Qatar further expands its online tourist visa services
Less than a month after first announcing the launch of simpler tourist visa regulations to Qatar, the country has expanded the e-visa services to tourism-related businesses as well as individuals arriving to Qatar aboard any airline, reported Gulf Times.
As part of the online service’s expansion, individuals who are travelling to Qatar on any airlines can now apply directly for tourist visas on www.qatarvisaservice.com.
The e-visa portal is now linked to all airline booking platforms including that of the national airline, Qatar Airways.
According to new guidelines, hospitality establishments and tourism offices holding a valid licence with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) can now complete their guests tourist visa applications online.
They can finish multiple applications at once, making it easier to handle large groups through bulk payments.
“Easing our visitors access to the country is critical for achieving growth in the tourism industry, making a positive impact on our economy and enriching our society. The rollout of these new services is intended to further enhance our visitors overall experience and we look forward to welcoming more visitors thanks to the increasingly convenient online visa service,” QTA’s Chief Tourism Development Officer Hassan Al Ibrahim told The Peninsula.
Previously, applicants for tourist visas were required to submit their applications through accredited Qatar-based entities, such as hotels and tour operators. Now, travellers can apply directly and track the status of their application online.
Tourist visas will cost $42 — including the service charge — with payments made online using a Visa or Mastercard.
Documents required to complete the application include passport scans, personal photographs, a scan of the passenger’s airline ticket, and the address they will be staying at when in Qatar.
Passengers who are traveling on Qatar Airways will have the added convenience of having their ticket validated automatically as the visa service will be linked to the airline’s booking platform.
The average timeframe for a response is 48 hours from when all of the applicant’s documents have been received. Once a traveller’s application is accepted, they will receive an E-Visa by email.
Here is an easy guide on how to apply for tourist visas online.
Step One
Register and fill in the visa application form by visiting www.qatarvisaservice.com.
Step Two
Upload the necessary documents, which will include scans of passport, personal photographs and passenger’s airline ticket. Make the necessary payment using Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card.
Step Three
Receive updates and the e-visa in your email inbox. You will also be able to regularly check the progress of your application.
"Documents required to complete the application include ....., a scan of the passenger’s airline ticket,"... i wonder would the airline issue a ticket without visa... consider it issued, then if visa rejected....its time for cancellation of ticket in that scenario.
It was very timely in my view, we will benefit in more ways than one. Good luck.