Citizens of 80 countries visa-free entry to Qatar

Citizens of 80 countries including the US, UK, Cyprus, Canada, India, South Africa, Seychelles, Australia and New Zealand, have been granted visa-free entry into Qatar with immediate effect the oil-rich country announced on Tuesday, in the latest move by Doha to counter economic isolation measures against it by four Arab nations. 

The move is to encourage air transport and tourism amid a two-month boycott imposed on the Gulf state by its Arab neighbors.

Citizens of these 80 countries wishing to visit Qatar will not need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket, said Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority.

The waiver will allow citizens of 33 countries to stay in the country for 90 days within a 180-day time span, while the nationals of the remaining countries can stay in Qatar for up to 30 days within a 60-day time span. Both 30-day and 90-day travellers are eligible for multiple entry to the country.

With 80 nationalities eligible for a free visa waiver upon arrival, Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures, said Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority.

In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities transiting in Qatar for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days).

In May 2017, QTA and Qatar Airways launched +Qatar, a package which includes a free night's stay in a 5- or 4- star hotel in Doha, alongside a complimentary transit visa.

The Doha News site reported that Qatari officials are considering “further enhancements” to visa policy. 

Qatar was boycotted by Saudi Arabia along with Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on June 5 and all transport links with the country cut off after accusing it of supporting terrorism, an accusation Doha denied.

Since the boycott began, the country which will host the World Cup in 2022 has sought to build up its diplomatic and trade ties beyond the Gulf region.  

The country's World Cup organizing committee has said the sanctions will not affect preparations for the World Cup.