Qatar has emerged as a popular destination for Indian travelers, whether for tourism, family visit, business, or employment opportunities. With its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and booming economy, Qatar attracts thousands of Indian visitors each year. This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian citizens need to know about Qatar visa requirements, application processes, and recent policy changes.
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Qatar Visa Types and Requirements for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders enjoy relatively straightforward visa processes when traveling to Qatar. The country offers multiple visa categories tailored to different travel purposes, with options ranging from convenient visa-on-arrival for tourists to specialized permits for workers, students, and business travelers.
Comparison of All Visa Types Indian Citizens Can Apply
Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Fee | Minimum Salary Requirement | Key Documents | Processing Time | Extensions | Special Requirements |
Visa-on-Arrival | Short-term tourism | 30 days | Free | None | - Valid passport (6+ months validity) - Return ticket - Hotel booking through Discover Qatar - Proof of funds | Immediate at airport | Extendable for 30 more days | Must book accommodation through Discover Qatar |
Tourist Visa | Leisure, sightseeing | 30 days | 388 QAR (₹8,999) | None | - Valid passport - Return ticket - Hotel booking - Proof of funds | 5-7 working days | Extendable for 30 more days | For stays beyond visa-on-arrival limits |
Business Visa | Business meetings, conferences | 30 days (3-month validity) | 388 QAR (₹9,999) | None | - Valid passport - Invitation letter from Qatari company - Company registration documents - Proof of business relationship | 5-7 working days | Case-by- case basis | Applicant must be 18+ years old |
Work Visa | Employment in Qatar | Initially 30-90 days, converts to residence permit | Varies (employer typically pays) | Depends on profession | - Valid passport - Employment contract - Educational certificates - Professional qualifications - Medical certificate | 2-4 weeks | Converts to residence permit | Requires employer sponsorship |
Family Visit Visa | Short-term family visits | 30 days | QAR 200 | QR 5,000 for spouse / children QR 10,000 for other relatives | - Sponsors Qatar ID - Passport copies - Proof of relationship | 5-7 working days | - Upto 5 months for spouse / children - Upto 2 months for other relatives | Mandatory health insurance (QAR 50 / month) |
Family Residence Visa | Long-term family residency | 1 year (renewable) | QR 200 (visa fee) QR 100 (medical) QR 500 (residence permit) | Govt: QR 10,000 Private: QR 10,000 or QR 6,000 with accommodation | - Attested marriage/birth certificates - Sponsors employment contract - Housing contract - Salary certificate | 2-4 weeks | Renewable annually | Sponsor must have technical/specialized profession |
Student Visa | Education in Qatar | Duration of academic program | Varies | None (financial guarantee required) | - Acceptance letter from institution - Financial support proof - Academic transcripts - Health insurance | 2-3 weeks | For duration of study | Institution sponsorship required |
Transit Visa | Airport layovers | Up to 4 days | Free for eligible travelers | None | - Valid passport - Onward ticket - Visa for final destination (if required) | 24-48 hours | Not typically extended | For travelers with layovers in Qatar |
GCC Resident Visit Visa | For Indians residing in GCC countries | 30 days | Varies | None | - Valid passport - Valid GCC residence permit - Return ticket | 2-3 working days | Up to 3 months | Must be a legal resident of a GCC country |
Additional Comparison Points
Visa Type | Work Permission | Education Access | Healthcare Access | Sponsorship Requirement | Conversion Options | Exit Requirements |
Visa-on-Arrival | Not permitted | No | Emergency only | None | Can convert to other visa types | Must exit before expiry or extend |
Tourist Visa | Not permitted | No | Emergency only | None | Can convert to other visa types | Must exit before expiry or extend |
Business Visa | Limited to business activities | No | Emergency only | Qatari company invitation | Can convert to work visa | Must exit before expiry |
Work Visa | Full work rights | Yes | Yes (employer insurance) | Qatari employer | Automatically converts to residence permit | Employer NOC required to exit permanently |
Family Visit Visa | Not permitted | No | With health insurance | Qatar resident sponsor | Can convert to residence visa (QR 500 /person) | Must exit before expiry or extend |
Family Residence Visa | With work permit | Yes | Yes | Qatar resident sponsor | N/A (already residence) | Sponsor approval required for exit |
Student Visa | Limited (20 hrs/week) | Full access | Yes (institution insurance) | Educational institution | Can convert to work visa after graduation | Institution NOC required to exit permanently |
Transit Visa | Not permitted | No | Emergency only | None | Rarely converted | Must exit before expiry |
GCC Resident Visit Visa | Not permitted | No | Emergency only | None | Rarely converted | Must exit before expiry |
Understanding the specific requirements for each visa type will help ensure a smooth application process and hassle-free entry into Qatar. So without further ado, lets begin!
