Qatar business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time
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- rBusiness visarequired
The Qatar business visa is one of the most sought-after visas in the world. Every year, millions of visitors visit the country to invest in the local economy or explore emerging opportunities. If you would like to visit Qatar on a business trip, this is one article you would like to read. Below, we furnish you with all the information you need about the visa, the documents required, and how to apply.
Qatar At A Glance
Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and the citizenry enjoys one of the highest living standards ever. The country also boasts the most significant trade, financial and business sectors in the Middle East, with big brands and conglomerates setting up shop there. Despite being a small country with an even smaller population, Qatar remains relevant in the international business community. The petroleum and gas industry, primarily Qatar’s major revenue earner, fueled the economy.
With a limitless oil and gas reserve, the country sustains the economy of other nations by providing energy. Furthermore, the Qatari royal family has successfully diversified the economy away from oil into multiple sectors such as real estate, financial services, tourism, sports, events, exhibitions, etc. This move has strengthened the Qatar economy and attracted millions of professionals and investors from around the world.
To make the process more cohesive, the Qatari government launched a particular type of visa called the business visa.
Qatar Business Visa
A business visa is a special travel permit or authorization issued to company employees, entrepreneurs, or investors. This visa allows them entry into Qatar to pursue their economic interests. Business visas offer a temporary stay in Qatar and are not the same as employment visas. This means that business visitor is not allowed to engage in any form of work that will earn them direct pay. Although the visa is for commercial purposes, there are strict laws and guidelines governing the actions and activities of the visitor.
Who Is Eligible For A Qatar Visa?
This visa is only issued to visitors that meet certain conditions. Firstly, the applicant must only enter the country for professional, investment, or business purposes. Secondly, they must provide clear and valid documents issued by their sponsors in Qatar. Also of importance is the applicant’s age, as the visa cannot be issued to a person under the age of 18. Lastly, the applicant must have a valid passport and no criminal records.
Types Of Qatar Business Visa
The Qatari government has also introduced different types of visas for business visitors to cater to their needs. Let’s review them below.
72 Hours Visa: The 72 hours Qatar Visa has the shortest timeframe. It is issued on arrival at the airport for visitors coming for business meetings, exhibitions, and conferences. However, the holder may apply for a further 72 hours extension once they arrive in Qatar.
30/90 Days Visa: The 30 or 90 days visa is issued to people coming to execute short-term projects, most of whom are professionals like consultants and contractors. This visa is applied for by authorized agents and businesses in Qatar, and a sponsorship letter is issued to the applicant, which they must take to the embassy. The 30-day visa can be extended for another 60 days, while the 90 days visa can be extended for another 9 months. However, note that only those who meet specified conditions will be issued the extension.
Qatar Business Visa Fee
Like with all visas, this one has a non-refundable fee. Paying this fee does not mean that your application will be accepted, but it is mandatory that you pay it; otherwise, your application will be rejected. The fee depends on the one you apply for.
72 Hours Visa fee is QR 50
30 Days Visa fee is QR 200 for each month you stay
90 Days Visa fee is QR 200 per month
These fees are payable in the equivalent local currency.
How To Apply For This Visa Online
The authorities have made it easier for applicants to apply for this visa online if they can’t make it to get embassy. Fortunately, VisaHQ offers applicants easy access in just a few steps. Here are the steps to take
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Qatar as your destination
Choose your country
Select Business Visa
Complete the application form
Upload the required documents
Pay the visa fee with your credit or debit card
Submit for processing
You may also submit your application to the Qatar embassy in your country
Business Visa Requirements
Completed application form
Valid passport
Company ID card
Round-trip flight tickets
Visa fee receipt
Letter of invitation
Cover Letter
Hotel reservation
Additional documents may be required for this Qatar business visa aside from those listed above.
Qatar Visa Policy
Any visitor traveling to Qatar will need a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Visa-exempt visitors are persons from GCC countries and other visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver countries. There are also three ways to obtain visas which can be done online, through the website of an airline company or the embassy. Furthermore, persons traveling to Qatar must have passports with a minimum of six months' validity from the date of arrival.
Qatar Visa Exempt Countries
The Kingdom of Qatar has a visa exemption list containing countries it shares multilateral and bilateral relationships with. Under the visa waiver program citizens of visa waiver countries can visit Qatar without visas as long as they plan to stay for only a short while lasting no more than 90 days in some cases.
