More nationalities could soon be added to those eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar

More nationalities could soon be added to those eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar

QLReporter
By QLReporter

Just two days after Qatar announced revolutionary visa-free entry into the country for people from 80 nations, the tremors are still being felt.  

While many people hailed the move, others, whose countries were left out of the initial list, felt let down. 

But Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said the list was a result of a thorough study and that the number of countries eligible for visa waiver could still increase in the future.
“These nationalities were chosen in a very careful and scientific way considering certain factors such as passport strength and spending capacity. This is an ongoing process and more nationalities may be added in the future. Our main objective is to open Qatar to more visitors,” he was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.

Asked about the airport’s readiness on the expected influx of tourists, Lt Col Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui, Director of the Airport Passports Department, said, “We’re ready to implement this in coordination with Qatar Airways. We’ve very good and tested security plans and Hamad International Airport has necessary facilities to receive big number of visitors from these 80 countries.”
To further enhance visitor experience at the airport and ensure seamless and ease of entry of tourists to the country, there are plans to introduce electronic cards to tourists from the 80 countries when they enter Qatar subsequently.

“We’re studying a plan to allow tourists from these 80 countries to use the E-gates. Once they get security clearance when they enter for the first time, they’ll be able to subscribe for an electronic card which they can use for subsequent entries. Even if they aren’t a citizen or resident of Qatar, but they’re from these 80 countries and have gone through the security process, they’ll be able to enter through the E-gates without going through the immigration,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.

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By Qaiser A• 13 Aug 2017 16:00
Qaiser A

Suggest to do the same as Turkey, whoever has valid USA visa can get free entry regardless of which Nationality. This process is much more practical since USA visa is granted after extreme scrutiny. It will take care of second condition as well, i.e., spending power surely person who has USA valid visa is able to afford his stay in Doha.

By xperience• 12 Aug 2017 12:07
xperience

Great Move... but at least a police clearance certificate from the native should be mandatory those who is coming to Qatar on a ticket.

By NaRiK• 12 Aug 2017 08:25
NaRiK

Now people who were crying that India is included and their country is left out ! read this and be happy !

By Molten Metal• 12 Aug 2017 08:25
Molten Metal

Our heart is open, we invite everybody, our heart is clear, we welcome everyone.

By robertdjone• 11 Aug 2017 10:51
robertdjone

Good News! More tourists will arrive.

By aliskadi• 11 Aug 2017 09:49
aliskadi

Out of the 80 countries, Qatar should add at least one more Arab country, to reflect who they are, instead of catering to mostly European nations. Revise your list to show your Arabism. You can not say, Qatar is an Arab nation if it doesn't reflect that in its actions. Just saying......add one more.

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