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Home / International Travel Insurance / Articles / Visa / Qatar Visa for Indians - Visa Types, Fees, and How to Apply

Qatar Visa for Indians - Visa Types, Fees, and How to Apply

Team AckoJun 7, 2023

In the Middle East, Qatar is quickly gaining favour as a premier destination for Indian travellers. A land of culture, art and luxury shopping, Qatar invites tourists from all over the world to explore its vibrant sights.

But before you can experience the country’s majestic beauty and unique flavour, you need to obtain a visa. Avoid delays and blunders by learning up on the varying types of Qatar visas for Indians, understanding the requirements for each, and discovering your ideal path for approval and travel.

Take that first step towards an exciting journey trough this sun-kissed land – unlock the key to an unforgettable trip: exploring what Qatar has to offer with a valid visa in hand!

qatar-visa-for-indians

Contents

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Qatar Visa for Indians - An Overview

  • Indian citizens are able to travel to Qatar without obtaining a visa due to their country being included in the list of countries allowed for the Qatar visa waiver program.

  • Indian nationals can apply for a Qatar visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.

  • Before travelling to Qatar, Indian citizens need to have their original passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages, along with any old passports.

  • Indian citizens can get a free Qatar visa on arrival if they hold Pakistani or Thai nationality.

  • The processing time for a Qatar visa from India may vary depending on the type of visa applied for and other factors such as the documentation provided by the applicant.

  • Different types of Qatar visas have different validity periods, ranging from single entry visas to multiple entry visas that are valid for up to five years.

  • Common reasons for rejection of Qatar visa applications include incomplete documentation, incorrect information, security issues and more.

  • A travel insurance policy is mandatory for Indian nationals applying for a Qatar visa from India, as it provides coverage in case of medical emergencies or unforeseen circumstances during their stay in Qatar.

  • Indians are eligible to apply for work visas in Qatar, as long as they meet certain criteria and have an employment offer from an approved company in the country.

  • Children may be eligible to apply for a Qatar visa if they are travelling with their parents or legal guardians who are travelling on valid visas themselves and are able to provide sufficient documentation.

Do Indians require a visa to visit Qatar?

Qatar is an increasingly popular holiday destination for Indian citizens. It's easy to get in, with no visa required – Indian nationals are eligible for a visa waiver when they arrive in Qatar, granting them the opportunity to stay there up to 30 days.

India is amongst the countries that are eligible for visa on arrival in Qatar. Indian nationals who have a valid passport and a return ticket can stay in Qatar for up to 30 days, either for single or multiple trips.

However, it is important to note that citizens of India may be required to provide additional documents depending on the length of their stay in Qatar. For stays longer than 30 days, Indian nationals will need to apply for a regular visa from the local Qatari embassy or consulate prior to their visit.

Application Procedure For Qatar Visa for Indians

Indians need to apply for a Qatar visa if they plan to stay in the country for more than 60 days. To apply, they must have a valid Indian passport with at least six months validity and three blank pages.

Applicants can now apply for a Qatar visa online with Visa Lounge. All they need to do is fill out an online application form and submit the necessary documents such as passport copy, photographs, etc.

Qatar visa processing time for Indians is typically 5-7 working days, but it may vary depending on the type of visa applied for.

Depending on their purpose of visit, Indians can choose from different types of Qatar visas such as tourist visa, business visa, medical visa and student visa.

Tourists are also eligible for a Qatar Visa On Arrival for Indians which is valid for 30 days and can be extended up to 90 days on payment of additional charges.

To ensure their application is successful, applicants should also make sure they meet all the requirements laid out by the Government of Qatar and provide accurate information in the form.

It is important to note that if an applicant has been rejected previously, they must provide proof of the reasons why their application was rejected in order to have a successful application this time round.

Travellers should also make sure they purchase travel insurance that covers their entire stay in Qatar before applying for a visa to ensure they are protected against any unexpected costs while in the country.

Finally, while Qatar work visas are open to Indian citizens, there are certain conditions that need to be met before one can apply for a work visa such as having an offer letter from a Qatari employer or having valid residency in Qatar as well as certain other requirements depending on the type of job being applied for.

Qatar visa process

You can either apply for a visa online or offline. For doing this offline:

  • You must visit the official website to apply for a visa.

  • Download and print the form, make sure the application form is printed on one side

  • You need to fill out the form and sign the visa application

  • Attach the required documents

  • Submit them to the nearest visa help desk. They will help you with further procedures.

For online application :

  • You must visit the official website to apply for a visa.

  • Fill up the online application form with the relevant details.

  • Submit the scanned copy of the mandatory documents.

  • Pay the visa fee through a debit/credit card or a MasterCard.

After submitting:

  • Once submitted, you can track your visa process online

  • The passport you submit can be collected only after 7-10 working days

  • You can also request for delivery of your passport at your doorstep

Different types of Qatar visa available for Indians

Depending on your purpose of the visit there are a few types of visas to Qatar. They are:

  • Tourist Visa: Tourist/Travel visas allow the bearer to enter a foreign country for tourist and leisure purposes only and stay for a predetermined amount of time.

