If you’re a UAE resident planning a trip to Qatar, your visa requirements will depend on your nationality. Many residents can apply for a Qatar e-Visa, which costs QAR 100 and is quickly processed online with approval sent via email.
Others may qualify for a visa on arrival. In this guide, I’ll help you determine if you’re eligible for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival, and provide clear steps on how to apply for a Qatar visa online as a UAE resident.
If you’re a resident of the UAE but not a citizen, Qatar offers a visa-on-arrival option based on your nationality. This visa allows eligible residents to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s ideal for both short visits and extended stays, providing flexibility for travelers.
Countries whose residents can benefit from this visa-on-arrival option include following:
Countries
Countries
Countries
Countries
Antigua and Barbuda
Austria
Croatia
Estonia
Argentina
Belgium
Cyprus
Finland
Bahamas
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
France
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
To ensure a smooth entry into Qatar, UAE residents should prepare the following documents:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Qatar.
Proof of Onward or Return Travel: You’ll need a confirmed onward or return ticket to show immigration officers that you plan to leave Qatar within the permitted stay period.
Accommodation Confirmation: Ensure you have proof of your stay, such as a hotel booking or other accommodation details, for the duration of your trip.
Nationalities Eligible for a 30-Day Visa on Arrival in Qatar
Residents of the UAE holding certain nationalities can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival when traveling to Qatar. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, either in a single visit or multiple entries, from the date of issuance.
Residents of the UAE from the following countries can benefit from the 30-day visa on arrival:
Countries
Countries
Countries
Countries
Australia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bolivia
Brunei
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Ecuador
Falkland Islands
Japan
Pakistan
French Guiana
Georgia
Guyana
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Ireland
Kazakhstan
Lebanon
Macau
Macedonia
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Monaco
New Zealand
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Russia
Rwanda
San Marino
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Suriname
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City
Venezuela
This visa is valid for 30 days and can be used for either one extended stay or multiple shorter visits within the validity period.
Required Documents for UAE Residents Entering Qatar
To ensure a smooth entry into Qatar, UAE residents must have the following documents ready upon arrival:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Qatar.
Proof of Onward/Return Travel: You need a confirmed onward or return ticket to present to immigration officials.
Accommodation Confirmation: Ensure you have a valid hotel booking or proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Qatar.
Step by Step Guide to Apply Qatar Visa for UAE Residents
I’m going to guide you step by step on how to apply for a Qatar e-visa from the comfort of your home using your mobile or laptop. You won’t need extensive documents—just a few simple details.
If you already have an account, enter your credentials and log in.
Once logged in, locate the “Start” button on the right side and click on it.
Choose “Fly to Qatar” when prompted about your journey.
Choose your nationality from the dropdown menu. For example, select “Pakistan” if applicable.
If you have a residency card from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or another GCC country, select “Yes.”
Indicate whether you’re traveling with a sponsor or alone.
If you hold visas from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa. Select “No” if you don’t.
Click on the tourist visa option.
Enter your email address and log in again.
A verification code will be sent to your email. Enter this code to proceed.
Fill Out the Application Form
Application Form Display: After verification, the visa application form will appear.
Purpose of Visit: Select the purpose of your visit. For tourism, choose “Tourism.”
Review Instructions: Check the box indicating that you’ve reviewed the instructions.
Upload Personal Photo: Click on “Browse” to upload your personal photo.
Upload Passport: Scroll down to upload your passport. Your information will be scanned and filled in automatically. If not, you’ll need to enter:
Passport number
Date of birth
Date of expiry
Gender (select “Male” or “Female”)
Nationality
Specify the country that issued your passport and the type of passport (ordinary, royal, or diplomatic).
Enter your first name and last name, and click on “Date of Birth” to check your data.
Fill in your country of birth and current country of residency.
If you have another nationality, select “Yes” or “No.”
Specify where you will be staying (e.g., with family or in a hotel).
Review all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy.
Once you’ve double-checked everything, submit your application.
You will receive your Qatar e-visa via email within 3 to 4 days.
Important Tips for UAE Residents Traveling to Qatar
Book Hotels Through Discover Qatar
If you are traveling to Qatar on a visa-on-arrival, especially from countries like Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh, it’s essential to book your hotel through the Discover Qatar website. External bookings from platforms like Agoda or Booking.com are not accepted. This is mandatory to get a visa on arrival with a Qatar Airways ticket.
Minimum Two-Night Stay Requirement
Hotels booked via Discover Qatar require a minimum stay of two nights. If you plan on a one-day stopover, you will need to adjust your stay or book an extra night to meet this requirement. Even though the hotels claim to be three, four, or five stars, the services may be limited.
Late Check-In Times
Be aware that hotels booked through Discover Qatar have a strict check-in time of 3:00 PM. If your flight lands in the morning, expect to wait several hours before checking in. Early check-in requests are not accommodated, so you may need to book an extra night if arriving early.
No Refunds or Amendments
Be careful when making your booking through Discover Qatar, as no cancellations, amendments, or refunds are allowed. If you mistakenly book more days or select the wrong room type, you will be charged in full, and changes will incur hefty fees.
Consider Applying for a Visa Instead
While the visa-on-arrival option might seem convenient, it could lead to unexpected expenses, such as costly hotel bookings. It may be better to apply for a visa in advance to avoid such complications and save on additional costs.
Discriminatory Treatment for Subcontinent Nationals
Many travelers from the subcontinent, such as Pakistan or India, have reported additional steps in security checks, including fingerprinting, which can be time-consuming and feel discriminatory. Be prepared for this if you’re a citizen of these countries.
Plan Carefully Before Traveling
Given the strict requirements and potential inconveniences, it is advisable to thoroughly research and plan your trip before traveling to Qatar. Ensure you are well-informed and avoid relying solely on travel agents to prevent difficulties during your stay.
Yes, UAE residents need a visa to enter Qatar, depending on their nationality. Many residents can apply for a Qatar e-visa online, while some may qualify for a visa on arrival.
How much is Qatar visa on arrival for UAE residents?
The visa on arrival for UAE residents costs QAR 100. This visa allows eligible travelers to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on their nationality.
Can GCC residents get a visa on arrival in Qatar?
Yes, GCC residents can obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar, provided they meet the eligibility criteria based on their nationality. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
