Qatar Visa Guide for Indians

15 February, 2024

Sky-high buildings, beautiful sand 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 connect 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.

Understanding Qatar Visa Types

Depending on whether you are travelling to Qatar for studies, business, employment, or tourism, you must apply for the right type of visa based on your travel purpose. You can run a Qatar Visa inquiry to assess the type of visa you need, from the following types:

• Tourist Visa

Indian nationals with a regular (non-diplomatic or special) passport can get a visa on arrival for a maximum period of 30 days. This visa may only be utilised for tourism purposes. Immigration officers at Hamad international Airport’s (HIA) Passport control point you ask you to show, your hotel bookings, proof of funds to handle your expenses and return tickets before granting you entry.

• Business Visa 

If you wish to travel to Qatar for business and business-related activities like meetings, conferences, or 1-3 days visits, you can obtain a short-term business visa valid for up to 72 hours. You may also obtain a regular business visa if your wish to visit Qatar for an extended duration to engage in commercial activities.

• Employment Visa 

If you plan to be gainfully employed in Qatar, you need to obtain an employment visa. You need to show proof that you have been offered a role in a Qatar-based company. Such a visa is subject to various employment regulations in Qatar and should typically be sponsored by your employer in Qatar.

• Family Visa 

If you have family or friends residing in Qatar and if you 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 your higher education in Qatar, you need to apply for a student visa. In such cases, you must show a letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution in Qatar, along with 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 choose to leave the airport and explore the city of Doha on a transit visa. Qatar offers a Transit visa of up to 96 hours for free of charge to people of all nationalities.

• Residence Visa

If you arrive in Qatar on a long-term family visa or an 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.

Applying for the Qatar Hayya E-Visa

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. Visit www.hayya.qa or download the Hayya application on your phone to register yourself.

2. Upload the documents per your required visa type.

3. Fill the required details, submit your application and pay the visa fee.

4. Run a quick Qatar visa check online after paying the fee.

5. You will receive your e-visa details on your contact information after the payment is complete.
   
   

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

Other Ways to Apply for a Qatar Visa

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. Visit the official website of the authorised agency to apply for the visa.

2. Download and print the visa form, ensuring that the application form is printed only on one side.

3. Fill the form with the required details and sign the application.

4. Attach the required documents and submit the completed application at the nearest visa help desk.

5. Once the from is submitted, you can track your Qatar visa status online.
   
   

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

Documents required for a Qatar Visa

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.
  
  

New Rules For Indians For Qatar Visa On Arrival

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 need to 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.
  
  

Mandatory Travel Insurance To Enter Qatar

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 duration of stay.

Make Cashless Payments in Qatar with HDFC Bank Forex Cards.

While in Qatar you may need to pay for all your unpaid expenses. You may wish to shop for souvenirs, eat at world-class restaurants and visit popular tourist sites. At all these places, you can effortlessly make payments with your HDFC Bank Forex Card. This prepaid card works just like a Debit Card in that funds are debited from the card when you swipe it. You can load the Forex Card with Qatari Riyal and several other foreign currencies. What’s more, you can easily obtain the Forex Card online and offline at HDFC Bank Branches. With the Forex Card, you can purchase foreign currencies before travelling abroad and lock-in forex rates to avoid currency rate 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.