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Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements and Application – Complete Guide

The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a temporary visa designed for foreign residents in Qatar to host their immediate family members like spouses, children, parents, and siblings for visits in Qatar. Initially valid for one month, this visa can be extended for up to six months in certain cases.

This guide covers all aspects of the Qatar Family Visit Visa, outlining the necessary requirements, essential documents, and application processes. It also details the visa fees and important information that visitors should consider during the application process.

It’s crucial to understand that this visa is short-term and specifically for visitation purposes. Foreign workers seeking to sponsor their families for long-term residency in Qatar should adhere to the Family Residence Visa Procedure instead.

Table of Contents

Information on qatar family visit visa requirements and application process, what is the age limit for the qatar family visit visa, family visit visa health insurance, obtaining an attestation for a marriage certificate, requirements for a family visit visa in qatar, minimum salary requirement for a family visit visa in qatar, profession requirement for family visit visa in qatar, fee for a family visit visa in qatar, validity of a family visit visa in qatar, time limit for entering qatar after visa approval, required documents for qatar family visit visa, application for qatar family visit visa, applying for a qatar family visit visa online: step-by-step guide, step 9 : furnish the details of the visitor, step 10 : validate the details, uploading required photos or scans of documents for qatar family visit visa application, after a few days, you will receive an update on your application., pay the required fee, how to apply for family visit visa offline in qatar, checking the status of your family visit visa application, what to do if your family visit visa is rejected, steps to cancel visa application in metrash, checklist of required documents for family visit visa travelers, guide to extending your family visit visa, “null” status on visit visa application receipt, status of visit visa application: ‘under process’ and ‘under review’, approval timeline for qatar family visit visa.

According to the information available (from the experience of other applicants)

The processing of Family Visit Visas in Qatar has resumed for spouses, children, and parents, though not yet for in-laws and other relatives, as confirmed by officials at the MOI Service Center. Applicants can now submit their applications online through the Metrash App, with the average processing time for the visa being 1-2 weeks.

Currently, applications for Family Residence Visas (RP) for private sector employees in Qatar are not being approved, while approvals are being granted for public sector employees. Those interested can still submit their applications using the Metrash App.

As of March 2023, MOI Centers in Qatar are still not accepting walk-in visitors for RP applications or follow-ups, except in rare cases. Many applicants who visited the Gharaffa MOI Service Centre were requested to return after Ramadan.

Please note that the information provided above is based on the recent experiences of applicants visiting MOI Centers and not on any official announcement from authorities. Individual experiences may vary, and it is advisable to verify information with official sources or seek professional guidance for accurate and current details.

At present, individuals above 60 years of age are not eligible for a family visit visa as the Metrash system does not accept their applications. However, they may be able to obtain a visa on arrival.

As of February 1, 2023, all visitors to Qatar must possess health insurance. Visitors have the option to obtain health coverage for QAR 50 per month from any of the accredited insurance providers listed on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website. It is advisable to secure health insurance for a minimum of three months, especially if planning to prolong the stay.

There has been a recent change in the requirements for visit visa applications for spouses. While attested marriage certificates were not consistently required in the past for approval, many applicants are now being asked to provide attested marriage certificates.

These certificates are often handwritten and issued by local or religious institutions like mosques, churches, or temples. In cases where the certificate’s authenticity cannot be verified, attestation may be necessary. It is recommended to ensure that your certificate adheres to an acceptable standard format with official stamps. If not, obtaining an attestation may be required.

Foreign residents living in Qatar are eligible to apply for a family visit visa, provided that they meet the minimum salary and profession requirements.

To apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for a spouse and children, a minimum salary of QR 5,000 (USD 1,373) is required.

To apply for a Family Visit Visa for other relatives in Qatar, a minimum salary of QR 10,000 (USD 2,747) is required.

In November 2021, a senior official from the Ministry of Interior confirmed this requirement

Foreign residents in Qatar who meet the minimum salary criteria can typically apply for a Family Visit Visa. However, applications may face rejection if the applicant’s profession listed on their Qatar ID is categorized as labor-type.

In instances where an application is declined based on an unsuitable profession classification, it is crucial to be aware that the Captain at the MOI Service Center holds the authority to override the decision.

The fee for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar is QAR 200 (USD 55) for a duration of 30 days. If needed, the initial visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month..

Medical Check- Up

To obtain a visa extension in Qatar, a medical check-up is necessary, and the cost for this is QAR 100.

Fine for Overstay

If a foreign resident in Qatar overstays their visa beyond the allowed period, a fine of QR 200 per day is imposed.

Family Visit Visas in Qatar are first given for one month, which is 30 days. Once the visitor arrives in Qatar and takes a medical test, the visa can be extended for two additional months, making the total stay 90 days.

