Stuck at Doha airport during a long layover? A Qatar transit visa lets you explore vibrant Doha instead of waiting hours at the terminal. This visa opens doors to Qatar’s cultural sites, shopping, and dining experiences—turning your boring stopover into an exciting mini-vacation.
What Is A Qatar Transit Visa?
A Qatar transit visa is a temporary entry permit that allows travelers with connecting flights through Hamad International Airport in Doha to leave the airport and explore Qatar. Introduced in 2016 by Qatar’s government, this visa serves as a bridge for international passengers to experience the country’s attractions during their layover.
Unlike regular tourist visas, the transit visa is specifically designed for passengers who:
- Have connecting flights through Doha
- Want to exit the airport during their layover
- Need to collect checked baggage between flights on separate airlines
The visa allows for a short but meaningful exploration of Qatar without the paperwork and fees associated with standard tourist visas.
Do You Need a Qatar Transit Visa in 2025?
Not every traveler passing through Doha needs a transit visa. Here’s a quick breakdown of when you do and don’t need one:
No Transit Visa Needed If:
- You’re staying within the transit area of Hamad International Airport
- Your luggage is checked through to your final destination
- You have a single reservation with Qatar Airways or partner airlines with code-sharing agreements
Transit Visa Required When:
- You want to exit the airport to visit Doha
- You need to collect checked baggage from one airline and check in with another
- You’ve booked separate tickets with different airlines
Good news for many travelers: citizens from over 90 countries qualify for free Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Qatar, making the process much simpler. If your country isn’t on this list, you’ll need to apply for a transit visa through alternative channels.
Latest Updates On Qatar Transit Visa
As of July 2025, Qatar has made several important changes to its transit visa program:
- Online Application Status: The Qatar Airways online transit visa service remains suspended since 2023. Applications must be made through other channels.
- Extended Validity: While the standard transit visa remains valid for 96 hours, Qatar now offers more flexibility for certain routes and passenger categories.
- Digital Processing: Visa processing has become more streamlined, with most applications processed within 24-48 hours.
- Health Requirements: Following global health protocols, Qatar requires proof of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
These updates reflect Qatar’s commitment to making transit experiences more convenient while maintaining necessary security measures.
Eligibility Criteria for the Qatar Transit Visa
To qualify for a Qatar transit visa in 2025, you must meet these essential criteria:
Passport Requirements
- Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Qatar
- The name on your passport must exactly match your flight reservation details
- All travelers in your party, including infants, must have valid passports
Flight Requirements
- Both your arriving and departing flights must be operated by Qatar Airways
- Your layover in Doha must be at least 5 hours long
- Doha cannot be your final destination
Additional Requirements
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Travel insurance with medical coverage
- Confirmed hotel reservation (if staying overnight)
Meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee visa approval, as the final decision rests with Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.
How to Apply for the Qatar Transit Visa?
Since the online application system remains suspended, here are your current options for obtaining a Qatar transit visa:
Method 1: Apply at a Qatar Airways Ticketing Office
Step 1: Visit Ticketing Office
Head to your nearest Qatar Airways ticketing office with your valid passport in hand.
Step 2: Submit Application
Complete and submit the required visa application form.
Step 3: Check Status
Once submitted, you can check the status of your Qatar visa application by emailing [email protected].
Method 2: Add Doha as a Stopover on Qatar Airways
Step 1: Advanced Search
Begin by selecting “Advanced Search” on the Qatar Airways booking website.
Step 2: Multi-City Booking Option
Choose the “Multi-city” booking option to create a customized itinerary.
Step 3: Add Transit Point
Select Doha, Qatar, as your desired transit point during either your inbound or outbound journey.
Step 4: Select Flights
Pick your preferred Qatar Airways flights that meet the minimum layover requirement.
Step 5: Complete Booking
Finalize your flight reservation, which will initiate your transit visa application process.
Important Note: Remember, the free Qatar Transit Visa is only valid for bookings made directly with Qatar Airways. Always refer to the official Qatar Airways website or your nearest embassy for the latest visa information and any potential updates.
Qatar Transit Visa Cost And Validity
The Qatar transit visa offers excellent value for travelers:
Cost
The 96-hour transit visa remains completely free of charge in 2025. However, you’ll need to cover your own expenses for accommodation, transportation, and activities during your stay.
Validity
Once issued, your transit visa is:
- Valid for 96 hours (four days) from the moment you pass through immigration
- Valid for 30 days from the issue date, after which you’ll need to apply for a new visa
- Non-extendable beyond the 96-hour period
This free visa policy makes Qatar an attractive stopover destination for budget-conscious travelers looking to break up long journeys.