Visa-on-Arrival for Indians
Indian citizens qualify for Qatar’s visa-on-arrival program, allowing entry without obtaining a pre-approved visa. To be eligible, Indian travelers must meet these requirements:
- Valid Indian passport with at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry
- Confirmed return ticket showing departure from Qatar
- Confirmed hotel booking through Discover Qatar or an approved hotel
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay (international credit card or cash)
The visa-on-arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, making a total possible stay of 60 days. This makes it ideal for tourists and short-term visitors.
Hotel Requirements for Visa-on-Arrival
A critical requirement for Indian citizens using the visa-on-arrival facility is booking accommodation through Discover Qatar for the full duration of their stay. This requirement has been mandatory since April 2023 and continues to be enforced in 2025.
The visa length will match the duration of the hotel stay purchased, ranging from a minimum of two nights to a maximum of 60 days. Discover Qatar offers a selection of approved 3, 4, and 5-star hotels at specially negotiated prices.
Indian nationals can book through:
Once a booking is confirmed, travelers receive a Discover Qatar hotel voucher that serves as proof of purchase for their visa-on-arrival application. For validation of these hotel bookings, assistance is available at the Discover Qatar desk located in the Arrival Immigration area at Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Visa Fees for Indians
As of March 2025, the visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens is free of cost, making Qatar an attractive destination for Indian travelers. This free visa-on-arrival policy has been in effect since November 2023.
For other visa types, the costs vary:
- Tourist Visa (for stays beyond 60 days): Approximately 388 QAR (₹8,999)
- Business Visa: Approximately 388 QAR (₹9,999)
- Work Visa, Family Visa, and Student Visa fees vary depending on specific circumstances
Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)
The tourist visa is designed for Indians visiting Qatar for leisure, sightseeing, or short visits. For most Indian tourists, the visa-on-arrival facility eliminates the need for a separate tourist visa application unless planning to stay longer than 60 days.
Requirements include:
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation (from a Qatar government-approved hotel)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or international credit card)
Business Visa
For Indians traveling to Qatar for professional purposes, the business visa permits engagement in work and business activities for a designated period. This visa is typically valid for three months with a stay period of 30 days.
Business travelers need to provide:
- Valid passport with at least six months validity
- Letter of invitation from a Qatari company
- Company registration documents
- Proof of business relationship
- Clean criminal record
- Must be over 18 years of age
Work Visa
Indian nationals seeking employment in Qatar require a work visa. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a Qatari employer
- The employer initiates the visa application process with Qatar’s Ministry of Labor
- Once approved, the employer receives a work visa for the applicant
- The Indian professional travels to Qatar using this visa
- Upon arrival, they undergo medical examinations
- After passing medical tests, they receive a Qatar ID (residence permit)
Required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Educational certificates
- Professional qualifications
- Employment contract
- Medical fitness certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from previous employer if applicable
Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa is designed for short-term stays when family members want to visit a resident in Qatar temporarily:
- Validity: Initially issued for one month (30 days)
- Extensions: Can be extended for up to 5 more months for spouses and children (total 180 days) and 2 more months for other relatives (total 90 days)
- Fee: QAR 200 for 30 days, with extension fees of QAR 200 per month
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, exploring Qatar
- Work Permission: Not allowed to work
Requirements
- Minimum Salary Requirement: QR 5,000 for sponsoring spouse and children; QR 10,000 for other relatives
- Medical Requirements: Medical check-up (QAR 100) required for visa extensions
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for the entire duration of stay, costing approximately QAR 50 per month
Family Residence Visa
The Family Residence Visa is for long-term stays, allowing family members to live with the sponsor in Qatar:
- Validity: Typically issued for 1 year, renewable
- Purpose: Long-term residency with the sponsor
- Process: More comprehensive, involving medical tests and fingerprinting
- Fees:
- Family Visa Fee: QR 200 per dependent
- Medical Commission Test: QR 100 per dependent
- Residence Permit (one year): QR 500
- Work Permission: Dependents can apply for a work permit while maintaining family sponsorship
- Eligibility: Immediate family members (spouse and children)
Requirements:
- Minimum Salary Requirements:
- Government & Semi-government Employees: QR 10,000 or family accommodation provided by employer
- Private Sector Employees: QR 10,000, or QR 6,000 with family accommodation provided by employer
- Profession Requirement: Sponsor must have a technical or specialized (non-labor) profession
- Documents: Requires attested marriage certificates, birth certificates, and more extensive documentation
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Student Visa
For Indians pursuing education in Qatar universities, the student visa allows stays aligned with the duration of the academic program.
Students need to provide:
- Acceptance letter from a Qatari educational institution
- Proof of financial support
- Academic transcripts
- Health insurance
Transit Visa
Intended for Indian travelers with a layover in Qatar who want to briefly exit the airport, the transit visa is valid for up to 4 days.
Requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Onward ticket
- Visa for final destination (if required)
Qatar Visa Application Process for Indians
Indian citizens can apply for Qatar visas through two primary methods:
Online Application
- Visit the official Qatar Ministry of Interior website, new Metrash app, or authorized visa service providers
- Select the appropriate visa type
- Complete the online application form with accurate details
- Upload scanned copies of required documents
- Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card
- Wait for approval notification (typically 2-7 business days)
Offline Application
- Download and print the visa application form from the Qatar MOI website
- Fill out the form carefully and sign it
- Gather all necessary documents
- Submit your application at the nearest Qatar visa application center
- Pay the required fee and retain the receipt
- Collect your visa once processed
Extending Your Stay in Qatar
If you’re an Indian citizen already in Qatar on a visa-on-arrival and need to extend your stay, the process is relatively straightforward:
- Visit the Ministry of Interior office or apply through the Metrash2 mobile application
- Submit the required documents, including your passport and current visa
- Pay the extension fee
- Receive your visa extension, typically valid for a period similar to your original visa (up to 30 additional days)
It’s important to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid penalties or legal issues.
Special Considerations for GCC Residents
Indian citizens who are legal residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman) can avail of special visa privileges when visiting Qatar:
- GCC resident Indians can obtain a GCC Resident Visit Visa
- This visa permits single-entry to Qatar for 30 days
- It can be renewed for three more months
- Applicants may need to present their professional documents upon entry
Required Documents for Qatar Visa Applications
When applying for any Qatar visa, Indian citizens must prepare the following documents:
- Valid Indian passport with at least six months validity remaining
- Passport-sized photographs (recent, with white background)
- Completed visa application form
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Hotel reservations or accommodation details
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit cards)
- Additional documents specific to visa type (employment contract, invitation letter, etc.)
Travel Insurance Requirements
While not strictly mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance is highly recommended for Indian citizens visiting Qatar. A comprehensive travel insurance policy provides protection against:
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellations or delays
- Lost luggage or personal belongings
- Emergency evacuations
Many insurance providers offer specialized plans for Qatar travel, with coverage tailored to the specific needs of Indian travelers.
Recent Changes in Qatar Visa Policies
Qatar has been progressively liberalizing its visa policies to promote tourism and international business. Recent changes beneficial to Indian travelers include:
- Free visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens
- Streamlined online application processes
- Extended validity periods for certain visa categories
- More flexible visa extension options
- Enhanced visa-on-arrival facilities
These changes reflect Qatar’s commitment to strengthening ties with India and facilitating easier movement between the two countries.
Tips for a Successful Qatar Visa Application
To increase your chances of a smooth visa application process:
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
- Apply well in advance of your intended travel date
- Provide genuine information that matches your passport details
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Regularly check your visa application status online
- Consider using authorized visa service providers for assistance
- Book accommodation through Discover Qatar if using visa-on-arrival
Processing Time for Qatar Visas
The processing time for most Qatar visas for Indian citizens typically ranges from 7 to 21 working days. However, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to accommodate any unforeseen delays.
For visa-on-arrival, the processing happens at the immigration counter upon arrival at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Indian applicants should be aware of common reasons for Qatar visa rejections:
- Incomplete or inaccurate application forms
- Missing or invalid supporting documents
- Insufficient funds to support the stay
- Previous visa violations or overstays
- Security concerns or criminal records
- Failure to meet specific visa category requirements
- Not booking accommodation through Discover Qatar (for visa-on-arrival)
COVID-19 and Health Requirements
As of 2025, Qatar has updated its COVID-19 related entry requirements. Indian travelers should check the latest health protocols before traveling, which may include:
- Vaccination certificates
- Pre-departure testing
- Health insurance coverage
- Ehteraz mobile application requirements
- Any quarantine measures if applicable
Requirements change frequently, so it’s essential to verify the latest information from official sources.
Cultural Considerations for Indian Travelers
Indian visitors to Qatar should be aware of local customs and regulations:
- Qatar is an Islamic country with conservative dress codes
- Public displays of affection should be avoided
- Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed premises
- Photography of government buildings, military installations, and some local residents may be prohibited
- Ramadan observances affect business hours and public dining
Understanding and respecting these cultural norms will enhance your experience in Qatar.
Conclusion
Qatar offers Indian citizens various visa options to suit different travel purposes, from tourism and business to work and family reunification. The visa-on-arrival facility makes Qatar particularly accessible for Indian travelers planning short visits.
By understanding the requirements, application processes, and documentation needed for each visa type, Indian citizens can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when traveling to Qatar. Whether you’re visiting the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, attending business meetings in Doha, or starting a new job opportunity, proper visa preparation is the first step toward a successful Qatar experience.
Remember to check the latest visa requirements and fees before planning your trip, as regulations may change. With proper preparation and the right documents, Indian citizens can enjoy all that Qatar has to offer in 2025 and beyond.
