Qatar Tourist Visa
Qatar Tourist Entry Permit · For India citizens
Planning a trip to Qatar as an Indian citizen? You have two convenient options: a free Visa on Arrival (if booking hotels through Discover Qatar) or the Hayya e-visa for QAR 100 (approximately ₹2,300). Both allow stays up to 30 days. With processing times of 24-48 hours for the e-visa and instant approval on arrival, Qatar is one of the easiest Gulf destinations to visit from India.
Qatar Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For India citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Indian passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date into Qatar
Recent colored photograph with white background for Hayya e-visa application
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from Qatar
Confirmed hotel booking in Qatar for the duration of your stay
Recommended (Optional)
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Valid travel health insurance covering Qatar for the duration of stay
Application Process
Indian citizens have two routes to visit Qatar for tourism: the free Visa on Arrival or the paid Hayya e-visa.1 Choose based on your hotel booking preferences.
Option 1: Free Visa on Arrival
This option is ideal if you want to avoid visa fees entirely.3
1. Book Accommodation Through Discover Qatar
Visit discoverqatar.qa and book your hotel exclusively through this platform.3 This is mandatory for the free Visa on Arrival option. Bookings from Booking.com, Expedia, or other platforms do not qualify.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather:4
- Valid passport (at least 3-6 months validity)
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Hotel booking confirmation from Discover Qatar
3. Arrive at Hamad International Airport
Proceed to the immigration counters upon arrival.5 Present your passport, return tickets, and Discover Qatar hotel confirmation. Your visa will be processed and stamped immediately at no cost.
Option 2: Hayya E-Visa (QAR 100)
This option offers more flexibility for hotel bookings.2
1. Visit the Hayya Portal
Go to hayya.qa or download the Hayya mobile app.2 Create an account using your email address.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.2 Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.
3. Upload Required Documents
Submit:2
- Passport bio-data page (clear, colored scan)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Hotel booking confirmation (any platform accepted)
4. Pay the Fee
Pay QAR 100 (approximately ₹2,300) using a credit or debit card.2
5. Receive Your E-Visa
Your e-visa is typically approved within 24-48 hours.2 You will receive it via email. Print a copy or save it on your phone for presentation at immigration.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | FREE | Hotel via Discover Qatar only |
| Hayya E-Visa | QAR 100 (~₹2,300) | Any hotel booking accepted |
| Visa Extension | QAR 200 (~₹4,600) | Additional 30 days |
The key difference is hotel booking flexibility.3 The free option restricts you to Discover Qatar properties, while the paid option allows booking through any platform.
What You Need to Prove
Qatar immigration assesses applications based on:1
- Tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed hotel and flight bookings
- Financial capacity: Ability to support yourself during the stay (proof may be requested)
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket showing departure within 30 days
- Valid documentation: Passport meeting validity requirements
Processing Times
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | Instant (at airport) |
| Hayya E-Visa | 24-48 hours |
| Visa Extension | 1-2 working days |
Apply for the Hayya e-visa at least 3-4 days before travel to allow buffer time.2 The Visa on Arrival is processed immediately at Hamad International Airport.
Important Rules for Tourists
Qatar enforces specific rules for tourist visa holders:1
- No employment: Working on a tourist visa is illegal and results in deportation
- Maximum stay: Cannot exceed 30 days without extension
- Extension possible: Can extend for additional 30 days through MOI website
- Overstaying: Incurs fines and potential ban from future entry
- Dress code: Modest dress is expected in public areas
After Your Visa is Approved
For Hayya e-visa holders:2
- Print your e-visa or save it on your phone
- Present passport and e-visa at Hamad International Airport immigration
- Immigration will stamp your passport with entry date
- Your 30-day stay period begins from the entry date
For Visa on Arrival:5
- Proceed directly to immigration counters
- Present passport, return tickets, and Discover Qatar hotel confirmation
- Receive visa stamp immediately
- No advance application required
If Your Visa is Refused
If your Visa on Arrival is denied:
- Check hotel booking source: Ensure it is from Discover Qatar, not other platforms
- Verify return ticket: Must have confirmed departure within 30 days
- Consider Hayya e-visa: Apply online if Visa on Arrival was rejected due to booking issues
If your Hayya e-visa is rejected:
- Review the application: Check for errors or missing documents
- Improve documentation: Add clearer photos, correct any mismatched information
- Reapply: No mandatory waiting period for resubmission
Most rejections are due to booking or documentation issues that can be easily resolved.4
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Hotel Not Booked Through Discover Qatar
For the free Visa on Arrival, hotel reservations must be made exclusively through the Discover Qatar website. Bookings from other platforms like Booking.com or Expedia will not qualify for free entry.
