Generally, only GCC countries residents do not need a visa to enter Qatar. Qatar’s visa policy, however, is pretty lenient to the residents of over 95 states, including the US. It offers a visa waiver to eligible foreign travelers intending to stay in the country for a short term. That means US residents can enter and stay in Qatar without a visa. Read on to learn more about the waiver and other aspects of Qatar visa for US citizens.
This piece discusses everything related to Qatar visas for US citizens, from visa-free entry to eligibility, cost, and other visa-related aspects.
Let’s dive in.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Qatar?
YES and NO. It depends on the purpose of the visit and stay duration. US citizens do not need a Qatar visa if;
- Traveling for tourism purposes (using a tourist passport), or
- Intend to stop over or stay short term
If intending to stay in Qatar for more than thirty days, US nationals must get a Qatar visa per the purpose of their visit.
About Qatar Visa Waiver For US Citizens
The Qatar visa policy offers US travelers a 30 days visa waiver, extendable for 30 more days. It allows US residents visa-free entrance and short-term stays, not more than 30 days. However, they must obtain a visa-free entry permit on arrival. The permit also allows multiple entries within its stipulated validity time.
Eligible US residents can get a Qatar visa-free entry permit on arrival at the airport. The following are the requirements for the waiver.
- A valid passport – must have remaining validity of six months minimum
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- A confirmed hotel booking or proof of accommodation for the intended stay duration
The permit is usually stamped on your passport alongside the entry stamp. Thus, your passport should also have at least two blank pages. It indicates the entry and expiry dates (duration of stay).
If your passport has less than six months remaining validity, you should apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You will be eligible for a one-time visa-free entry to Qatar if approved.
Note, however, ETA is usually valid for 30 days maximum or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA requirements include;
- Proof of accommodation or a confirmed hotel booking
- A valid passport
- A valid return or onward ticket
Is Qatar Visa On Arrival For US Citizens?
Yes. Qatar visa for US residents is on arrival. As such, US nationals do not have to apply for Qatar visa prior to traveling.
That said, US nationals must have the following to get a Qatar visa on arrival,
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity
- An onward or return ticket
- Proof of accommodation or confirmed hotel booking for the intended stay duration
- A valid visitor’s insurance policy (effective for at least 30 days) from an authorized insurance company
Note: It is recommended to purchase the insurance policy before arriving at the entry port for a speedy visa application process.
It is also good to note that the initial visa will be valid for a short-term 30 days stay. Thus, you must apply for an extension to stay longer.
How Can I get Qatar Visa From USA?
As a US citizen, you can get an immediate Qatar visa on arrival at the entry point. Alternatively, you can apply for Qatar visa online or at your nearest Qatar embassy or consulate in the US.
Qatar has also made obtaining a visa prior to traveling pretty easy. All you need to do is submit a visa application form alongside other requirements to the immigration department at the embassy.
For online applications, visit the official Ministry of Interior (MOI) website. You can also apply for a Qatar visa through the official Qatar Airways website.
What are Qatar Visa Requirements for US Citizens?
Different Qatar visas have valid requirements. For example, proof of relationship (not required in other types of Qatar visas) may be needed for a family visit visa. Business visas, on the other hand, may require an official business-related document supporting the purpose of the visit.
That said, the following are the mandatory requirements for all types of Qatar visas.
- A copy of your passport with at least two blank pages (for stamps) or a valid travel document (ETA)
- A valid return or onward ticket
- A confirmed hotel booking or proof of accommodation (not applicable for transit visas)
- At least 30 days visitor’s insurance policy
How much is Qatar Visa Fee?
Qatar on-arrival visa for US citizens is typically free of cost. You may, however, have to pay a small service fee if you apply for the visa online before traveling. Naturally, different permits have valid costs. Also, visa validity extension attracts an additional fee.
Below is a breakdown of Qatar visa costs for US citizens.
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost | Validity Extension | Validity Extension Cost |
| On Arrival | 30 Days | Free | 30 Days | QAR 100 |
| Transit Visa | Up to 96 Hours | Free | N/L | N/L |
| Tourist Visa | 30 days | QAR 100 (app. $27) | 30 Days | QAR 100 |
| Business visa | 72 Hours 30 Days 90 Days | QAR 50 QAR 200 QAR 600 | 72 Hours 30 Days 30 Days | QAR 50 QAR 200 QAR 200 |
| Family Visit | 30 Days | QAR 200 | 30 Days | QAR 200 |
Also, you will need to pay an additional QAR 55 for each accompanying person on the tourist visa.
Can US Green Card Holders Get Visa On Arrival In Qatar?
No. There is no Qatar visa for US green card holders policy. That means US green card holders are not eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival.
However, you can get a Qatar visa on arrival if you are a citizen of Canada, the UK, New Zealand, or Schengen countries. But first, you must apply for an ETA before traveling. Also, you may be able to get the visa on arrival if your country is eligible for Qatar’s visa on arrival.
Final Words
Apparently, whether on arrival or prior to travel, it is pretty easy to obtain a Qatar visa for US citizens. Still, you should note that the country is pretty strict when it comes to overstaying. That is, you can face pretty severe fines for overstaying. Thus, ensure to stay for the stipulated duration or apply for an extension before the initial visa expires.
FAQs
Q1. Do US Hayya Card Holders Need a Visa for Qatar?
No. US Hayya cardholders will not need a visa for Qatar until 24 January 2024.
Q2. Is ETA the Same as a Qatar Visa?
No. ETA is a temporary entry permit that allows uneligible US citizens to enter Qatar visa-free. Upon validation, a Qatar visa is granted.
Q3. Is Qatar Transit Visa Validity Duration Extendable?
No. You cannot extend a transit visa (a transit visa is only valid for 96 hours max)
Q4. Can I Change a Qatar Tourist Visa to a Business Visa?
No. You cannot convert a tourist visa to a business visa. Also, you are not allowed to conduct business with a tourist visa.