Until recently, Russians needed a visa to travel to Qatar. Moreover, due to the war in Syria, in which Russia and the Middle Eastern emirate found themselves in different positions, the issuance of Qatari tourist entry documents was practically suspended for some time. However, in June 2021, official Doha began issuing visas to our compatriots at the border. And since August 2017, the monarchical power has completely introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of the Russian Federation. True, in some cases a visa to Qatar is still required for Russians.
Changes that came into force in August 2017
From now on, residents of many world powers have the right to visit Qatar without obtaining a visa. In August 2021, Qatari officials published a list of 80 states whose citizens can do without a visa when traveling to the emirate. Among the lucky ones affected by the innovation were Russians. Since August 2017, the visa-free regime has been valid, among other things, for representatives of:
- Russia;
- Belarus;
- Ukraine;
- Kazakhstan;
- Georgia;
- Moldova;
- Azerbaijan.
Visitors from these countries will not need to obtain prior permission to visit the Arab state. But only if a number of conditions are met. After all, “visa-free”, as always, has certain restrictions.
Child visa
Obtaining a visa to Qatar for a child is easy.
The rules for children when traveling to Doha do not differ from issuing a regular entry document.
A child is also given a permit at the airport if his photo is pasted into the parents’ passport (up to 14 years old). After receiving an official certificate of citizenship, children are issued visas, as for adults.
When traveling without parents or with one other person, you must have with you permission for the child to leave, certified by a notary.
Nuances of “visa-free”
For free entry, foreign guests must have:
- a foreign passport valid for at least six months on the date of arrival in the Islamic state;
- return ticket.
Upon arrival, “visa-free” foreigners are given a free stamp on their “foreign border”. It certifies that the traveler is allowed to stay in the emirate for 1 month from the date of arrival (up to 30 days). In this case, the visitor has the opportunity to leave and enter using the same stamp during a 30-day “visa-free” period. That is, the stamp is not intended for single entry, but for multiple entry/exit to/from Qatar.
Visa-free stay can be extended for an additional 30 days. To do this, you need to contact the Immigration Department. As for the general limit for staying in Qatar, it has not yet been established.
On a note! A medical certificate is not required to be presented when entering the emirate, but due to expensive treatment in the state, we recommend purchasing it
Self-application of a visa to Qatar
There are several ways to obtain a visa for the listed trips:
- Contact the consular section of the Qatar Embassy in Russia in advance.
- Visit the immigration department already on the territory of the state.
Documents and conditions for obtaining a visa through the embassy in Russia
Before contacting the embassy, you should prepare the package of documents required by law:
- current passport;
- three copies of the application form on a special form filled out in Arabic or English;
- three standard photographs 3*4 cm, not older than 6 months;
- guarantees of material income - at least 1,500 US dollars for the trip;
- confirmation of rent of living space, hotel reservation;
- invitation from the Qatari side.
Registration of an entry permit in this way takes no more than 6-8 days, excluding holidays and weekends. The price for obtaining a visa through the embassy will be 4,500 rubles.
Visa on arrival
When obtaining a visa on arrival, it is extremely important to carefully prepare the documentation:
- international passport with current validity period;
- permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Qatar;
- an official invitation from an employer or guarantor;
- round trip air tickets.
Visas on arrival
If you decide to open a visa at the border, be sure to obtain the consent of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Islamic state in advance (in writing). In addition, the host (sponsor or guarantor) must notify the Qatari Ministry of Internal Affairs in advance (at least 48 hours) about your upcoming visit and provide key information about you:
- flight number;
- day and time of arrival;
- passport details;
- religion
Depending on the purpose of your tour, a Qatari legal entity or individual can become a sponsor/guarantor:
- hotel;
- travel agency registered in Qatar;
- air carrier;
- citizen of the Emirate (your relative, friend, business partner);
- employer (in this case, preliminary confirmation of the sponsor and his citizenship, as well as your type of work activity, is required from the Qatar Immigration Department);
- government agency.
The cost of entry paper upon arrival is $70. To register, you must present:
- International passport valid for plus six months at the time of arrival.
- Fax consent of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Round trip air tickets.
- Hotel reservation or invitation from a sponsor/guarantor.
- Material guarantees (if necessary).
Formalities for obtaining a visa to Qatar
The procedure for obtaining a visa consists of several main stages. It is important to go through each of them, keeping in mind the important features.
Where can I get it?
A document permitting entry into Qatar can be obtained at the country's international airport. Its location is the capital of the state, Doha.
After arrival, a person is given a visa in their passport. Registration is possible only with the consent of the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The visa is prepared by the receiving party.
I can act as such:
- hotels and hotels;
- persons holding Qatari citizenship;
- airlines;
- state organizations.
The document can also be prepared through the Embassy. You must apply for a visa no later than a month before your trip.
.
The applicant must have a complete package of documents
.
The official diplomatic mission is located at: Moscow, st
. Koroviy Val, 7, apt. 196–198.
