Qatar Visa For UK Citizens and Residents (Application 2024)

Qatar and the United Kingdom have a strong partnership in the areas of politics, business, security, and the economy. Qatar Visa for UK Citizens is a popular visa and Qatar is a popular holiday and work destination for thousands of UK citizens and residents. Qatar Tourism lists the UK as one of the top 10 countries sending visitors to Qatar.

You can use this guide to learn everything you need to know about obtaining a Qatar visa if you’re from the UK. We’ll discuss the different types of visas, checking your Qatar visa status, requirements, and important things to consider before traveling.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Qatar?

For up to 30 days, UK citizens with regular passports can visit Qatar as tourists without arranging a visa. Over 100 countries are covered by Qatar’s visa waiver program. Even if you need to extend your stay, you can do so for another 30 days.

Visa-on-Arrival Qatar Visa for UK Citizens

The UK visa-on-arrival service has been brought back to Qatar as of January 2024. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a brief pause was observed.

Requirements for Visa-on-Arrival

Upon landing in Qatar, you must:

Keep a valid passport for at least six months after arriving
Having a confirmed hotel or accommodation booking
Return or onward flight tickets must be shown
Visitors who plan to stay longer than 30 days should get visitor’s health insurance through the MOPH website

Cost of Visa-on-Arrival for UK Citizens

Good news! Visa-on-arrival (visa waiver) is free for UK citizens. No additional fees are charged for extending your stay.

Types of British Passports and Visa Rules

Those with a full British passport can apply for a visa on arrival. In the following cases, you will need a visa:

The purpose of your trip is not tourism
You hold a British passport of a different type

Qatar Visa for UK Residents

Residents of the UK who aren’t citizens have different rules:

Make sure your home country’s passport is eligible for a visa on arrival in Qatar
If not, you can apply through the Hayya Portal for an ETA Visa (A3)
There are also pre-approved visas available, such as the Tourist Visa, the Family Visit Visa, or the Business Visa

Qatar Visa for UK Visa Holders

Do you have a valid UK visa? Through the Hayya Portal, you can apply for an ETA Visa (A3) to enter Qatar. The visa-on-arrival option may also be available to your nationality.

Transit Qatar Visa for UK Citizens

Passengers passing through Doha airport who won’t leave the airport don’t need a transit visa. There are two options available to you if you wish to explore the city during your layover:

Obtain a Qatar visa on arrival (as mentioned earlier)
You can obtain a Qatar Transit Visa from the Qatar Airways office nearest you

Currently, there is no online application for Qatar Transit Visas.

Qatar Oman Joint Tourist Visa

It is not necessary for UK citizens with a tourist visa from Oman to obtain another visa in order to visit Qatar. It is easier to explore both countries on one trip because of this special arrangement.

Qatar Visa For UK Citizens: Flying to Qatar

If you’re looking for a great travel experience, consider Qatar Airways Business Class. An airline with a 5-star rating that offers luxury, comfort, and a wide network across the globe. To find out what offers and deals are available for Qatar Visa For UK Citizens, visit their website.

Important Considerations for UK Visitors to Qatar

It’s important to respect local laws, customs, and culture when visiting Qatar. The following are some key points to keep in mind:

What to Wear

A modest dress code is recommended in Qatar. The shoulders, knees, and stomach must be covered. Consider wearing knee-length pants, skirts, or dresses. You can wear leggings if you wear a long shirt or a dress over them.

Driving

Driving in Qatar is possible with a UK license for a short period of time if you are from the UK. If you want to be extra careful, the British Embassy recommends getting an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Alcohol

While exploring Qatar Visa For UK Citizens, it’s crucial to note that Qatar has strict alcohol control laws. There are only a few places where you can buy it, and only if you are not Muslim, do not live in Qatar, and are over 21 years old. You should avoid drinking in public or getting too tipsy.

Drugs

Qatar, just like the UK, prohibits most drugs, including marijuana.

Staying Together

It is not allowed for unmarried couples to live together in Qatar if they are traveling together. It is also illegal for everyone to engage in intimate relationships outside of marriage.

Important Stuff

You should always carry a form of identification with you, such as a passport or driver’s license. Photographs and videos of people should also be asked for before being taken.

Healthcare

You might need a marriage certificate to get prenatal care if you’re pregnant. For peace of mind, consider getting extra travel insurance if your UK health insurance does not work in Qatar.

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Qatar prohibits homosexuality. To stay safe, check the official travel advice from the British Embassy before you depart.

Entry Requirements for UK Citizens Visiting Qatar

Before entering Qatar as a visitor, make sure you meet these requirements:

A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months is required
Accommodations must be confirmed
Health insurance is required for stays longer than 30 days (50 Qatari riyals per person, per month).
You must be vaccinated against polio if you are coming from Afghanistan or Pakistan
You must have a machine-readable passport
A return or onward flight ticket is required
By 2023, you no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID or test for PCR

Entry Requirements for Qatar Visa for UK Citizens

British Embassy in Qatar

The British Embassy in Qatar aims to maintain and improve relations between the UK and Qatar. Consular services are offered by appointment only in West Bay (Dafna Area). Consular Services can be reached 24/7 by calling +974 4496 2000. You can find more information on the Qatar Embassy website.

Other Qatar Visa Types for UK Citizens

There are several types of visas available to UK citizens, depending on the purpose of their visit:

Tourist Visa (Hayya A1): This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days for those not eligible for visa-on-arrival.
Work Visa: It is required for those who plan to work in Qatar. Qatari employers are responsible for arranging this visa for you.
Student Visa: This is for those who are interested in studying in Qatar. Application processes are usually handled by educational institutions.
Business Visa: This is for those traveling to Qatar for work-related reasons. A local company must sponsor it.
Family Visit Visa: It is for those who are visiting family living in Qatar. On your behalf, the resident family member must apply.

There are different requirements and application processes for each of these types of visas. If you need the most up-to-date information and specific requirements for your situation, contact the Qatar Embassy or Consulate in the UK.

Tips for a Smooth Application for Qatar Visa For UK Citizens

Plan Ahead: Whether or not you qualify for a visa-on-arrival, it is best to verify the latest requirements prior to your trip.
Check Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Respect Local Laws: Make yourself familiar with Qatar’s laws and customs to avoid inadvertently violating them.
Prepare Documents: Make sure you have all necessary documents ready, including passports, photos, and supporting documents.
Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive Qatar Travel Health Insurance for your trip.
Stay Informed: Be aware of any updates or changes to the UK government’s travel advice for Qatar.

FAQs

Citizens of the United Kingdom do not need a visa to enter Qatar, but they must have a valid passport.

The visa waiver is valid for 180 days and can be obtained upon arrival in Qatar by UK nationals. However, British citizens can spend 30 days in Qatar on a single or multiple-entry basis.

By applying through the Haya platform, visa holders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Schengen countries, as well as Australians and New Zealanders, may enter Qatar without restrictions.

Wrapping Up

There’s no need for a Qatar Visa For UK Citizens but the conditions may vary for UK Residents. It’s advisable for the rest of the residents to visit the above-mentioned guide carefully and apply the procedure accordingly to avoid any issues.

Qatar Visa For UK Citizens and Residents (2024)

Do UK citizens need a visa for Qatar?