If you’re planning a trip to Qatar or waiting for a visa approval, one of the first things you’ll want to do is check your visa status. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has an online service that lets you inquire about your visa and print the visa details from the comfort of your home.
Visit the official Ministry of Interior (MOI) website at moi.gov.qa and navigate to the Visa Services section. From there, select “Visa Inquiry & Printing” to access the visa verification tool. Alternatively you can use our tool as well.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the MOI Qatar Visa Inquiry & Printing service step by step. Whether you’re a tourist, an expatriate, or a business owner sponsoring employees, this guide will help you quickly confirm a visa’s status and get a printed copy for your records.
Table of Contents
What Is the MOI Qatar Visa Inquiry & Printing Service?
The MOI Qatar Visa Inquiry & Printing service is an online tool provided by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. It allows you to check the status and details of a Qatar visa online and then print out a copy of the visa if needed. In simple terms, it’s like a visa lookup portal. You enter your visa reference (or passport details), and the system shows you information like whether the visa is approved, the visa holder’s name, nationality, and the visa’s expiry date. This service is available on the official MOI website (moi.gov.qa) under the Visa Services section.
When would you use this service? For example, if you applied for a Qatar tourist visa, you can use it to see if your visa has been approved and is active. If you’re an expatriate who has applied for a family visit visa or an employer who applied for a work visa for an employee, you can check if the visa is issued. It’s also useful just before traveling – to print out the visa and carry it with you. The service is free and open to anyone with the necessary visa or passport information.
Step-by-Step: How to Check and Print Your Qatar Visa Online
Follow these steps to use the MOI Qatar Visa Inquiry & Printing service:
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Go to the Official MOI Qatar Website: Open your web browser and navigate to moi.gov.qa – this is the Ministry of Interior’s official website for Qatar. Ensure the site loads in English (you can switch the language on the site if needed).
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Find the “Visa Services” Section: On the MOI homepage, look for a menu or tab labeled “Services” or “Inquiries.” Hover over or click that, and then select “Visa Services.” (On some versions of the site, you might click an “Inquiries” menu first, then choose “Visa Services.”) This will take you to the visa-related online services.
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Select “Visa Inquiry & Printing”: Within the Visa Services page, click on “Visa Inquiry & Printing.” This is the option that lets you check visa status and print the visa info. It will open a form where you can enter details to search for your visa.
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Enter Your Details: You will now see a form with options to search by Visa Number or by Passport Number:
- If you have a Visa Number: Select the Visa Number option. Enter your 15-digit visa number in the field provided. (This number might be on any visa approval email or document you received. It’s the unique visa ID).
- If you prefer Passport Number: Select the Passport option. Enter your passport number in the field and choose your nationality from the dropdown list.
- Verification Code: Below, you’ll see a colored image with a code (CAPTCHA). Type that code exactly as shown into the verification box. This step is to prove you’re human and prevent bots from overusing the service.
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Submit the Inquiry: Double-check that all the info is correct, then click the “Submit” or “Search” button on the page. The system will process your request. (It usually takes a few seconds.)
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View Your Visa Status Results: After submitting, the page will display the result for the visa inquiry:
- If the details were correct, you should see information about your visa. This typically includes: Visa Type (e.g., tourist, work, family), Visa Holder’s Name, Nationality, Visa Number (if you searched by passport), Application Number (if applicable), Visa Expiry Date or validity, and Visa Status (e.g., valid, expired, under process).
- If your visa has been approved and is active, the status will show as valid along with the expiry date (for example, the visa might be valid for 3 months from the issue date). If the visa is still under process or not found, you might get a message accordingly (more on that in the Tips section below).
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Print Your Visa: Once you see your visa details on screen, look for a “Print” button or icon. It’s often somewhere near the top or bottom of the result. Click “Print”. This will either open a printer dialog or download a PDF file of your visa.
- If it opens a PDF in a new tab, you can save that PDF to your computer/phone. That PDF is your e-visa (electronic visa) document.
- After saving, go ahead and print a hard copy of the visa. Use a good printer so all details (especially QR codes or barcodes, if any) are clear. A printed copy is useful to carry when you travel to Qatar, as you might need to show it at the airport immigration.
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Sign Out/Clear (if on a public computer): If you’re doing this on a public computer, make sure to close the browser or at least clear the form so your passport or visa number isn’t left onscreen.
That’s it! In most cases, following these steps will quickly give you the answer about your visa. The whole process usually takes just a few minutes.
