Qatar Visa Guide for Indians

Sky-high buildings, beautiful dunes, and the perfect juxtaposition of modern meets ancient, Qatar in the Middle East is slowly emerging as a tourist destination that deserves your attention. This peninsular Arabic country is known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, emerging as one of the richest countries in the world. Qatar shares deep ties and an unusual connection with India, drawing many Indians to the country for tourism and employment purposes. Whatever your reason for visiting Qatar, you can do so only if you have a valid Qatar Visa. This article covers all the vital aspects of the Qatar Visa application process for Indian passport holders.

You should apply for the appropriate visa depending on your purpose for travelling to Qatar—studies, business, employment, or tourism. You can check your visa options through a Qatar Visa inquiry.

Tourist Visa

Indian nationals holding a regular (non-diplomatic or special) passport can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days, exclusively for tourism purposes. At the passport control point of Hamad International Airport (HIA), immigration officers will require you to present your hotel bookings, proof of funds for your stay, and return tickets before granting entry.

Business Visa

If you plan to travel to Qatar for business activities such as meetings, conferences, or short visits of 1-3 days, you can apply for a short-term business visa, valid for up to 72 hours. You should obtain a regular business visa for longer stays to engage in commercial activities.

Employment Visa

You must secure an employment visa if you intend to work in Qatar. This requires proof of a job offer from a Qatar-based company. The visa is subject to Qatar's employment regulations and is typically sponsored by your employer.

Family Visa

If you have family or friends residing in Qatar and wish to visit them, you can obtain a Family Visa. In such a case, your relatives working or residing in Qatar can sponsor you for a family visa. They can provide an invitation letter, which you can submit with your visa application.

Student Visa

If you wish to pursue higher education in Qatar, you must apply for a student visa. In such cases, you must show a letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution in Qatar and proof that you have the necessary funds to pay your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.

Transit Visa

If you are transiting via HIA in Doha, Qatar, and you have a long layover (exceeding 5 hours), you can leave the airport and explore the city of Doha on a transit visa. Qatar offers a Transit visa of up to 96 hours free of charge to people of all nationalities.

Residence Visa

If you arrive in Qatar on a long-term family or employment visa, you may need to apply for a residence permit. With the Residence Permit, you can extend your stay in blocks of 3-6 months, as applicable.

GCC Visa

Indian passport holders who are Residents of any GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) country like the Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, and the Sultanate of Oman are eligible for GCC Resident Visa on arrival. Whether you are deemed eligible depends on your employment status and occupation type.

The Hayya platform makes it easy for foreigners to apply for a Qatar visa. Thanks to the Hayya platform, you can easily get your e-visa and skip the queues on arrival. Following is the process to apply for your visa on the Hayya website:

1. Step 1: Visit www.hayya.qa or download the Hayya application on your phone to register yourself.
2. Step 2: Upload the documents per your required visa type.
3. Step 3: Fill out the required details, submit your application and pay the visa fee.
4. Step 4: Run a quick Qatar visa check online after paying the fee.
5. Step 5: After completing the payment, you will receive your e-visa details on your contact information.

With your e-visa, you can skip the queues at the Abu Samra border or use the e-gates at HIA.

Besides applying for a Qatar E-visa on the Hayya online platform, you can send your application through online and offline authorised agencies. You can follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Visit the official website of the authorised agency to apply for the visa.
2. Step 2: Download and print the visa form, ensuring that the application form is printed only on one side.
3. Step 3: Fill out the form with the required details and sign the application.
4. Step 4: Attach the required documents and submit the completed application at the nearest visa help desk.
5. Step 5: Once the form is submitted, you can track your Qatar visa status online.

You need to submit your original passport for applications via authorised agencies. It typically takes 7-10 days for visa processing in such cases. You may collect your passport or courier it to your home address. If your visa application is approved, you will receive the passport with your visa affixed to it. You must ensure you check the details on the visa, including your name, passport number, and visa number, for accuracy.

You must provide the following documents while applying for a Qatar visa:

• Passport: Ensure that your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in Qatar.

• Visa Application Form: You can obtain the visa application form from the Qatar Embassy or Consulate in India or download it online.

• Passport-Sized Photographs: You typically need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs, ensuring they meet the specified size and quality guidelines.

• Flight Itinerary: You must provide a copy of your confirmed flight itinerary, which includes details of your arrival and departure from Qatar.

• Accommodation Proof: You must carry prints of your hotel reservation proof. If you plan to stay with friends or relatives, you should carry the invitation letter from your host in Qatar.

• Financial Proof: You may be asked to provide bank statements, credit cards, or an affidavit of financial support to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses during your stay.

• Employment Letter: If you are travelling to Qatar for work, include your employment letter provided by your prospective employer stating your position, salary, and the purpose of your visit.

Following are the new regulations for Indians applying for a Qatar visa:

• Post a temporary suspension in 2020 due to the pandemic, the visa-on-arrival service by Qatar has been reinstated with certain requirements.
• Since December 2022, Indian passport holders must use the Discover Qatar website exclusively to make hotel reservations, to cover their entire stay. Hotel bookings done through other websites are not valid.
• Since January 30, 2023, the Hayya card has been extended. Holders of the Hayya card now have permission to enter the country until January 2024, subject to certain conditions.

Since May 2022, all travellers visiting Qatar, including Indians, need to have a valid travel insurance policy to gain entry into the country. The validity of the travel insurance plan must cover your entire stay.

While in Qatar, you'll need to settle any outstanding expenses, whether shopping for souvenirs, dining at world-class restaurants, or visiting popular tourist attractions. For these payments, your HDFC Bank Forex Card is a convenient option. This prepaid card functions like a debit card, deducting funds directly when you make a purchase. You can load it with Qatari Riyal and other foreign currencies. You can easily obtain the Forex Card online or at HDFC Bank branches. It lets you purchase foreign currency before your trip and lock in exchange rates, protecting you from fluctuations.

Make smart payments overseas with HDFC Bank Forex Cards.

*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.