How to avoid: Use discoverqatar.qa to book your accommodation if you want the free Visa on Arrival. Otherwise, apply for the paid Hayya e-visa which accepts any hotel booking.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing return tickets, invalid passport, or incomplete e-visa application forms are common causes of delays or rejection.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Ensure passport photo meets specifications and all required fields are completed accurately.
Insufficient Funds
Immigration officers may question applicants who cannot demonstrate adequate financial means to support their stay.
How to avoid: Carry bank statements or credit card statements showing sufficient funds. Having approximately USD 100 per day of planned stay is recommended.
Previous Overstay History
A history of overstaying visas in Qatar or other GCC countries can result in automatic denial or additional scrutiny.
How to avoid: Resolve any outstanding immigration issues before applying. Qatar shares immigration records with other Gulf states.
Invalid or Damaged Passport
Passports with less than required validity, damage, or insufficient blank pages can lead to entry denial.
How to avoid: Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity and two blank pages. Renew damaged passports before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Qatar?
Indian citizens can get a free Visa on Arrival in Qatar if they book accommodation through Discover Qatar. Alternatively, they can apply for a Hayya e-visa for QAR 100 (approximately ₹2,300) which allows booking through any platform.
How long can Indians stay in Qatar on a tourist visa?
The Qatar tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days. This can be extended for an additional 30 days through the Ministry of Interior website or at Hamad International Airport's immigration office.
What is the Qatar tourist visa fee for Indian citizens?
There are two options: FREE Visa on Arrival (requires hotel booking through Discover Qatar) or QAR 100 (approximately ₹2,300) for the Hayya e-visa which accepts any hotel booking.
How long does Qatar visa processing take for Indians?
The Hayya e-visa is typically approved within 24-48 hours. The Visa on Arrival is processed immediately at Hamad International Airport upon arrival.
What is the Hayya visa for Qatar?
The Hayya portal is Qatar's official e-visa platform that allows tourists to apply for entry permits online. For Indian citizens, the Hayya A1 visa costs QAR 100 and allows stays up to 30 days with the flexibility to book hotels from any platform.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Qatar as an Indian citizen?
Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for free Visa on Arrival in Qatar, but only if accommodation is booked exclusively through the Discover Qatar website. Bookings from other platforms do not qualify for free entry.
Do I need to book hotels through Discover Qatar?
Only if you want the free Visa on Arrival. If you prefer to book hotels through other platforms, you must apply for the Hayya e-visa (QAR 100) instead, which accepts any confirmed hotel booking.
Can I extend my Qatar tourist visa?
Yes, the 30-day tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days. Apply for extension through the Ministry of Interior website or at the immigration office at Hamad International Airport before your visa expires.
What documents do I need for Qatar tourist visa from India?
Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity recommended), confirmed return flight tickets, and hotel reservation. For Hayya e-visa, you also need a passport photo. Bank statements are recommended but not always required.
What is the approval rate for Qatar visas from India?
The approval rate is approximately 90% for Indian applicants with complete documentation. Qatar's tourist visa process is straightforward, and most properly prepared applications are approved.
Is travel insurance required for Qatar?
Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Coverage of at least QAR 150,000 for medical emergencies is advised, as healthcare in Qatar can be expensive for foreign visitors.