Alternate Ways to Check Your Qatar Visa Status
Qatar’s MOI online service is the primary way to check and print visas, but there are other official methods to know your visa status. Depending on your situation, one of these might be handy:
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Qatar Visa Center (QVC) Website: Qatar has visa service centers (QVC) in various countries for work visa processing. The QVC has its own online portal where applicants can track visa application status. If you applied through a Qatar Visa Center in your country, you can go to the QVC website, enter your passport number or application reference, and check your visa status there. The information will be similar (it pulls from the same system), and once approved, it often directs you to print the visa or travel authorization. QVC is commonly used by people from countries like India or Nepal who go through biometric enrollment at a visa center. For most tourist visas, you wouldn’t use QVC; it’s more for work or family visa applications done via those centers.
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Metrash2 Mobile App: If you are an expatriate living in Qatar, you might be familiar with the Metrash2 app (an official MOI app for various services). For example, if you applied for a visa for a family member, the app will show the status. In the app, there is a section for Visa Services, and under that, an option for visa inquiry. The advantage of Metrash2 is that it’s on your phone and can send you notifications. However, it’s mostly used by residents with a Qatar ID, so tourists or external applicants should use the MOI website or QVC instead.
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Offline Inquiry: In case online methods are not accessible, Qatar’s immigration authorities can assist in person. You could visit an MOI Service Center in Qatar with your passport info to inquire, or if abroad, call the Qatar MOI helpline. However, for nearly everyone, the online methods (MOI site or QVC) will be much faster and more convenient. There’s rarely a need to do this offline given how efficient the electronic systems are.
By covering these alternatives, we make sure you know every possible way to check your Qatar visa status. In most situations, though, the MOI online portal will be your go-to solution for both inquiry and printing.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Inquiry Experience
Before you wrap up, consider these handy tips to avoid any hiccups while checking or printing your visa:
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Ensure Accuracy: Enter your details carefully. A single typo in the visa number or passport number can result in “No record found.” If you get no result, re-check the number and try again. Visa numbers are long, so it’s easy to mistype them.
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Visa or Passport Option – Try Both: If you entered your visa number and got no result, and you’re sure the number is correct, try searching by passport number instead (or vice versa). Sometimes one method might work better depending on how the data is recorded. Both options query the same database, so normally either should work if information is correct.
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Have Your Passport Handy: Your passport details (number and nationality) must match what was used in the visa application. If you renewed your passport after applying for the visa, use the old passport number (as that’s what the visa is linked to). Always use the passport you used for the visa application.
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Use a Computer for Printing: While you can complete the inquiry on a smartphone, printing is easier from a computer. If you’re on a phone or tablet, you might only be able to save the screenshot/PDF and then email or transfer it to print. On a computer, the print button will directly open the document in printable format.
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Disable Pop-up Blockers: The MOI site might open the visa printout as a PDF in a new browser tab or window. If you click “Print” and nothing happens, check if your browser blocked a pop-up. Allow pop-ups for moi.gov.qa or check your download folder for the PDF file that might have been saved automatically.
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Save an Electronic Copy: After getting your visa details, save a copy of the result. If a PDF is generated, save that file to your device. If not, take a screenshot of the visa info. This way, even if you misplace the printout, you have proof of your visa on your phone or laptop.
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Print Multiple Copies: It’s a good idea to print at least two copies of your visa. Keep one with your travel documents (passport) when you go through airport immigration. Keep the other in your luggage or at home as a spare. This prepares you in case one copy gets lost or crumpled during travel.
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If Status is “Under Process”: Don’t panic if the result shows that your visa is still under process (or doesn’t show an approval yet). It might simply mean that the visa hasn’t been approved yet. Check back later – perhaps in 24-48 hours. Visa processing times can vary.
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No Record Found Scenario: If you repeatedly get a “No Record Found” message, and your details are definitely correct, it might mean that the visa has not been entered into the MOI system yet. This can happen if the visa was very recently approved (and not updated online instantly). Alternatively, it could mean the visa application didn’t go through. In such cases, it may be wise to contact whoever facilitated your visa (like the sponsor, employer, or the visa service center) to double-check the status. They might provide you an application number or advice.
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Security First: Only use the official channels (MOI website, QVC site, or Metrash2 app) to check your visa. There are some third-party websites that claim to check visa status, but for accuracy and safety of your personal data, stick to official sources. The MOI website is secure and the authoritative source of truth for your visa.
