Qatar Visa for UAE Residents: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Confused about Qatar visa options as a UAE resident? You’re not alone. With multiple visa types and different rules based on nationality, understanding the Qatar visa process can seem challenging.

Are you eligible for visa-free entry? Do you need to apply for an e-Visa before traveling? What documents must you carry?

This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about Qatar visas for UAE residents in 2025, helping you prepare for your trip with confidence and avoid any last-minute complications at the border.

Visit our homepage at MOI Qatar Visa Check to easily track the status of your visa.

Visa-Free Entry for UAE Nationals

If you’re a UAE national, you’re in luck! You don’t need a visa to enter Qatar. This is thanks to the agreements between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. All you need is your valid UAE passport. When you arrive in Qatar, just show your passport at the immigration counter, and you’re good to go. This makes travel between the UAE and Qatar easy and hassle-free for Emirati citizens.

Qatar Visa Options for Non-UAE Nationals Living in the UAE

If you’re not a UAE national but you live in the UAE, you have several options for visiting Qatar. These options depend on your nationality and the type of residence permit you have in the UAE.

1. Visa on Arrival Option

UAE residents can get a visa on arrival in Qatar if they meet these requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months before expiry
• Valid UAE residence permit or Emirates ID with at least six months validity
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Qatar (hotel booking)
• Health insurance covering your stay

The visa on arrival details include:

• 30-day stay, with option to extend another 30 days
• Fee of 100 Qatari Riyals (about 100 AED)
• Multiple entries allowed during the visa period

2. 90-Day Visa on Arrival

Qatar offers a generous 90-day visa on arrival for UAE residents with passports from certain countries. This list includes many European nations and others such as:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine.

This visa is valid for 180 days from issue. You can stay in Qatar for up to 90 days, either in one visit or across multiple trips.

3. 30-Day Visa on Arrival

If your country isn’t on the 90-day visa list, you may still qualify for a 30-day visa on arrival. This includes UAE residents with passports from:

Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States.

This visa allows a 30-day stay in Qatar. Like the 90-day visa, you can use these days all at once or spread them across multiple trips within 30 days of getting the visa.

4. GCC Resident Visa (Hayya A2 Visa)

Hayya A2 Visa or GCC Resident Visa is for GCC residents, including those from the UAE, who may not qualify for a visa on arrival.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Valid passport and GCC residence permit, each valid for at least three months
• Profession listed among Qatar’s approved professions
• Traveling directly from your GCC country of residence
• Confirmed return ticket and accommodation in Qatar
• Health insurance covering your stay

The application process involves:

• Applying online through the Hayya Portal
• Uploading required documents (passport, residence permit, photo)
• Paying the 100 Qatari Riyal visa fee
• Waiting for approval and downloading the entry permit

This visa allows a 30-day stay, extendable up to 90 days.

5. Qatar e-Visa Option

If you don’t qualify for the above options, you might still be eligible for an e-Visa. This is available to UAE residents with a valid residence permit or visit visa for:

• Schengen countries
• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States
• New Zealand

To apply for the e-Visa, you need:

• Proof of accommodation in Qatar (hotel booking)
• Travel plans (return flight)
• Passport copy (valid for at least six more months)
• UAE residence permit copy (valid for at least 30 more days)

Apply online for the e-Visa. The fee is 100 Qatari Riyals (about $27.50 USD).

6. Family Visit Visa

If you have family members living in Qatar, you can apply for a Family Visit Visa:

Requirements include:

• Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificates)
• Sponsor’s Qatar ID and income proof
• Valid passport and UAE residence permit
• Health insurance for your stay

The Qatar-based family member (sponsor) applies through the Metrash2 app. This visa allows a 30-day stay, extendable up to 180 days, with a fee of 200 Qatari Riyals.

7. Business Visa

For UAE residents traveling to Qatar for business:

• You need an invitation letter from a Qatari company
• Valid passport and UAE residence permit
• Proof of business activities in Qatar

The sponsoring Qatari entity applies on your behalf. This visa typically allows a 30-day stay, with possible extensions. Fees vary based on the duration and type of business activities.

Travel Between UAE and Qatar

UAE residents can travel to Qatar by air or road:

• Air travel: The fastest option with many daily flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Flight time is about 1 hour.
• Road travel: The journey from Abu Dhabi to Qatar takes about 6-7 hours. You must cross Saudi Arabia, so valid visas for both countries are needed.

Entry Requirements for Qatar

When entering Qatar, UAE residents need:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• UAE residence permit
• Return ticket (for air travel)
• Hotel booking or host’s address

Qatar allows multiple entries during your visa validity period. Stays can be up to 30 or 90 days, depending on your visa type.

Remember to carry your Emirates ID when traveling. You’ll need it for re-entry to the UAE.

Visa Costs and Duration

Here’s a summary of Qatar visa costs for UAE residents:

• UAE nationals: Free entry, no visa needed
• 90-day and 30-day visas on arrival: 100 Qatari Riyals
• e-Visa: 100 Qatari Riyals
• Family Visit Visa: 200 Qatari Riyals
• Business Visa: Varies based on duration and activities

The 90-day visa is valid for 180 days, allowing multiple entries as long as your total stay doesn’t exceed 90 days. The 30-day visa is valid for 30 days, also allowing multiple entries during this period.

Essential Travel Documents

No matter which visa you use, always bring these documents when traveling to Qatar:

1. Your passport (valid for at least six more months)
2. Your return or onward ticket
3. Proof of accommodation in Qatar (hotel booking)
4. Health insurance covering your stay

Without these documents, you might face entry problems or additional questioning by immigration officers.

Choosing the Right Visa Option

With all these choices, how do you know which visa is best for you? Here are some tips:

• If you’re a UAE national, you don’t need to worry about visas at all.
• If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, this is often the easiest option with no advance application.
• For planning ahead, the Hayya Visa or e-Visa might be better as you’ll know you’re approved before travel.
• If you’re planning multiple short trips to Qatar, the 90-day or 30-day visa on arrival could be perfect.
• If you’re not eligible for visa on arrival, the e-Visa is your best option.

Common Questions About Qatar Visas

Q: Can I extend my stay in Qatar?

A: Yes, most visas can be extended. The visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 30 days. Apply for extensions before your current visa expires.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Qatar?

A: While not always mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.

Q: Can I use my UAE mobile phone in Qatar?

A: Yes, most UAE mobile plans offer roaming in Qatar. Check with your provider about roaming rates before travel. Alternatively, you can purchase a local Qatari SIM card upon arrival.

Q: Is there public transportation in Qatar?

A: Qatar has a good public transportation system, including buses and the Doha Metro. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.

Q: What is the best time to visit Qatar?

A: The best time to visit Qatar is during winter months (November to April) when temperatures are mild. Summer (May to October) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).

Q: Can I drive in Qatar with my UAE license?

A: Yes, UAE residents can usually use their UAE driving license in Qatar for a short time.

Q: Can I use UAE dirhams in Qatar?

A: While some places might accept dirhams, it’s better to use Qatari riyals. You can exchange money at the airport or at banks in Qatar.