Qatar is a small travel paradise in the Arabian Gulf. Its beautiful weather in the winter, combined with weeks of rain, makes it a haven for travellers seeking Middle Eastern hospitality. Qatar has many picturesque locations that are ideal for sightseeing, water sports and relaxation. In addition, the blend of modern infrastructure with traditional Middle Eastern culture at heart promises an experience of a lifetime. When visiting this country, you must definitely include desert safari, beach trip, exploration of UNESCO heritage sites, and shopping at its fancy malls to your itinerary.
To further boost the already growing tourism sector, Qatar’s government has simplified Qatar visa services. In Qatar, Visa on Arrival for Indians is now available for Indian tourists.
Qatar entry requirements
- You must have a valid credit card or at least $1400 in cash. The same applies to any family member accompanying you on the trip.
- You must purchase travel insurance to enter this country. Qatar is one of the 34 countries where travel insurance for foreign visitors is mandatory.
- You must be fully vaccinated. Your vaccine should have been approved by the health ministry.
- You must provide a negative PCR test report that is not older than 48 hours before your departure date to Qatar.
Types of Qatar Visa
As an Indian citizen, you can apply for any of the following Qatar visas:
Qatar tourists visa for Indians is available on arrival. There are two types of visas for this purpose. One is for a short trip with a stay of no more than two weeks, and the other is for a long trip with a stay of up to three months.
A transit visa is issued if you are transiting from India to Qatar and have sufficient documentation to prove your journey.
A business visa is issued if you intend to conduct lawful business in a foreign country or if the purpose of your trip is to attend a meeting that is unrelated to any employment in that country.
An employment visa is issued if you wish to move to Qatar to earn your living through a job. In some cases, an executive from the company where you want to work will help you with your visa application.
If a direct member of your family works in Qatar, they can help you obtain this visa. Furthermore, the family visa does not have an expiration date.
You can get this visa only if one of your close relatives lives in Qatar and is willing to sponsor a visa for you.
Documents required to obtain Qatar Transit Visa:
- List of documents required to obtain Qatar Transit Visa or TR Visa:
Here is what you will need to get a Qatar TR visa.
- Apply for a TR visa using Form V1, available on their website.
- Provide the original and a copy of a valid passport that is not due to expire within the next six months.
- Submit proof of residency/nationality if you are a Qatari citizen. A permit copy is required if you are a non-resident.
- Copy of flight tickets (to and fro).
The processing time for a TR visa for non-residents is usually five working days if the documents are satisfactory.
- List of documents required to obtain Qatar Business visa:
Here is the Qatar visa check for business.
- Apply for a TR visa using Form V1, available on their website.
- Provide the original and a copy of a valid passport that is not due to expire within the next six months.
- Provide proof of work permit copy.
- Two recently clicked passport-size photographs.
- Documents proving your ownership in the business.
- Income proof.
- Bank statement (past three months).
- The Qatari company must provide a letter stating the purpose of the business and the details of the Indian organisation with which they will conduct business. They must also provide information on your salary and designation (if applicable).
- List of documents required to obtain Qatar Employment visa:
You can obtain a Qatar work visa if you meet the following requirements.
- Apply for a TR visa using Form V1, available on their website.
- Provide the original and a copy of a valid passport that is not due to expire within the next six months.
- Two recently clicked passport-size photographs.
- Furnish the original and photocopy of your educational qualifications.
- Provide the original and a photocopy of your employment letter from the company in Qatar.
- Your Indian employer must provide a letter stating that no qualified employee is specialised in the role you have been assigned.
- Qatar visa for Indians for employment purposes requires a mandatory health checkup.
If your work duration with the organisation is at least two years, your employer will be responsible for visa sponsorship.
- List of documents required to obtain Student visa
A student visa is issued if you intend to pursue higher education in Qatar at any recognised government college or university. Here are the requirements for the same.
- Apply for a TR visa using Form V1, available on their website.
- Provide the original and a copy of a valid passport that is not due to expire within the next six months.
- Two recently clicked passport-size photographs.
- Photocopy of the proof of your educational qualifications such as a passing certificate and mark sheet.
- Admission letter from the university/college where you are enrolled in the full-time course.
- Salary certificate from Qatar's local sponsor.
Qatar Visa fee
The Qatar visit visa fee or other visa charges are determined by the purpose of your trip and the length of time you intend to stay in the country.
- If you apply for a business visa and plan to stay in the country for 90 days, the visa will cost you around Rs 18,500.
- If you apply for a business visa with a stay of 30 days, you will have to pay approximately Rs7,500.
- In case you intend to stay in Qatar for at least 30 days, the tourist visa will cost you approximately Rs 5,500.
Eligibility for Qatar visa for Indian
The Qatari government does not have stringent visa eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to do to obtain a Qatar visa as an Indian tourist.
- You must provide documentation to prove your financial capability. Your bank account should have enough money to cover your travel expenses.
- You should provide documentation highlighting hotel reservations and flight ticket bookings.
- You must not have any criminal history.
- You must pass the fitness/medical test requirement set by the Qatari government.
- In the case of a visit visa or where your family member is Qatari or any immediate relative works in that country, you will be eligible for a visa if the family member or relative in this country sponsors your trip.
How to apply for a Qatar visa online?
Getting a Qatar visa for Indians is simple. The crucial steps in obtaining this visa are listed below.
Step 1
Go to the Qatar visa's official website and fill out Form V1 with the necessary information.
Step 2
After completing the form, download and print it; next, sign it.
Step 3
Keep the form and all required documents handy for submission to the Qatar embassy. Following submission, you can track the status online. There is also an option for a Qatar visa check by passport number.
Step 4
The concerned authority will cross-verify your documents. If your details are found to be genuine, your application will be processed in 7-10 business days.
List of important documents required for Qatar visa
You can avail Qatar visa only if you have the following documents:
- You must hold a valid passport. Also, the passport must not expire within the next six months.
- As required for a new visa, the passport you provide must have some blank pages.
- A business visa application must be submitted along with your company letter. In case you are applying for a tourist visa, make sure you include an invitation letter that explains why you are visiting that country.
- Two recently clicked coloured passport-size photographs.
- If you intend to mail your application, provide a prepaid return envelope with your application and the recipient's name on it.
- If you are a military man, diplomat, or another official passport holder, you must provide an official letter from the relevant authority as well as a letter from the company where you will be working in Qatar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qatar Visa
Q.1. What should I do if I am denied a Qatar visa?
You should contact the Qatar visa helpline or the Qatar embassy to find out why your visa was rejected. If the rejection is due to a lack of documents or incorrect information on the application form, the embassy executives might assist you in resolving your issue.
Remember, the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Q.2. For how long is Qatar's online visa valid?
A tourist visa is valid for 90 days and allows a stay of a maximum of 30 days. Meanwhile, there are two options for a business visa. Both have a validity of 90 days but one allows stay up to 30 days while the other lets you stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Q.3. Do children need to apply for Qatar online visa?
Yes, both adults and children are subject to visa requirements. Even if the child is travelling with his or her parents, they will still require a visa to enter Qatar.
Q.4. Will I have to renew my Qatar online visa if my passport has changed or expired?
To get a Qatar visa, your passport must be valid for at least the next six months. So, you will have to apply for a new e-visa for Qatar if your passport is renewed due to loss or theft. Also, apply for a new visa if there is a change in the information on your passport.