Qatar Travel Guide
Visa summary
247 passport nationalities researched for entry into Qatar.
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Guide
Qatar has widened its visa free list. As of May 2026, citizens of more than 100 countries could enter without applying for a visa in advance, for up to 90 days on a single visit or across several, with the waiver generally valid for 180 days from its date of issue. Citizens of the other GCC states, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, need no visa at all. Guides list a passport valid for 3 to 6 months depending on nationality, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.
The exceptions are specific and recent. Nationals of India, Iran, Pakistan, and Thailand must book a Discover Qatar hotel before they travel to use the visa on arrival route, and from 31 March 2026 the visa on arrival facility was temporarily suspended for Pakistani nationals, who now need a visa in advance through the Hayya platform.
Qatar has one land border, with Saudi Arabia, and it is a relatively new story as an open crossing. The Salwa crossing on the Saudi side, the only one linking the two countries, was closed on 19 December 2017 and reopened in January 2021.
Border crossings
- Abu Samra, the road to Saudi Arabia
The Qatari side of the only land crossing, and the route on to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman by road. Documents include a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a valid driving license, vehicle registration and insurance, and a Saudi visa, and pre-registration through the Hayya or Metrash platforms is an option. Leaving Qatar, you clear the Qatari immigration booth, then Saudi biometric processing with fingerprints, an eye scan, and a photo, and finally a vehicle inspection.
- Coming back in as a visitor
Residents only need their residence permit and passport scanned, but visitors go through the full immigration procedure again on re-entry.
Transit routes
- A Saudi e-visa can cover a road trip
Tourists can get a Saudi e-visa for tourism, events, or Umrah, allowing up to 90 days with multiple entries, though it cannot be used for the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Vehicle age limits apply at Abu Samra
Trucks more than five years past their date of manufacture, and buses more than ten years old, are not allowed to cross, which matters if you are bringing a commercial or older vehicle.
Entry point notes
- Check which list your passport is on
The visa free, visa on arrival, and Hayya only categories have all been adjusted during 2026, and articles that are a few months old can be wrong.
- Have the paperwork you would need for a hotel check in
A confirmed return ticket and proof of where you will be staying are on the standard list, whichever category you are in.
- GCC citizens can travel on ID cards
Nationals of the five other GCC states are not required to obtain a visa.