Qatar On-Arrival Visa for GCC Residents
Expat residents from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Iqama holders, now have the privilege of obtaining an on-arrival visa in Qatar. This facility is accessible to individuals practising certain professions. This article provides a comprehensive guide on this facility, highlighting the eligible professions and delineating the process of obtaining the visa, making your visit to Qatar smoother and more convenient.
Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the on-arrival visa, GCC residents and Saudi Iqama holders must fulfil the following criteria:
- Your Iqama or GCC residence permit must be valid for at least three months.
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
- Your profession should be on the eligible professions list (mentioned later in the article).
- Dependents can also get a visa, given a sponsor accompanies them.
- The visa fee is QAR 100 per applicant.
- You should possess a valid Exit Reentry Visa.
- If travelling by road, a driving license and car Istimara are mandatory.
- A hotel reservation in Qatar is required.
- Lastly, you need a Jawazat appointment for the Salwa border.
If you satisfy all these conditions, you can acquire a Qatar on-arrival visa for the following:
- Yourself.
- All dependents accompanying you.
- All legal domestic workers travelling with you.
Also read: Qatar Visa on Arrival: A Complete Guide
Entering Qatar by Road
If you choose to drive into Qatar from Saudi Arabia, here’s what you need to do at the Salwa border:
- The Saudi border control will issue a vehicle exit paper.
- An immigration officer will facilitate your exit from KSA.
- Upon reaching the Qatar side, Qatari authorities will verify your documents.
- At the immigration counter, pay the visa fee: QAR 100 for the main applicant and QAR 50 per dependent.
- Present your documents to the immigration officer, who will issue an on-arrival visa.
- Next, pass the security and customs clearance check.
- Lastly, pay QAR 165 for car insurance.
Returning to Saudi Arabia
On your return trip from Qatar to Saudi Arabia, you will:
- Obtain an exit stamp on your passport from Qatar Immigration.
- Get a car entry stamp at the Saudi border.
- Verify your fingerprints.
- Receive an entry stamp on your passport by Saudi immigration.
Eligible Professions for Qatar On-Arrival Visa
The following 54 professions qualify for an on-arrival visa for residents of GCC countries:
| Accountant | Hospital Manager |
| Advisor (All kinds) | Hotel Manager |
| Air Safety Controller | Information System Expert |
| Analyst (Financial) | Judge |
| Archaeological Researcher | Legal Expert |
| Astronomer | Lawyer/Advocate |
| Auditor (Financial – Accounts) | Marine Fire inspector |
| Author/Writer | Media Director |
| Aviation Trainer | Media Person |
| Bank Manager | Ministry Undersecretary |
| Broadcasting Director | Museum Director |
| Captain of a Ship/Cruise/Ferry/Tanker | Physician (All Specialization) |
| Cinema Director | Physicist |
| CEO/Executive Director | Pilot |
| Chief Justice | Professor |
| Chief Prosecutor | Programmer |
| Chemist (All Specialization) | Prosecutor |
| Club Director/Chairman | Referee (Sports) |
| Co-Pilot | Regional Director |
| College Dean | School Manager |
| Consultant (All Specializations) | Scientist |
| Diplomatic (Members of Diplomatic Mission) | Surgeon (All Specializations) |
| Director | Television Director |
| Economic/Financial Expert | Theater Director |
| Embassy Staff in GCC Countries (Except Service Jobs) | University professor |
| Engineer | University Rector/Chancellor |
| Geologist (General) | Veterinary Doctor |
Obtaining a Qatar Visit Visa for Other GCC Residents
If you are a resident of a GCC country, but your profession is not among those eligible for the on-arrival visa, or if your passport does not belong to a country that Qatar currently extends the on-arrival visa facility to, you’ll need to follow a different route. In such cases, you must secure a Qatar visit visa before departure. This ensures that your travel to Qatar remains seamless and compliant with the country’s immigration policies.
Conclusion
To wrap up, securing a Qatar on-arrival visa for GCC residents and Saudi Iqama holders is a straightforward process, provided that the necessary criteria are met. For those with eligible professions, this makes for a convenient and efficient way to explore the captivating country of Qatar. However, if your profession is not on the eligible list, or your passport doesn’t fall within the countries for which the on-arrival visa facility is extended, worry not. You will need to acquire a Qatar visit visa before your journey. This comprehensive guide should be your roadmap to smooth travel to Qatar, regardless of the visa you need. Happy travels!
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