Navigating the Qatar visa process can feel overwhelming, given all the paperwork and eligibility requirements involved. But there’s great news! The Qatar Visa Center (QVC) streamlines everything through its convenient appointment services, premium lounges, and worldwide support across major Asian countries.
As an official partner of Qatar’s government, the QVC is your trusted gateway for securing visas of all types. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know – from the latest policies to acing your center appointment.
By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to breeze through the visa formalities with the Qatar Visa Center.
Let’s get started!
Latest Updates at the Qatar Visa Center in 2024
Bangladesh
Exciting news for applicants in Sylhet – the Qatar Visa Center there is now open for appointments! You can book your slot online for visits Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Check out www.qatarvisacenter.com for more details in English and local languages. Customer support via email and phone is also available in Bengali.
Passport Validity Change
Starting September 9th, 2023, Qatar Visa Centers will only accept passports valid for more than 195 days from your appointment date. So be sure to renew your passport if it has less than 195 days left. Don’t let an expired passport derail your visa application!
Philippines
Great news for domestic workers in the Philippines – the Qatar Visa Center in Manila began accepting visa applications for your category on November 17th, 2022. Just complete your biometrics, sign your employment contract, and finish your medical exams at the center. You’ll be on your way to Qatar in no time!
India
Attention Indian passport holders! The Ministry of Interior (MOI) in Qatar has issued new passport name requirements for processing at QVCs. Your passport must now have a minimum of 3 names:
- First or Given Name
- Father’s Name
- Family or Last Name
Double check that your Indian passport follows this format to avoid any delays in your Qatar visa process.
What Are the Services that Qatar Visa Center Offers?
The Qatar Visa Center is your one-stop shop for:
- Biometric enrollment – Face scans, iris scans, fingerprints
- Medical screening
- Contract signing (for work visas)
- Visa application and issuance
- Qatar visa application tracking and visa details
For work visa applicants, the QVC allows you to finish key parts of the process before even arriving in Qatar. You’ll complete biometrics and medical checks that meet international standards, including:
- Face, iris, and fingerprint scans
- X-rays, blood tests, eye exams
- Vaccinations
- Doctor exams and consultations
Some applicants may need additional tests or referrals to partner hospitals/labs after the initial medical exam, based on Qatar’s Ministry of Health protocols. This may require multiple QVC visits but ensures you’re fit to travel. The visa centers make it easy to get the clearance you need!
Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?
Biometric data is required from most visa applicants over age 6 at the Qatar Visa Center. The only exceptions are:
- Children under 6
- Seniors over 80
- Diplomatic passport holders
So unless you fall into one of those categories, be prepared to provide your biometrics during your QVC appointment. It’s a key step in securing your Qatar visa.
Requirements For Your Qatar Visa Center Appointment
First things first – book your appointment slot online at your nearest Qatar Visa Center to kick off the process. Once you have a confirmed date and time, gather these 4 key documents to ensure a smooth appointment:
Valid Passport
Bring your physical passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and blank pages for visa stamps. Passports with insufficient validity will be rejected on the spot.
Academic Credentials
Provide original transcripts and diplomas that prove your qualifications. These establish your eligibility for certain Qatar work or residence permits.
Qatar ID Copy
For visa renewals or resident employees, bring a copy of your government-issued Qatari ID card.
Medical Reports
Some visas require pre-approved medical certificates from accredited clinics in Qatar. Get these well ahead of your appointment when needed.
Having these documents ready to go will help you sail through the QVC approval process without a hitch.
How to Book Your QVC Appointment?
Scheduling your interview appointment online is a breeze with the official Qatar Visa Center portal. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Select Location
Choose the Qatar Visa Center nearest you by specifying your country and city. This lets you pick the most convenient spot for your appointment.
Step 2: Specify Visa Type
Select the appropriate visa type – work, tourist, or transit. The visa center needs this info to process your application correctly.
Step 3: Choose Date and Time
Once you’ve picked your location and visa type, you’ll see a calendar of available dates and time slots. Select the one that works best with your schedule.
Step 4: Provide Personal and Contact Details
Fill out the required fields with your name, address, email, phone number, etc. The visa center will use this to communicate with you about your application.
Step 5: Verify and Confirm Details
Before finalizing your booking, carefully review all the details – location, visa type, date, time, personal info. Make sure it’s all correct!
The portal will then email you a booking reference number. Bring a digital or hard copy of this to your appointment for check-in and identification.
Walk-In Appointments
No appointment? No problem! The QVC also welcomes walk-in applicants in the lounge area, subject to capacity limits set by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. Just keep in mind you may face longer wait times without a pre-scheduled slot.
Appointment Rescheduling
Need to change your appointment? While you can’t cancel, you can easily reschedule for a new date and time at least 24 hours before your original slot. Just use the “Manage Appointment” feature on the portal with your visa reference number.
Note that you can only reschedule your appointment up to 5 times. After that, you’ll need to go to the QVC in person and use the walk-in “Lounge” service.
Group/Family Appointments
Booking for a group or family? Select the “Group Booking” option on the portal. You’ll need valid IDs and passport details for each person.
