Qatar Visa Types 2025: How Many Types of Visas Are There?

Qatar Visa Types

If you’re planning a trip or a move to Qatar in 2025, understanding the different types of Qatar visas is essential. Qatar offers a wide variety of visa categories tailored to the purpose of travel, whether it’s tourism, business, work, or family. In this article, we’ll explain Qatar Visa Types and break down each one in detail.

How Many Qatar Visa Types Are There?

In 2025, Qatar offers multiple visa types, broadly categorized based on the visitor’s purpose and nationality. The main Qatar visa categories include:

Let’s explore each visa type in detail:

Qatar Visa Types

Tourist Visa (A1)

A Tourist Visa allows foreigners to enter Qatar temporarily for recreational, cultural, or sightseeing purposes. This visa does not permit any form of employment or business activity. It is ideal for travelers visiting for holidays or exploring Qatar’s attractions like the National Museum, Souq Waqif, or The Pearl.

This visa is for individuals visiting Qatar for leisure or short-term travel.

  • Duration: Usually valid for 30 days, extendable once.
  • Eligibility: Citizens from various countries.
  • How to Apply: Online via the Visit Qatar website or MOI portal.

Visa on Arrival

A Visa on Arrival is a convenient entry option granted to citizens of over 90 eligible countries. It allows entry into Qatar without prior visa application. The visa is stamped at the airport after basic requirements such as valid passport, hotel booking, and return ticket are confirmed.

Qatar offers a visa on arrival for citizens of over 90 countries, including the USA, UK, EU nations, India, and Pakistan (with conditions).

  • Duration: 30–90 days depending on nationality.
  • Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), confirmed hotel booking, return ticket, and sometimes travel insurance.

Family Visit Visa

A Family Visit Visa is designed for Qatar residents to bring their immediate family members—such as parents, spouses, and children—for short-term stays. This visa enables families to reunite, especially during holidays or special occasions. It does not permit the visiting family member to work.

This visa allows residents in Qatar to invite close family members like spouses, children, or parents.

  • Duration: Initially valid for 30 days; can be extended up to 6 months for immediate family.
  • Documents Needed: Proof of relationship, passport copies, Qatar ID of sponsor.

Work Visa

A Work Visa is a long-term visa issued to foreign nationals who have secured employment in Qatar. It is tied to a specific job and employer, requiring sponsorship. The work visa leads to the issuance of a Qatar Residence Permit and allows full legal employment in the country.

Issued to foreign nationals employed by a company in Qatar.

  • Validity: 1–5 years depending on the employment contract.
  • Sponsored By: Employer/company.
  • Requirements: Job offer, medical tests, police clearance.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is for short-term professional visits for meetings, conferences, or commercial activities. It does not permit full-time employment but allows the visa holder to attend business events or consultations with Qatari firms.

For individuals visiting Qatar for short-term business-related tasks.

  • Duration: Usually up to 90 days.
  • Requirements: Business invitation letter, proof of company registration.

Student Visa

A Student Visa enables international students to reside in Qatar while pursuing education in registered schools, colleges, or universities. It requires an acceptance letter from an educational institution and often includes proof of accommodation and financial stability.

This visa is granted to international students enrolled in Qatari universities or institutions.

  • Eligibility: Must have a confirmed admission.
  • Sponsorship: University or guardian in Qatar.

Transit Visa

A Transit Visa is a short-stay visa for travelers passing through Qatar on their way to another destination. It is particularly useful for long layovers and offers an opportunity to explore Doha briefly.

Qatar Airways passengers with a stopover in Doha may be eligible for a free transit visa.

  • Duration: Up to 96 hours (4 days).
  • Eligibility: Must apply at least 7 days before travel.

GCC Resident Visa (A2)

This visa type allows residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Bahrain—to visit Qatar for a short period. The applicant’s profession must be listed among the eligible categories, such as doctors, engineers, or business owners.

Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can apply for this visa if their profession is eligible.

  • Duration: 30 days, extendable.
  • Requirements: GCC residency proof and passport.

Hayya Visa Types (2025 Update)

Initially launched for the FIFA World Cup, Hayya Visas now support tourism and visitor entry through Qatar’s digital Hayya platform. These digital visas have specific entry types:

Qatar’s Hayya Platform introduced visa types like:

  • Hayya With Me (C) – Invite-only visa for friends/family.
  • ETA Visa (A3) – For eligible nationalities requiring Electronic Travel Authorization.
  • Entry Visa for Companion of GCC Citizens (A4)

In 2025, the Hayya With Me program has been limited to select countries due to new immigration agreements.

Official and Diplomatic Visas

Initially launched for the FIFA World Cup, Hayya Visas now support tourism and visitor entry through Qatar’s digital Hayya platform. These digital visas have specific entry types:

These are issued to government officials, diplomats, or employees of international organizations on duty in Qatar.

Qatar Visa Types Comparison

Final Words

Qatar offers a wide range of Qatar visa types in 2025 to accommodate diverse traveler needs—from tourists and professionals to students and family visitors. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a long-term stay, it’s important to choose the right visa type and ensure all requirements are met before arrival.
For the most accurate and updated information, always consult the official Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) or Hayya Platform before applying and to get any information about Qatar Visa types.

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