Qatar allows visa-free entry for nationals of 80 countries

Nationals of 80 countries can enter Qatar visa-free, with immediate effect, announced Qatari officials on 9 August. Countries eligible for this include India, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Seychelles, New Zealand and South Africa. Citizens of these countries when wanting to visit Qatar need to apply for a visa or pay for it. Henceforth, they will be issued a monthly-waiver free-of-charge at the port of entry after they present a valid passport with validity at least six months and a confirmed onward/ return ticket. The waiver will depend on the nationality of the traveller entering the State of Qatar. Citizens of some countries will have a waiver validity of 180 days, allowing them to spend a maximum of 90 days cumulatively, while others would be given a waiver of 90 days, out of which they can spend a total of 30 days. Both are multiple-entry waivers. Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, was quoted by Reuters as saying that with nationals of 80 countries being eligible for a visa waiver on entry into Qatar, the county is the most open now in the Middle East and added that they were happy to welcome to avail their hospitality, natural treasures and cultural heritage. Earlier in November 2016, free transit visa was introduced by Qatar, allowing visitors of all countries transiting via Doha international airport for a minimum of five hours to stay in the country for up to four days. If you are looking to travel to Qatar, get in touch with Y-Axis, a highly renowned consultancy for immigration services, to know more.