New transit visa offers travelers up to 96 hours to explore Qatar

Passengers of Qatar Airways with layovers of five hours or more in Hamad International Airport can avail of free transit visas granting them up to 96 hours to explore Qatar.

The complimentary transit visa was made possible through an initiative between the airline and the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) "to position the country as a tourist-friendly destination and to attract more international visitors," according to a statement.

Hassan Al Ibrahim, QTA chief tourism development officer, hopes the new transit visa scheme, which took effect November 1, will increase the number of visitor arrivals in Qatar in the following months.

"Visa facilitation is an important factor in increasing the attractiveness of a destination, and we encourage investors and tourism business owners to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this development to diversify Qatar’s tourism products and services," he said.

Passengers with a confirmed ticket to Qatar and an onward journey out of the country on a Qatar Airways-operated flight can apply for the visa through any of their offices or online.

They must have a valid ID and a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the time of their arrival in Qatar.

Visas can be applied for a minimum of seven days and a maximum of 90 days, excluding public holidays, prior to a passengers' trip to Qatar.

Approved transit visas will be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and will be valid for a single entry into Qatar.

Passengers must have a copy of the pre-approved transit visa at the time of boarding at their airport of origin and entry into the country.

Fares for international flights transiting through Hamad International Airport were restructured to avoid additional charges to their ticket either on their outbound or inbound journey.

However, passengers traveling from the GCC and Middle East on return tickets will only be able to take a stopover in Doha on their outbound journey if they wish to avoid additional charges. —KBK, GMA News