Free transit visa stay extended to 96 hours in Qatar

Qatar is aggressively trying to promote itself as a leading stopover destination in the world. This key Middle East nation has recently revised its tourism visa policy. Media reports said that Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways have jointly announced that free transit visa stay in being extended to 96 hours for passengers of all nationalities transiting through Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

According to the new transit visa policy, the passengers transiting through Hamad International Airport having a minimum transit time of five hours would now be permitted to stay in the country for up to 96 hours or four days, without bothering to apply for an entry visa ahead of time.

The previous transit visa scheme however allowed passengers to stay in Qatar for a maximum of 48 hours or two day, with a minimum eight hours of layover. The new scheme is being considered as significant as this would undoubtedly make stopovers pretty easier and also prove to be a boon for Qatar Airways to boost its earnings and that of local economy by attracting international passengers to fly with it in a big way. The move is also aimed at making Qatar an attractive tourism destination and strengthening its position globally.

The reports said that passengers of all nationalities soon on arrival at Doha’s Hamad International Airport would be offered transit visa free of charge. This will though depend upon the confirmation of onward journey of the respective passengers and after formal completion of their passport control procedures. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior would be solely responsible for issuing and approving all the visas.

The passengers transiting through Qatar would now be able to maximize and enjoy their stay by exploring Discover Qatar stopover packages being offered by Qatar Airways Holidays. These packages include architectural tours, museum and art gallery visits, visits to The Pearl-Qatar Island, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village, city tours, desert safaris, and hotel bookings.