Coming to doha next week - need tourist visa!

Just my opinion, but if you are a travel consultancy business you should know this info .. if not, you certainly should not rely on a forum for the answers. Travel Consultancy is YOUR JOB.

Check out Qatar governments website. Info on there that could assist you, or perhaps speak to them directly. Or contact Philliphines Embassy here in Qatar.

Is it legal what you are saying? Sounds a bit suss to me. Your other post was "friend of a friend" ....

I would be very careful going down this route if it is not legal.

Hi,

We are a Travel Consultancy firm here in the Philippines. Presently we're processing Visit Visa to UAE. May I ask how can we avail a Visit Visa to Qatar?? Thank you so much.

MNB Travel

What is your nationality. My friend know where to buy visa but expensive.

Thanks for all your comments everyone, I feel alot better about it all now and am looking forward to my first visit to Doha!

Mr Nice Guy, I don't think that is necessarily a worry as she was South African and not living in her own country, potentially with an Irish passport. So fingers crossed!!!!

Thanks again :)

Don't want to worry you, but check out the story on http://www.qatarliving.com/discussion/visit-visa-denied-14oct2006

If you want the meet and greet service at the airport it needs to be organised beforehand. I suggest your friends go to the Qatar Airways office and book it. They can pay for everything in advance and you need not worry about anything when you arrive. Like I say, you can even get your luggage picked up. For the moment I have forgotten the name, I think it's Maharaba Services. There is also a counter at the airport, but thats too chaotic to visit at the moment and would avoid, Qatar Airways office is best, I used the one at City Centre Shopping Centre.

Just to let you know, my friends sister arrived last night from UK and had no problems at all. Was not asked to produce anything.

Good Luck.

They won't think you are a prostitute. My girlfriend (English age 26) has been here several times and stays with me and she has never had any problem with the immigration people here. She is arriving again next week.

There is a big problem in UAE and to a lesser extent here with Chinese and girls former the Soviet Union countries coming to the Middle East for prostitution. This is what they are trying to avoid. I am sure you will be okay.

Beth. Please do not worry. One of my girlfriends came over last month for a week from the UK. She got through no problem (though I questioned that when I saw how she was dressed!!!!) she also stayed at our home. She did not have our address on her but immigration was fine. If staying with friends just take a note of their address and have thir local number at hand so that you can call them if you get stuck. Seriously, you will have no issues. If it makes you feel any better, I can always give you my friends number in the Uk and she can talk you through what happens at immigration.

OK! Thanks, that makes me feel better, as long as they dont think im a prositute!! Id be mortified!

Beth,

Before I came here to live, I visited this place four times. If you are a UK national, you don't need to worry. You pay for the Visa at the passport check desk in Doha. They won't take cash but they will accept a UK credit card.

They never asked me about where I was staying or for hotel details. You will need a return flight but other than that there is nothing to worry about.

That service does sound good actually...I am really worried now after what I Have read on here about being accused of being a prostitute or not giving any tourist visas until after games. Im going to ring embassy on Monday and find out once and for all. Can I book that service while in the UK or does someone else need to do it for me and if so can they arrange it when they come to get me from the airport in Doha or does it need to be in advance?

Thanks,

Beth

I have read these comments and decided to join!

This is the first time for me planning to visit some country in the region of the Middle East and I thought it would be better if I get all the needed info in advance. The problem is that I am not sure what kind of visa should I be obtained, as a southeastern European citizen (but still not in the EU), during the visit that I have planned for upcoming December. My girlfriend is employed by a certain company in Doha for past two months and I’d be staying at her flat for about 3 weeks. I've heard it is almost illegal being at apartment of a woman with a ‘single’ marital status! Is this possible?? I’d be very grateful if someone could provide me some info about the local regulations or any suggestion considering my case.

Thank You in advance for any help provided!

So ask Emirates. They're required by law to make sure they're not carrying undesirable aliens, so it's in their interest to make sure everything's in order. I'm pretty sure you'll be OK so long as you can persuade immigration that you're a bona-fide short term tourist, which is why a hotel booking is recommended. It might help to have ask your friends for their job details, address & RP number. (They'll know what that is.) If you're at all young or attractive, they'll be suspicious that you might be a prostitute.

Note that in all these respects, it's exactly the same for non-EC tourists entering the UK or Brits entering the USA.

My parents have only ever visited here with Emirates Airlines. They have been 3 times now and have had no problems whatsoever.

However, these new regulations have come in to effect ... but as mentioned, speaking to people who had just had visitors they have had no problems and wasn't asked to provide anything.

If you are a bit nervous ... you can get your friends to organise a meet and greet service for you. You can book them at any Qatar Airways office ... doesn't matter what airline you are arriving in.

Costs around 70 riyals (can't remember exactly) and they will meet you when you get off the plane, seat you in a room with refreshments then organise your visa .. you can pay a bit extra (10 riyals) and they will even pick up your luggage for you and escort you thru customs

It's a great service, especially if you are unsure or nervous.

Good luck.

I guess so...but it seems so uncertain which is strange. I have a british credit card, like Natwest and Alliance and Leicester, I dont know if that counts as international though. I'm worried that they will ask for hotel reservation details and then there will be a problem when they realise I intend to stay with male friends....:S

I will ring the embassy on Monday to confirm. It says on world travel guide you have to fly in on Qatar Airlines to geta tourist visa, surely that is wrong! Im flying Emirates...

Beth

I too was worried about the new visa regulations about having 5000 riyals or valid international credit card and hotel voucher upon arrival, as I have relatives coming out here in 2 weeks time. (Family and they are regular visitors).

I have been told by other people who have had visitors arrive that it's no problem .. still the same as before 55 riyals for 3 week visa on arrival (with option of renewing for the extra week at 50QR).

Fingers crossed.

Citizens of the following countries can get a visa on arrival. All need to show they have US$.1370.00 in cash or equivalent in foreign currency (or a credit card) to be eligible to enter Qatar. You might need to show a confirmed hotel booking.

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vatican.

I would suggest that you check out the following web page and decide according to which passport you hold.

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/230/passport_visa/Middle-East/Qatar.html

Sorry, I am coming from the UK to visit my Fiance and his friend. I have not booked through a travel agency, which is why I am now looking at visas. I know I need a tourist visa, I just want to know how to get one. Every time I ring the embassy in London, there is no one in the visas department. I was told my someone in my Fiance's company that you pay 55riyals on arrival at Doha airport, but obviously I need to check this is correct. I am flying with Emirates.

Thanks!

You do not mention what passport you hold. Either way your travel agent should have arranged everything for you. I would be VERY hesitant to travel anywhere in teh world if I did not know what the visa requirements were for a particular country. On the other hand the airline carrying you to Qatar would ultimately be responsible for you and will not allow you to board if your paperwork is not in order.

Check out the Qatar Government websites if you have the opportunity.

Good Luck.