Understanding Transit Scenarios
Let’s look at some common scenarios to understand when you need a transit visa:
Scenario 1: Single Ticket, Same Airline
If you’ve booked your entire journey on one ticket with Qatar Airways (e.g., London to Bangkok via Doha), you don’t need a transit visa unless you want to exit the airport. Your luggage will be checked through to your final destination.
Scenario 2: Single Ticket, Two Airlines (Code-Sharing)
When your booking includes flights operated by Qatar Airways and its partner airlines on a single ticket, you still don’t need a transit visa if you’re staying in the transit area. The airlines handle your luggage transfer seamlessly.
Scenario 3: Separate Tickets, Different Airlines
If you’ve booked separate tickets with different airlines, you’ll need to:
- Collect your checked baggage from the first airline
- Clear immigration (requiring a transit visa)
- Check in again with the second airline
For this scenario, allow at least 4-5 hours between flights to complete all necessary steps.
Alternative Options: Visa-Free Entry and Visa on Arrival
For travelers who don’t need a transit visa or prefer other options, Qatar offers:
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of over 100 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Qatar, including travelers from:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Most European Union countries
- Many South American nations
These travelers can enter Qatar without applying for a visa in advance, making spontaneous stopovers possible.
Visa On Arrival (VOA)
The VOA program caters to citizens of approximately 95 countries. To qualify, you typically need:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A confirmed onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation during your stay
- Valid travel insurance
The VOA is usually processed quickly upon arrival at Hamad International Airport, minimizing wait times.
Time Required For Transit At Doha Airport
When planning your connection through Hamad International Airport, consider these factors:
- Boarding Pass Collection: If not issued at your origin airport, you’ll need time to queue at the transfer desk
- Distance Between Gates: Walking between gates can take up to 15 minutes
- Flight Arrival Delays: Even small delays can impact tight connections
- Disembarkation Time: It may take 10-20 minutes to leave the aircraft
- Gate Closing Time: Gates close 20 minutes before departure
- Seasonal Rush: During peak times, security screening may take longer
A safe connection time is three hours. Connections of 1.5 to 2 hours are possible but risky. Anything less than 1.5 hours is not recommended.
Qatar Transit Visa For Different Nationalities
For Pakistani Travelers
Pakistani passengers traveling through Qatar Airways can get a free transit visa if they have a layover of more than 5 hours. The service is valid for 96 hours.
For Indian Travelers
Indian passengers also require a Qatar transit visa for stays in Qatar. If they don’t plan to leave the airport, no transit visa is needed.
For Filipino Travelers
The Qatar government has made transit visa applications easier for Filipino travelers by introducing the Qatar eVisa (electronic visa). Applications can be completed within 15 minutes, and the visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Qatar Airways Transit Accommodation and Tours
For travelers with longer layovers, Qatar Airways offers special services:
Transit Accommodation Package
This complimentary service is available for eligible passengers with transit times between 8 and 24 hours. The package includes:
- Hotel accommodation for one night
- Airport transfers
- Assistance with visa processing
- Breakfast (depending on the hotel)
To qualify, your layover must meet specific duration requirements, and you must be traveling on select routes.
Discover Qatar Tours
These guided tours let you experience Qatar’s highlights during your brief visit. Options include:
- Doha City Tour (2-3 hours)
- Desert Safari Experience (4-6 hours)
- Cultural Heritage Tour (3-4 hours)
- Shopping Tours (2-4 hours)
Tours can be booked at the Discover Qatar desk in the duty-free area of Hamad International Airport, with prices ranging from $25 to $100 depending on the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Qatar ID as a transit visa?
A: No. A Qatar ID is an identification document for residents and cannot substitute for a transit visa, which requires a valid passport.
Q: Who makes the final decision on visa approval?
A: The Qatar Ministry of Interior has the final authority on all visa applications. Qatar Airways only facilitates the application process but cannot guarantee approval.
Q: What if my transit visa application is rejected?
A: If your application is rejected, you can still travel to your final destination but must remain in the transit area of the airport during your layover.
Q: Where can I store my luggage during my Doha stopover?
A: Hamad International Airport offers luggage storage facilities located in the departure hall. The service costs approximately $5-$10 per bag for 24 hours.
Q: Can I apply for a transit visa upon arrival?
A: Only if your nationality qualifies for Visa on Arrival. Otherwise, you must arrange your transit visa before your journey.
Amir Amin is a blogger from Qatar. With a background in computer sciences, he founded “Qatar Visa Check” to provide essential information and support to expats navigating visa processes and settling in Qatar.