Previously, it was possible to extend a family visa for another five months for first-degree relatives and in-laws (Father, Mother, Sister, Spouse, and Children), and two more months for other relatives. However, currently, the extensions are only allowed for 60 days. There has been no official announcement regarding whether longer extensions will be allowed in the future.

Following the approval of the visa, there will be a “visa valid till” date indicated at the top. This date signifies the deadline by which visitors must enter Qatar, not the duration of their stay in the country. Presently, this time limit is set at 90 days from the visa approval date. Visitors are not permitted to utilize the visa for entry into Qatar beyond this specified date.

Applying for a Visit Visa for Wife and Children in Qatar: Required Documents

The following documents must be uploaded when applying for a Qatar Family Visit Visa through Metrash:

• Copies of the visitor’s passport,
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for wife and birth certificate for children),
• Round-trip flight tickets, and
• Health insurance that is valid in Qatar.

If applying offline (directly at MOI Service Centre), additional documents may be required such as:

• Completed application form (available at any typing center)
• Copy of the applicant’s Qatar ID
• No objection letter from the employer that specifies the applicant’s profession and salary
• Work contract that has been notarized by the Ministry of Labour
• Photocopy of the company’s registration card.

When applying through the Metrash app, employment details are not required as labour contracts are linked with the Metrash system.

There are additional documents that need to be provided when applying for a visit visa for other relatives.

Expatriates who are married and have families living in Qatar are eligible to sponsor other relatives for a visit visa

The following documents need to be uploaded when applying for a visit visa for other relatives through Metrash:

• Visitor’s passport copy
• Proof of relationship, such as Birth Certificate or Passport
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Health insurance valid in Qatar.

If applying offline (directly at MOI Service Centre), the following documents may also be required:

• Application Form (which can be obtained from any typing center)
• Applicant’s Qatar ID copy
• Qatar ID copy of the sponsor’s wife (if she is a resident)
• No objection letter from employer, stating the profession and salary
• Work contract (notarized by the Ministry of Labour)
• Photocopy of Company’s Registration Card.

Traditionally, applying for a family visit visa in Qatar involved visiting a Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre and submitting copies of necessary documents along with a printed application form.

In 2018, Qatar introduced an online system enabling residents to apply for family visit visas through the Metrash2 app or the MOI website.

Through this online service, applicants can upload all required documents into specified fields. Additionally, they can monitor the progress of their application and make electronic payments for fees once their application is approved.

here are the steps to apply for Qatar Family Visit Visa using Metrash mobile app:

Step 1 : Download and install the Metrash2 app on your mobile device.

Step 2 : Register and create an account.

Step 3 : Log in to the Metrash2 app and select “Visa Services” from the main menu.

Step 4 : Choose “Family Visit Visa” from the list of visa types

Step 5: After uploading all the required documents, click on the “Issue Visa” icon in the Metrash2 app to submit your application for processing.

Step 6. Select the “Family Visit” option.

Step 7 : Click On “Family Visa Application”

Step 8 : Check “New Application”

Clear and readable scans or photos of the documents are required.

If there are multiple pages in a document, they should be combined and saved as a single JPG file.

Passport photo and bio pages should be uploaded on the same side.

You can upload the attested backside of the marriage certificate for “Marriage Certificate (Others)”.

If a birth certificate is not available to prove your relationship with the visitor, other documents can be used as proof of relationship.

After submitting the application, the authorities may notify you if any documents are missing or do not match the requirements. Once you make the necessary changes and the application is approved, you will receive an application number. The status of your application may change to “Under Process” or “Under Review” multiple times before being finally approved.

To pay for the approved visa, you need to make an online payment of the visa fee (QR 200) through Metrash2. To do this, navigate to the “Visa Operation” page and select the “Visa Fees Payment” icon.

Once you have completed the payment, you can download the copy of the visa and send it to the visitor for their travel.

For applying for the family visit visa offline, you will need a completed application form along with the other documents mentioned above. You can get the application form completed from any typing center.

If necessary, it is essential to bring the original copies of your passport, Qatar ID, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter from your employer for verification purposes.

Take all the required documents to any Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre, obtain a token number from the reception, and wait for your turn. Once your number is displayed on the screen, proceed to the designated counter and submit the necessary documents.

In some instances, authorities may include comments on your application and request a meeting with the Captain for final approval. The Captain will review your application and decide whether to accept it. If your application meets the requirements, you will receive a receipt and be advised to return after 2-3 working days.

You can check the status of your application after 2 days using the link provided on the receipt. If you have the Metrash2 app on your phone, you will also receive notifications regarding any updates on your application status.

If the visa is approved, you can make the visa payment online via Metrash2 or at the MoI Service Centre. Subsequently, you can download the visa from the same link.

If you have applied for a Family Visit Visa using Metrash, you can check the status of your application directly from the Metrash app.