Booking For Someone Else
You can schedule a QVC appointment for someone else by entering their passport number and email address. However, they must present their own passport at the center to verify their identity.
Qatar Visa Center Lounge Service
Want a VIP experience? Upgrade to the Qatar Visa Center’s optional Lounge service for more personalized attention in a premium setting. With Lounge access you’ll get:
- One-on-one help from a dedicated staff member
- Priority biometric enrollment
- Priority medical testing
Just let the reception know when you arrive for your appointment that you’d like to use the Lounge service. Keep in mind this is an extra perk that won’t speed up the actual visa or medical approvals issued by Qatar’s government. But it can make the process much more pleasant and efficient!
Qatar Visa Center Locations
The Qatar Visa Center has 14 locations spanning 6 countries:
Bangladesh
| Location | Dhaka |
| Address | Rupayan Trade Center at 114 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue (11th Floor) Bangla Motor, Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh |
| Telephone | +880 9666 777 101 Phone assistance available Sun-Thu 08:30-17:00 |
| info.bgd@qatarvisacenter.com | |
| Working Days | Sunday – Thursday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
India
| Location | Chennai | Delhi | Hyderabad |
| Address | Shyamala Towers, 1st Floor, East wing 136 Arcot Road Saligrammam, Chennai 600 093 | Unit no. 2, Lower ground floor Parsvnath Mall Akshardham Metro Station Akshardham, New Delhi 110092 | Ground Floor, South Wing (Krishe Block) Krishe Sapphire Building Hitech City Road Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081 |
| Telephone | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 |
| info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | |
| Working Days | Monday-Friday | Monday-Friday | Monday-Friday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Location | Kochi | Kolkata | Lucknow | Mumbai |
| Address | Door No 38/4111/D Ground Floor National Pearl Star building Near Changampuzha Park Metro Station Edappally Kochi 682024, Kerala | Bengal Intelligent Park Building Gamma, 1st Floor Block-EP & GP, Sector-V Salt Lake Electronics Complex Kolkata 700 091 | “BBD Viraj Towers” 2nd Floor, TC G/1A – V/3 Vibhuti Khand Shaheed Path Gomti Nagar Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010 | 2nd Floor, Iconic Building Urmi Estate, 95 Ganpatrao Kadam Marg Lower Parel (E) Mumbai 400013 |
| Telephone | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 | +91 44 6133 1333 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 |
| info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | info.ind@qatarvisacenter.com | |
| Working Days | Monday-Friday | Monday-Friday | Monday-Friday | Monday-Friday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 –16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
Nepal
| Location | Kathmandu |
| Address | Ward no. 4 Maharajgunj Chakrapath Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Telephone | +977 15970029 Phone assistance available Sun-Thu 08:30-17:00 |
| info.npl@qatarvisacenter.com | |
| Working Days | Sunday-Thursday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
Pakistan
| Location | Islamabad | Karachi |
| Address | Gerry’s Building 1-A, I & T Center, G-6 Islamabad, Pakistan | Bahria Complex IV, 4th Floor Main Chaudhary Khaliq UZ Zaman Road, Gizri Road Clifton area Navy Housing Society Karachi, Pakistan |
| Telephone | +92 51 8439384 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 | +92 51 8439384 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 |
| info.pak@qatarvisacenter.com | infoqatar@biosmarts.com.pk | |
| Working Days | Monday to Friday | Monday to Friday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
Philippines
| Location | Manila |
| Address | Unit 106, NU mall of Asia Building<br>Coral Way st. MOA complex Pasay City, Manila, Philippines |
| Telephone | + 632 85282554 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 |
| info.mnl@qatarvisacenter.com | |
| Working Days | Monday to Friday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
Sri Lanka
| Location | Colombo |
| Address | No.475/3 Sentra Super City Sri Jayawardenepura MW Rajagiriya, Kotte Sri Lanka |
| Telephone | +94 117942999 Phone assistance available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 |
| info.cmb@qatarvisacenter.com | |
| Working Days | Monday to Friday |
| Working Hours | – Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 – 16:30 – Medical Screening: 09:00 – 17:00 |
FAQs
Can I do a walk-in appointment at the Qatar Visa Center?
Yes, the QVC lounge areas accept walk-ins if space allows. But you may have longer waits than with a pre-booked appointment.
How many times can I reschedule my QVC appointment?
You can reschedule up to 5 times through the portal. After that, you must go to the center in person and use the walk-in service.
What if I don’t have all the required documents for my appointment?
Incomplete applications can result in visa rejections and delays. Be sure to bring all necessary items like your passport, academic records, Qatar ID copy, and relevant medical certificates.
I need to book an appointment for my family. Can I do a group booking?
Absolutely! The QVC portal has a “Group Booking” option. Just enter each person’s ID and passport details.
What if I need extra medical tests after my QVC exam?
The visa center may refer you to approved partner labs or hospitals for additional tests to meet Qatar’s health standards. This may require multiple QVC visits but ensures a smooth visa process.
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.