. You are not permitted to consume alcohol or be drunk in public. The importation of alcoholic beverages into Qatar is prohibited. You will not be able to purchase duty-free alcohol in airports for importation into Qatar.

LGBT+

In Qatar, homosexuality is illegal. Private life is generally respected in Qatar, but any public display of affection between two people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or intent, is offensive.

Travelling in Qatar

If you intend to drive to Qatar, you should be aware of the risks involved. Driving across the Gulf can be challenging with limited fuel and rest stops. You must be patient and provide ample time for your journey. Please refer to the Saudi Arabia Travel Advice page, as this is the only land border with Qatar.