To check the status of your family visit visa, follow these steps:

• Visit the Ministry of Interior website.
• Navigate to the “Inquiries” section.
• Select “Visa Services” and then “Visa Approval Tracking.”
• Fill in the necessary details accurately as prompted.
• This process will enable you to check the current status of your visa application.

If your family visit visa application is rejected, it could be due to various reasons, such as submitting incorrect or insufficient documents. For example, if a document photo is unclear or lacks attestation, like in the case of a marriage certificate, you can have it attested and resubmit. It’s crucial to understand the cause of rejection and rectify it before reapplying.

Aside from document issues, applications may be turned down if the Qatar resident applicant fails to meet conditions like salary or profession requirements. If rejection is based on not meeting the salary criteria, gaining approval again might be challenging. However, if it’s due to the profession, you can request a review by meeting the Captain at the MOI Service Center in Gharaffa. The Captain may grant approval if the profession is deemed acceptable.

To cancel a visa application in Metrash, follow these steps:

• If the application is still under review or in process, click on the right arrow on the status page.
• Look for an option to cancel the application within the interface.
• If the cancellation option is not available in Metrash, you will need to visit an MOI Service Center to cancel the application.
• Visa printout
• Two-way flight tickets
• Health insurance

To ensure a smooth process and avoid penalties, sponsors should extend family visit visas within the first month since the initial visa is typically issued for one month.

Here is a comprehensive guide on the medical test required for extending a visit visa for relatives planning to stay beyond one month:

• Medical Examination : Relatives wishing to extend their visit beyond one month must undergo a medical examination.
• Visa Extension Process :
• After passing the medical test, the visit visa extension can be completed online via the Metrash mobile app (Visa -> Visa Services -> Extend Visa) or by visiting any MOI service center.

Other Key Points to Consider :

• Flight Ticket Flexibility : To prevent issues with airlines, it’s crucial to book a return ticket that allows for modifications with a minimal change fee, as the initial visa validity is for one month. Adjusting the ticket dates upon arrival in Qatar is recommended.
• “OK to Board” Requirement : Some airlines may necessitate an “OK to Board” status before departure for online visas. To obtain this status, present the visa copy to the airline’s Doha office.

Many readers have raised concerns about the acknowledgment receipt they receive after submitting their application, noting that most fields appear as “null.” It is crucial to understand that this is a standard occurrence for all applicants. The receipt serves as a confirmation that your application has been successfully received, and your application details will be stored in the system for processing.

The visit visa application status can sometimes be confusing for applicants, as it may cycle between “Under Process” and “Under Review” before approval. It’s important to understand that this is a normal part of the application process.

If your visit visa application status alternates between “Under Process” and “Under Review,” you usually don’t need to take any action. In most instances, the application will be approved shortly after the status changes, typically within a few days.

The standard timeframe for the approval of a Qatar Family Visit Visa ranges from one to two weeks. It’s important to keep in mind that applications are usually processed in batches and may not follow the exact order of submission.

Here is a general outline of the process:

• Review the application and make any required corrections.
• Pay the visa fee electronically as instructed.
• Wait for the visa application to be processed.
• Check the visa status using the Metrash2 app or the MOI website.
• Once the visa is approved, download and print it from the Metrash2 app or the MOI website.

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Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates (2024)

Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.

After it was briefly suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19, Qatar’s visa-on-arrival service has resumed with some conditions. As of 2024, citizens of 90+ countries are eligible for a free Qatar Visa On Arrival.

Visa-Free Entry

Visa-free entry is now the new term defining previously “visa on arrival”. According to Qatar Tourism, nothing changed except the name. 

Qatar Visa On Arrival New Rules & Updates

January 2024 status, requirements for qatar visa on arrival, 1. citizenship, 2. passport validity.

The visitor’s passport must be valid for at least six months .

3. Confirmed Return Tickets

The visitor must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

4. Accommodation

However, for citizens of India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Ukraine, the hotel booking for the entire duration of the stay should be through the Discover Qatar website . Staying with a Qatar resident or booking directly with a hotel is not accepted for these nationalities (to avail visa on arrival).

A minimum of 2 nights should be booked through the Discover Qatar website. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

This requirement is only mandatory for travellers coming on a visa on arrival and not for family visit visas .

5. Health Insurance

As per the new law launched in February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for visitors who are staying for more than 30 days . Insurance is highly recommended even for visitors staying less than 30 days, but it is not mandatory.

6. Proof of Funds

From 10 March 2022, visitors from countries like India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran (using a visa-on-arrival facility) are required to have a valid international credit card or debit card . Cash of QR 5,000 will no longer be accepted (Belarus nationals can show USD 1,000 in cash).

Nationalities Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Qatar

The countries under this facility are divided into two categories as below:

Category 1: Visa waiver for 180 days

The following are the countries included under this category:

Category 2: Visa for 30 days

Special conditions for some nationalities.

