How to Get a Qatar Transit Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide in 2025

Thanks to Qatar’s generous visa-free policy, many travelers can breeze through immigration control without the hassle of paperwork. But what about those who hold a passport outside the visa waiver agreement and need to step out of the airport for a few hours? The answer is the Qatar transit visa.

With this permit, you can explore the country beyond the connection area without applying in advance. In this guide, we’ll go over all the necessary steps and requirements to obtain a Qatar transit visa that will allow you to legally leave the terminal.

Nationals from more than 100 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and most of Europe, can visit Qatar without a visa or with a visa on arrival. A passport with at least 3 months' validity and confirmed onward travel plans is required for entry. A transit visa is not necessary. 

That still leaves dozens of passports whose owners face a problem if they have many hours or even days of waiting until the next flight in the transit zone of the Doha airport. For them, to leave the airport and go see the beauties of Qatar, it’s necessary to get a transit visa.

A transit visa is a short-term, temporary travel authorization issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior that allows passengers who are not eligible for visa-free entry to leave the transit zone of Hamad International Airport. This offers the opportunity to explore or self-transfer.

A Qatar transit visa is required in 2 cases:

1. If you need to re-check in for your next flight during your connection in Qatar or

2. If you wish to leave the airport to wander around Doha and beyond.

Passengers don’t need a transit visa if they remain in the transit area during the entire layover.

The HIA Immigration Office states that travelers can apply for a transit visa at passport control on arrival. Here are the Qatar transit visa requirements:

• Your layover must be between 8 and 96 hours.

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months when you arrive in Doha.

• You must have a ticket for your next connecting flight.

Hotel reservations are not a prerequisite for a transit visa, but may be required. Visa approval and issuance are at the sole discretion of the Qatar Ministry of Interior.

Please note, travelers are currently unable to apply for a Qatar transit visa online unless it’s a part of Discover Qatar package.

Passengers with a transfer time of 6 hours or more can explore Qatar on transit tours organized by Discover Qatar (this is an exception to the minimum 8-hour rule above). Whether you opt for a vibrant city tour, a museum visit, or a desert ride, your chosen adventure can include a convenient transit visa service. No separate paperwork is required — Discover Qatar will handle the Qatar transit visa application for you, with an upfront processing fee of QAR 100.

You can reserve your spot by booking online at least 48 hours before arrival or get a tour directly at the Discover Qatar Transit desk in the duty-free plaza. Tour bookings at the terminal are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Another way to obtain this short-term entry permit is to get a stopover package via Qatar Airways. An additional service fee of QAR 100 will also be charged. To qualify for this program:

• Both of your flight segments must be operated by Qatar Airways, and

• Your transit time must be at least 12 hours.

With this exclusive offer, you can kill not two but three birds with one stone: visit two destinations for the price of one flight, turn a long wait at the airport into an exciting mini-vacation, and enjoy the hospitality of the best of Doha’s hotels at a bargain price.

There is no extension available for transit visas in Qatar. However, if you’re planning to stay longer, you can apply for a tourist e-visa through the Hayya portal. To apply, you’ll need to:

• Register on «Hayya to Qatar».

• Upload your photo and passport details.

• Provide the details of your accommodation.

• Pay the QAR 100 visa fee. 

Travel insurance is not required for a stopover of a few hours in Qatar. However, it’s advisable not to take any risks and always be insured. Travel coverage will give you peace of mind and protect your wallet from unexpected medical expenses. It takes just a few minutes to get and costs only QAR 50 — a reasonable price for a stress-free vacation. 

The policy will take effect immediately and will cover you for emergencies, injuries, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses during your visit to Qatar. Explore QIC’s mandatory Qatar health insurance options for reliable visitors' protection throughout your stay.