Are you a Pakistani citizen planning a trip to Qatar? Whether you’re going for business, tourism, or to visit family, understanding the visa process is key to a smooth journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Qatar visas for Pakistani travellers.
Do Pakistani Travellers Need Visa to Visit Qatar?
Great news for Pakistani travellers! You can now enter Qatar without applying for a visa in advance. You can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
Types of Qatar Visas for Pakistanis
If you need to stay longer or have a specific reason for your visit, Qatar offers several types of visas:
- Visa on Arrival: Get this when you land in Qatar (more details below)
- Family Visit Visa: For visiting family members who live in Qatar
- Business Visa: For work-related trips
- Student Visa: For studying at a Qatari university
- Work Visa: For long-term employment in Qatar
- Tourist Visa: For visiting and travelling
Each visa type has its own rules and requirements, so choose the one that fits your needs best.
Qatar Visa on Arrival for Pakistanis
The Visa on Arrival is a great option for many Pakistani travellers. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can get it when you land at Hamad International Airport in Doha
- It’s good for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days
- You need to meet certain requirements (more on this below)
To get a Visa on Arrival, you must:
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Have a return ticket
- Have a valid credit or debit card
- Book your hotel through Discover Qatar
- Have a polio vaccination certificate
Remember, you can’t extend this visa beyond 60 days total, so plan your trip carefully!
Family Visit Visa
If you have family living in Qatar, they can sponsor you for a Family Visit Visa. Here’s what you and your sponsor need to provide:
- A copy of your sponsor’s Qatari ID or residence permit
- A copy of your passport
- Proof that you’re related (like a marriage or birth certificate)
- Your sponsor’s salary certificate and work contract
- A letter from your sponsor’s employer saying it’s okay for them to sponsor you
- Your round-trip flight tickets
- Proof of health insurance in Qatar
The sponsor needs to earn at least 5,000 Qatari Riyals (about 392,077 Pakistani Rupees) to sponsor their spouse or children.
Business Visa
If you’re going to Qatar for business, you’ll need a Business Visa. This is good for:
- Attending meetings or conferences
- Going to trade shows
- Exploring business opportunities
- Short-term work projects
To get a Business Visa:
- A company in Qatar must invite you
- The company will handle most of the visa process for you
- The visa is usually good for 30 days but can be extended up to 90 days
Student Visa
If you’ve been accepted to a university in Qatar, you’ll need a Student Visa. Here’s how to get one:
- Get an acceptance letter from a Qatari university
- The university will help you apply for the visa
- Provide documents like your passport, photos, and acceptance letter
- Once approved, you’ll get a student residence permit with your visa
Your Student Visa will last as long as your study program. You might be able to work part-time, but there are rules about this.
Work Visa
If you’ve got a job offer in Qatar, you’ll need a Work Visa. There are different types:
- Regular Work Visa: For most private sector jobs (1-3 years)
- Temporary Work Visa: For short-term contracts (up to 6 months)
- Government Work Visa: For jobs with the Qatar government
To get a Work Visa, you usually need:
- A job offer from a Qatari company
- A signed employment contract
- A university degree (in most cases)
- At least 2 years of work experience
- A medical certificate showing you’re healthy
- A police clearance certificate from Pakistan
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
Your employer will handle most of the visa process for you.
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.