Want to see the amphitheatre at Katara Cultural Village or try an authentic plate of machboos? Before booking your flight and packing your bags, it's important to check whether you need a visa to enter Qatar — and, if so, what type. This guide walks you through all the types of visit visas available in 2026, including who's eligible, how to apply, and what documents you'll need.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) outlines four main ways to enter Qatar:

• Tourist visa
• Entry visa for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
• Entry visa for those accompanying citizens of the GCC countries
• Entry visa via Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Hayya is the platform where all short-term visas are issued, and you'll find the full range of visa types and categories there:

Nationals from over 95 countries can enter Qatar without applying for a visa in advance — they will receive a visa on arrival. Citizens of GCC countries (Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman) don't need a visa to enter Qatar.

The intergovernmental agreements between Qatar and other countries vary. Based on them, the duration of a visit for residents of these states may range from 30 to 90 days.

For others, visa rules depend on nationality:

180-day valid visa (90 days stay in Qatar): Applies to EU and Schengen countries, such as France, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Finland.

30-day single-entry visa (extendable for 30 more days): Applies to countries such as Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, as well as India, China, and Lebanon — conditions apply.

Travelers from eligible countries should submit a pre-arrival registration via the Hayya portal. Necessary documents include proof of citizenship, a valid passport, proof of accommodation, a return flight booking, proof of funds, and health insurance for Qatar.

The easiest way to get a tourist visa for Qatar is via the Hayya website or the app (iOS or Android).

Documents needed: a scanned passport, a recent 4.5 x 3.5 cm photo, flight details, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, and health insurance for Qatar.

How to apply:

1. Go to the Hayya website or download the Hayya to Qatar app and enter the information about your trip.

2. The platform will show you the options available for your nationality. Choose Tourist Visa.

3. Fill out your information and upload the required documents.

4. Pay the application fee (approx. QAR 100–150).

You will receive your e-visa approval via email.

The requirements for a family visa depend on the type of permit you'd like to get. A family visit visa is the one to get if you're inviting close family members and is typically issued for 1 to 3 months, with the possibility of extending it up to 6 months. This visa is typically issued to the spouse and children of expats working in Qatar.

Suppose you want to bring your family to Qatar to live with you. In that case, you need to apply for a family residence visa — available to expatriate employees who meet the following conditions: 

• A minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000
• At least 6 months of employment with the current company
• A valid Qatar ID (QID)
• A residence permit issued by the employer

How to apply for a visit visa for your spouse

To bring your spouse to Qatar for a visit, you can apply through the Metrash app. Aside from this, you need to provide the following documents:

• Copy of your QID

• Copy of your spouse's passport

• Notarized marriage certificate

• No-objection certificate (NOC)  from your employer, stating your position and salary

• Copy of the company's registration card

• Your employment contract (notarized by the Labor Department)

• Health insurance

• Return flight ticket

How to apply for a visit visa for parents

Such visas are available for parents of expatriates whose families live with them. You can apply via Metrash. 

Documents required: All documents listed above (QID, NOC, company card, health insurance, etc.), visitor's passport copy, and proof of your relationship — such as your birth certificate.