  • Business Visa: A Business Visa is a type of visa for travellers who plan to conduct business-related activities in another country, such as attending meetings or conferences, exploring business opportunities, and engaging in other permitted transactions. This type of visa does not permit work or labour to be done within the host country. It is important to know the specific activities you are allowed to do on this visa and make sure they comply with immigration regulations.

  • Work Visa: Work Visas allow you to work in a country. It is sort of a work permit that allows you to enter a foreign country and work there for a predetermined amount of time.

  • Visitor Visa: A visitor visa, also known as a visit visa, is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows you to stay in a foreign country for a specific period. This type of visa differs from a tourist visa, which is used solely to sightsee. A visitor visa can be used for various purposes - such as short-term business meetings, medical treatments, and more.

  • Family Visa: Family visas are issued to a person who establishes a family connection with any person who is a citizen of the foreign county they want to enter. There are various kinds of family visas. This will be issued for a predetermined time period. If you wish to extend your stay with the said family member, you can apply for an extension for your visa.

  • GCC Visa: The GCC countries are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait. If you reside in any of these countries (Other than Qatar), you do not need a visa to travel to Qatar. Your visa will be issued upon arrival. This depends on the purpose of your visit and the type of work.

  • Student Visa: Students who wish to study in Universities in any foreign country can apply for this visa and they may stay in the country till their study period is over.

  • Transit Visa: Long Layovers could be a hassle if you have to stay inside the airport itself. Transit visas allow you to exit the airport and visit and explore the city you are in. Qatar transit visa is valid for 24 hours.

Documents Required for Qatar Visa from India

Documents needed for Qatar Tourist Visa

You need these documents along with your application form while you are applying for a Qatar tourist visa:

  • Original passport, at least 6 months validity

  • A scan of both the beginning and ending pages of your passport is required.

  • Passport-size photograph with white background

  • Return tickets from Qatar

  • Proof of hotel reservation

  • Bank statement

Photo requirements of Qatar visa

The passport-size photo that you are submitting along with the visa application for a Qatar visa must fulfil the following requirements :

  • Required photo size is 4.5 cm in height and 3.5 cm in width.

  • Coloured pictures are necessary. Not black and white.

  • Your head straight must be straight.

  • The photo must not be older than 6 months.

  • The background must be white.

  • No smile.

  • Eyes should be clearly visible in the photo.

  • Blurry photos are rejected

  • Eye glasses acceptable under certain conditions

  • Wearing a head covering is not permitted. Exceptions made on religious grounds.

  • Image pixel resolution should be 600 dpi minimum.

  • Make sure your outfit stands out in comparison to the backdrop; avoid white tops.

  • Beard is allowed if it represents your everyday appearance.

  • Two photos are needed.

Qatar visa fees for Indians

The visa fee for a Qatar visa varies according to the type of visa and the age of the passenger.

Type of Visa

Tourist Visa 30 days (Ages 1-55 age)

Tourist Visa 30 days (Age 55 and above)

Business Visa 30 days

Business Visa 90 days

Work Visa

Processing Time

5-6 days

5-6 days

5-6 days

5-6 days

2-4 weeks

Stay period

30 days

30 days

30 days

90 days

-

Validity

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

-

Fee (in INR)

9,000-10,000

14,000-16,000

10,000

How to check Qatar visa application status

You can track the progress of your Qatar visa application through the MOI (Ministry of Interior) website.

  • Go to the official website.

  • Enter your passport number and/or Visa number.

  • Fill in your passport number on the respective boxes.

  • Submit by entering the captcha code.

  • Click on the Submit button.

Qatar visa processing time for Indians

Qatar visa processing time for Indians usually takes 8-10 Qatar Working Days, except for Fridays, Saturdays and any Qatar Holidays. After submitting the fees, applicants need to wait for 7-10 days to get their Qatar visa approved. Indian citizens who hold a valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months may avail Qatar visa on arrival for 30 days. For employment in Qatar, applicants must obtain a work permit which typically requires 15-20 working days to process, upon receipt of all necessary documents. The processing time may further extend if there are outstanding issues with the application.

Validity of different types of Qatar visa for Indians

Qatar long tourist visa

3 months

Qatar family visit visa

30 days

Qatar Short tourist visa:

14 days

Qatar Business Visa

1 month

Qatar Work Visa

2 years

Qatar Visit Visa

6 months

Qatar Family Visa

No expiry date

Common reasons why Qatar visa application gets rejected

Are you having trouble getting your Qatar visa approved? It happens. Qatar visa rejections are sometimes caused by certain factors.

  1. Wrong information in visa application form: One of the most common reasons why Qatar visa gets rejected is due to providing wrong information in the visa application form. It is important to be accurate and honest when filling out your visa application.

  2. Criminal history: If you have a past criminal record, your visa may be rejected. It is important to disclose all criminal activity when applying for a Qatar visa.