In addition to the general conditions (passport valid for 6 months, round-trip flight tickets, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance), there are some special conditions applicable only to some countries , as explained below:

1. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indian Nationals

2. qatar visa on arrival for pakistan nationals.

A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Pakistan nationals for a maximum period of 30 days , or according to hotel reservation.

3. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Thailand Nationals

4. qatar visa on arrival for nationals of ukraine.

A free on-arrival tourist visa is granted to Ukrainian nationals for a maximum period of 90 days , or according to hotel reservation.

5. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Iran

On-arrival tourist or business visa is granted to Iranian nationals for a fee, of up to 30 days or depending on hotel booking.

6. Qatar Visa On Arrival For Nationals of Belarus

7. qatar-oman joint tourist visa-on-arrival, visa waiver for gcc citizens.

In addition to the above countries, citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.

Documents Checklist For Visa On Arrival Passengers

Qatar visa on arrival cost.

Visa on arrival is granted entirely free of charge for most nationals , and there will be no charge for the extension. There may be a fee for nationals of some countries such as Iran and Belarus.

Travelling To Qatar

Procedure at the immigration counter, how to extend qatar visa on arrival, health insurance for visa extension.

Here is how you can extend your visa through the Ministry of Interior website:

Step 1: Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page on the MOI website

Step 2: enter the visa number or passport number, step 3: select nationality from the drop-down list, step 4: enter the verification code from the picture or audio, step 5: click on the “extend” button.

The visa will be renewed for another 30 days.

Is there any fee for a Qatar visa on arrival extension?

How many days after arrival can i renew the visa, i did not get any message or e-mail after renewal. how can i check the validity.

You can check the validity of your visa on the Ministry of Interior website. Here is how to check the validity of a Qatar visa .

Do I need the renewal receipt while going back?

Are gcc residents eligible to get a qatar visa on arrival.

If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. The visa will only be issued if your residence permit is valid for at least three months and if your profession (as mentioned on your residence permit) appears on the list of eligible professions. You can see the list of eligible professions here.

What can I do if my nationality is not eligible for a visa-on-arrival?

Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-on-arrival can apply in advance for other types of visas such as tourist visas. You can check our detailed guide on how to apply for Qatar Tourist Visa .

Qatar Government Contact Center

Faq on qatar visa on arrival, how can i get a free visa for qatar.

You can get visa-free entry to Qatar if you hold a passport from any of the 90+ eligible countries. You can see the full list of countries on this page. There may be additional requirements for some countries.

Is there any age limit on visas on arrival?

There is no specified age limit for visas on arrival. However, airlines may refuse to board minors not accompanied by an adult. If a minor is travelling alone, please check with your airline.

Is a medical check-up needed to extend visa-free entry

Are indians eligible for a qatar visa on arrival.

Indian citizens are eligible for 30 days of visa-free entry to Qatar if they meet some conditions such as Discover Qatar hotel booking and proof of funds.

How much is the fine for an expired visit visa in Qatar?

If the validity of your visit visa has expired, you will be charged a penalty of QAR 200 per day.

Is hotel booking required for Qatar on-arrival visa?

Should i use only qatar airways for my travel.

You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on the mode of travel. If you travel via another airline, ensure your airline knows about this Visa On Arrival facility. Some airline staff unaware of this facility may refuse to board you without a visa.

Should I show proof of funds/credit cards?

Proof of funds may be required for some nationalities. Please carry an International Credit / Debit card under your name with at least a QR 5,000 balance (one card per family).

Should I show the salary certificate or tenancy contract of my host?

Related articles:.

Sources: Qatar Ministry of Public Health , Qatar Airways , Qatar Tourism Authority (Visit Qatar)

Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.

1,246 thoughts on “Qatar Visa On Arrival: Requirements & Updates (2024)”

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Hello! Very interesting article. I was wondering if you know anything about the following: I would like to visit Qatar and work a couple of days there (max 2 weeks) remotely. I’m a German citizen. Is this allowed? Thanks so much

Great guide! This is really helpful information, especially for visitors to Qatar.

I am flying with Bangladeshi passport via DOH and have 17 hours stay in Qatar for my connecting flight. I am a resident of UK, am I eligible for a free transit for shopping in Doha?

Hi there I am holding a Kosovo passport with a Swiss Perminent Residenz status and will be in transit in Doha for 2,5 hours coming from Zuerich going to Male. Do I need a transit visa for this period of time in Transit or not at all? Thank you for your answer. Claudia

I have a 5 month old, he was born outside of Qatar. I want to return to my job with him but my husband is not a resident of Qatar. What do I do?

Please update visa requirements. You are posting old information!

Hi Paul, Visa On Arrival cannot be applied in advance. You can apply for Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) in advance. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/

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