Sample bank account statement
Stages of registration
To obtain a tourist visa at the airport upon arrival, you must have permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is prepared by the receiving party. The applicant must send a fax no later than two days before the trip (optimally 3–5 days) indicating basic information about himself.
If a positive decision is made, the receiving party will send a copy of the permit for a visa upon arrival. A person must have it when going through passport control.
The visa is valid for 14 days. After this, the document may be extended for another 14 days.
. The applicant and sponsor need to visit the Qatar Immigration Department.
You can submit your visa application online. After filling out, copies of documents are attached to a special form
.
Payment of the fee is made by non-cash method. After approval, the electronic document is sent to the email address
.
The applicant prints it out through his personal account.
Visas at the diplomatic service
When you contact the diplomatic mission, a visa is also issued for $70. Applications are processed for at least 5 days (excluding weekends and holidays). Applicants submit:
- Questionnaires (in 3 copies). Information is entered in English or Arabic.
- Color or b/w photographs (3 pieces, attached to the application form). Card format – 38 by 48 mm or 35 by 45 mm.
- International passport valid for plus six months on the date of application.
- Fax invitation or confirmation of hotel room reservation.
- Material guarantees (if necessary, at least 1.4 thousand dollars).
Usually a visa is issued for the time specified in the invitation or hotel reservation.
Note! Information about children who have not yet turned 16 years old is recorded on the mother’s visa.
Features of obtaining a long-term visa at the consulate
In order not to worry about permission for long-term entry into the country, apply for a visa at the Qatar Embassy in Moscow.
To do this, you need to come with the following documents:
- A foreign passport (its “age” must be at least six months);
- Three photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm (both color and black and white versions are suitable);
- Three correctly completed forms in one of two languages (international English or Arabic used in Qatar) with the personal signature of the applicant;
- Documents confirming a hotel reservation or an invitation from a resident of the country (with presentation of a copy of his identity card - usually a passport) or an officially registered legal entity. An invitation from a person who has a residence permit in Qatar is also suitable.
Note!
- Children under sixteen years of age are included in the visa of the parents (usually the mother).
- The consulate takes a responsible approach to the issue of financial independence of a visitor to the country. Therefore, his representative may require proof of sufficient funds for the trip. Suitable: bank statement, cash, traveler's checks, credit card. Usually $1400 is enough.
- Consular fee – 33 (according to some sources, 70) US dollars.
- You can get a visa in about a month.
Rules for entry into Qatar for Russians in 2021
Filling out the form does not differ from the forms of other countries when crossing the border. But there are several important points to consider when filling out the form.
In the application form, it is necessary to ensure that the traveler’s first and last name matches the data indicated in the international passport. The form indicates the applicant's place and date of birth. Religion is indicated. A few more details for the questionnaire:
- the institution where the applicant works and what position he holds;
- enter information about the tourist’s previous visits to Qatar and indicate their date;
- indicate the expected date of entry and return from the country, as well as the flight number.
Another important point is the purpose of visiting the island.
When deciding to go on vacation, you should know how much a visa to Qatar costs for Russians.
A visa issued upon arrival is valid for a month and costs $28.
To obtain a long-term visa to Qatar, you pay a consular fee of $33. It is issued for the period specified in the invitation or hotel reservation.
It is worth noting initially that the airport terminal in Doha is very modern and well equipped. A transit visa to Qatar is not required for a transfer in the following cases:
- The time interval between flights is less than 72 hours.
- The traveler between flights is located within the transit area of the airport in Doha.
Hamad International Airport DOH cooperates with many air carriers, but the largest is Qatar Airways, which is recognized as the best airline in the world.
Nationals of all CIS countries can obtain a long-term visa to enter Qatar at the diplomatic mission of this republic at the place of actual residence of the applicant.
It is worth noting that this visa is not a transit visa. It allows you to stay in Qatar for the number of days for which the hotel room is booked. This visa is suitable for those Russians who want to stay in the country for more than 2 months.
To open a visa you will need:
- International passport.
- Application form in triplicate.
- Photos.
- Receipt showing payment of the $33 fee.
Visa-free entry to Qatar in 2021 is possible for citizens of the following countries:
- Russia,
- Ukraine,
- Belarus,
- Azerbaijan,
- Georgia,
- Moldova,
- Kazakhstan.
If the period of stay in the country does not exceed 30 days, the Qatari entry and exit stamp is simply affixed to the passport. Then the permit to stay in the country can be extended for another 30 days.
Documents required for travel:
- a foreign passport with a validity period of at least 6 months on the date of entry;
- ticket from Qatar;
- hotel reservation if you are going to spend several days in the country.
The trip can be extended for another month if desired. There is no information about restrictions on stay in Qatar yet.
Foreign workers working in Qatar are required to have an appropriate work visa. Sponsors can apply for the document online if they have all the required documents.
To apply, you must:
- Fill out the online application.
- Submit the required documents.
- Confirm and submit your application.
- Pay the required fees if the application is approved.
- Print your visa.