By following these tips, you’ll minimize the chances of any issues and ensure you have your visa information ready when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check my Qatar visa status online?
You can check your Qatar visa status online through the visa check tool or Ministry of Interior’s official portal. Go to the MOI website and navigate to the Visa Inquiry & Printing service. There, enter your visa number (or passport number and nationality) along with the verification code. The system will display your visa status instantly. This works for all types of visas – tourist, work, family, etc. – as long as you have the required info.
How can I print my Qatar visa copy online?
After you find your visa details on the MOI visa inquiry page, look for the “Print” button or icon. Click it, and it will generate a PDF of your visa or open a print dialog. You can then print that page just like you would print any document. If you don’t have a printer at the moment, save the PDF file to your device or print to PDF, so you can print a hard copy later. The printed visa will usually show a QR code or barcode and all your visa info – this printout is essentially your visa permit to carry with your passport.
How to print family visit visa from metrash2?
To print your Qatar family visit visa from Metrash2, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Metrash2 app using your Qatari ID credentials
- Navigate to the “Visa” section in the app
- Select “Family Visit Visa” from the options
- Locate your approved visa application
- Click on the download option to save the approved visa to your device
- You can then print the downloaded visa document from your phone or transfer it to a computer for printing
Note that as of March 1, 2025, the old Metrash2 app will be discontinued. You’ll need to download the new Metrash app from Google Play Store or App Store to continue accessing these services
Do I need to carry a printed copy of my Qatar visa?
It’s highly recommended to carry a printed copy of your visa when traveling to Qatar. Even if your visa is electronic (linked to your passport number), having a physical copy can be very helpful. Airlines might ask for a copy at check-in, and Qatar immigration officers at the airport may also want to see the printout. It serves as immediate proof that you have a valid visa. So, to be safe, always print out the visa and keep it with your passport during your trip.
Can I check my Qatar visa status using just my passport number (if I don’t have a visa number)?
Yes, you can. The MOI visa inquiry system lets you search by passport number. On the inquiry page, choose the option for Passport, then enter your passport number and select your nationality. The result will show any visa associated with that passport. This is useful if you haven’t been given a visa number yet. For instance, if you applied online and only have your passport, you can still check if a visa has been issued for you.
What information is shown when I check my Qatar visa status online?
The visa inquiry result will display all key details of your visa. This includes:
- Your Name (as on the visa) and Nationality.
- The Visa Type (e.g., Tourist Visa, Work Visa, Family Visit Visa).
- The Visa Number and sometimes an Application Number if applicable.
- The Visa Status – for example “Valid”, “Expired”, or sometimes “Under Process” (if not yet approved).
- The Issue Date and/or Expiry Date of the visa (so you know the validity period).
In short, it’s like a snapshot of the visa that’s in the MOI system. If your visa is approved, this page is proof of it. If anything looks incorrect in those details (for instance, a typo in your name), you should contact the authorities before you travel.
The website isn’t finding my visa. What should I do?
First, don’t worry. If the MOI site can’t find your visa, it could be due to a few reasons:
- Double-check the numbers you entered (visa number or passport number). A small mistake can cause no result.
- If your visa was only recently submitted or approved (like today or yesterday), the data might not be live on the site yet. Give it a little time and try again in a day or two.
- Make sure you selected the correct nationality if using passport search.
- If after multiple tries over a couple of days you still get nothing, contact your sponsor or the MOI support. There might have been a delay or an issue with the visa issuance. In rare cases, technical issues on the MOI site could also be a cause – you can try again later or try using a different browser/device.
These FAQs cover the most common doubts. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to reach out to Qatar’s MOI helpline or your visa agent for more specific guidance.
Conclusion
Checking the status of your Qatar visa and printing a copy is a simple process thanks to the MOI Qatar Visa Inquiry & Printing service. In just a few clicks, you can confirm that your visa is approved and have a printed visa ready for your journey. This not only gives you peace of mind but also ensures you have the necessary documents in hand when traveling to Qatar.
Whether you’re a tourist excited for your Qatari trip, an expatriate waiting to reunite with family, or a business owner ensuring your employee’s visa is sorted, the steps in this guide have you covered. Remember to always use the official MOI website or trusted channels for such inquiries to get accurate information. Now that you know how to check and print your Qatar visa, you can focus on planning the rest of your trip or next steps with confidence.
