Qatar is likely to issue e-visas to tourists within 48 hours after the new online visa processing system is implemented early next year.
The new system will make it more convenient for visitors as they will be able to obtain visas within 48 hours after application, reported local Arabic daily Al-Raya.
The decision is part of Qatar’s efforts to attract more visitors in line with Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030.
An agreement was signed between Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority and VFS Global, a visa processing services provider, to introduce the new online visa processing system.
“It will help Qatar to raise its visitor arrivals from 2.9 million last year to over five million tourists in just three years’ time,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.
So now one needs to check in advance which visa is right for you. Generally, all non-Qatari or GCC citizens entering Qatar need a visa. In most cases, applying for a visa is easy and can be done online through Hukoomi or the Ministry of Interior.
Qatar has visitor travel arrangements with 33 countries (see below), so for many tourists a visa will be issued on arrival. For those whose country is not on the list, a visa should be applied for ahead of the visit.
For most of those coming to live and work in Qatar, their sponsor will arrange much of the application process for you. For those arranging their own visa, the process is straightforward and provides flexibility for short- and long-term business arrangements.
However, the countries that have a visa on arrival arrangement with Qatar are : The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, the Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Lichtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
A great initiative by the Doha Airport Authorities.