  3. Insufficient financial records: A Qatar visa may be rejected if you do not provide adequate proof of financial support to sustain your stay in the country. It is important to show sufficient funds in your bank statement before submitting a visa application.

  4. Not following the visa rules: Visa rules vary from country to country and it is important to follow them accordingly. Failing to follow the rules may result in a Qatar visa rejection.

  5. Missing documents: If you do not provide all required documents, your Qatar visa application may be rejected or even delayed due to the lack of necessary paperwork.

  6. Ineligible applicants: Not everyone is eligible for a Qatar visa, and if you are ineligible, your application may be rejected or put on hold until you can prove your eligibility.

  7. Exceeding maximum stay period: If you exceed the maximum stay period allowed for a Qatar visa, your application may be rejected or put on hold until the matter is resolved with authorities.

Qatar Visa and Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance for your trip to Qatar is an important step in obtaining a visa. Without it, you might be denied entry into the country.

It's vital to remember that any visitors to Qatar must have a valid document such as a Qatar visa before they can enter the country, and then also an appropriate level of health coverage.

Travel insurance policies typically cover medical expenses and provide reimbursement for flight cancellations and delays, lost baggage, and much more.

This coverage will help protect you against unforeseen events such as injuries or illnesses, giving you the peace of mind needed while travelling abroad!

It's not just travellers who should consider getting travel insurance when going to Qatar though - anyone staying at least 6 months should think about purchasing a long-term policy to ensure they are fully covered during their time there.

Final Thoughts

Qatar is a great destination for Indians to travel to, and fortunately the visa application process is fairly straightforward. With the right information and documents, you can easily apply for your Qatar visa in no time. However, it's also important to remember that certain conditions must be met for some visas. Therefore, make sure to read through all of the requirements carefully before submitting your application. With these considerations out of the way, you'll be ready to apply for your Qatar visa and enjoy an amazing trip!

Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to the most asked common questions related to Qatar Visa for Indians.

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Is Qatar work visa open for Indians?

Yes, Qatar work visas are open for Indians, and they are eligible to apply for one as long as they satisfy the requirements. Indian citizens looking to work in Qatar must have a valid Indian passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond the period of stay in Qatar.

In addition, prospective employees must have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor before they can be granted a work visa in Qatar. To apply for a Qatar work visa, applicants must submit their passport and other documents such as educational qualifications and employment letter to the Qatar Visa Centre. The approximate duration for the Qatar work visa processing is 8-10 workdays, with Fridays excluded. Once approved, the work visa allows Indians to stay in Qatar for up to two years and can be renewed each year thereafter.

It is important to note that not all professions are eligible for the work visa in Qatar, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities before applying for a work visa in Qatar.

Are children eligible to apply for a Qatar visa?

Children of any age can apply for a Qatar visa, provided that they have valid passports and the necessary documents.

Depending on the type of visa, children may need to undergo medical tests or cultural tests before they are eligible to enter Qatar.

Qatar also has rules in place for the safety and security of minors travelling alone or with adults who are not their legal guardians.

For family visas, all children must be listed on the application form and have their passport details included in order for the visa to be approved.

Finally, minors may be required to provide additional documents such as an affidavit of support and travel permission from both parents or legal guardians in order to enter Qatar, depending on the type of visa they are applying for.

Can I check Qatar visa status with my passport number?

Yes. You can check the Qatar visa application online through the official website of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) using your passport number and/or your visa number.

What are the common causes of Qatar visa rejection?

Journeying to Qatar could have a visa that is declined if the information listed on the entry form isn't accurate. Also, insufficient capital or inadequate financial documentation may cause rejection. Your banking statement must show enough resources to cater for your residence. Moreover, the institution might reject your visa application if you don't meet the prerequisites for the referred to class.

What documents do I need to provide on arrival in Qatar?

When travelling, it is necessary to present documents such as proof of vaccination, hotel reservation details, return flight tickets and evidence that you have enough funds for the trip.

Do minors qualify for a Qatar visa?

Yes, in order for minors to travel to Qatar, a visa must be obtained that corresponds with the passport information. Furthermore, if minors are recorded on a parent/guardian's passport, then an e-Visa must also be applied for.

Is COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for travelling to Qatar?

No, COVID-19 vaccination is not a requirement for travelling to Qatar. However, those who have been vaccinated will be subject to fewer restrictions upon entry than unvaccinated visitors who do not have a COVID-19 vaccine certificate. All travellers must submit the Ehteraz Pre-Entry Registration Form prior to arriving in Qatar.

What is Ehteraz Pre-Entry Registration Form of Qatar?

Visitors to Qatar must complete the Ehteraz Pre-Entry Registration Form, created by the Ministry of Public Health, in order to be granted access to the country. This form requires personal information, as well as valid vaccine certificates (if applicable), COVID-19 test results (if applicable), and additional health status details. The form is part of Qatar's national authentication system which is used to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any visa-related decisions.

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