Visa exempt visitors can come for tourism, business or transit but cannot live permanently or work in the country.
Gulf Cooperation Council
Qatar is one of the official members of the Gulf Cooperation Council which is an economic and cultural association of Gulf countries. Under the GCC agreement, GCC citizens enjoy freedom of entry and exit in and out of member countries where they can live indefinitely. Citizens are also allowed to make such trips with their valid ID cards if they don't have passports. The countries that make up the Council are Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Apart from GCC citizens, Qatar also extends visa free access to other nationalities for 90 and 30 days respectively. The duration of time they can stay in the country is dependent on their nationality. Furthermore, the duration is constrained to a 180 days time cycle. For instance, an eligible visitor may be allowed to stay for 90 or 30 days but only within 180 days. So if they exhaust the maximum number of days, they must wait for the cycle to end before attempting another trip to the country.
Some nationals from these countries may apply to extend their stay by an extra 30 days, while citizens of Iran coming for business may obtain visas on arrival if they can show a confirmed hotel reservation in one of the designated VOA hotels or an invitation letter from a company certified by the government of Qatar.
Qatari Visa On Arrival
Nationals from some countries qualify for visas on arrival so they can board flights heading to the Gulf kingdom without visas. On arrival at the airport, they will be issued a visa for a varying number of days. This option is only open to visitors from a few countries and they can only stay for 90 or 30 days depending on their passport.
Qatar Electronic Travel Authorization
The electronic travel authorization of the Qatari government is open to citizens of foreign countries who hold valid visas or resident permits from New Zealand, Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Schengen countries, or GCC countries. Such persons must obtain an Online ETA if they are not from any visa-free countries so they can enter Qatar and stay for up to 30 days per visit.
However, ETA can be extended for a further 30 days if the need arises.
As for international travelers, the policy doesn't mandate them to hold a transit visa regardless of their nationality if they transit through Hamad International Airport and will depart within 24 hours. The free transit visa is only for trackers using Qatar Airways.
The online ETA is the fastest way to get an entry document into Qatar since you don't have to submit any physical application to the embassy or consulate abroad. While conventional applications take a longer time to process, ETA applications only take three days or less. All the applicant needs to do is complete the online application form, attach the necessary documents, pay the processing fee and submit. Once approved the ETA will he forwarded to their email.
Key Points About The Qatar Electronic Travel Authorization
If you are traveling to Qatar and plan to apply for ETA, here is the important information to remember.
Only For Approved Travel Documents: Never forget that this document is for non-visa-exempt visitors with valid visas or resident permits issued by selected countries. If you don't have any of these, you should apply for a consular visa instead. The approved countries are Schengen countries, GCC countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Also, ensure that your visa or residence permit is still valid.
Use The Same Passport: The approved Qatari ETA is linked to your passport, so traveling with a different passport is a big fail. You must travel with the same passport; otherwise, you will not be allowed into the country on account of not having a passport.
Print The ETA: It is always best to print out the ETA once you get it and carry it with you wherever you go throughout your stay in the Gulf country in case law enforcement officers engage you in public.
Respect The Local Laws. Qatar may be one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf region, but it is still a nation founded on Islamic principles, which must be respected by all. Always abide by the local laws and customs throughout your stay in the country, and be modest at all times, especially in public.
It Is Not A Visa: Bear in mind that ETA is not a visa but an entry permit for short-term visits.
You are only allowed to stay for 30 days and an additional 30 days as an extension and not a day more. This is not a work, study, or residential visa. If you have any planned activity that will take more than the stipulated days of grace, you should apply for a visa instead.
Leave Before Your Visa Expires: Last but not least is to make sure you are out of the country before your visa expires. Overstaying with an expired visa is a crime that may attract sanctions, jail time, or a ban from entering the country again.
Qatar Visa Online – Get your Qatar e-Visa with VisaHQ
Are you planning a short visit to Qatar in the coming weeks or months? If you are, you should consider applying for an online visa if you are eligible for it. Online visas are easy to apply for and are issued within three days of submitting your application form.
How To Apply For A Visa On VisaHQ?
It is easy to apply for an online visa or ETA with VisaHQ in just a few steps, as we will explain below.
Complete The Application Form: The first step is to navigate to the application page, select the ETA or e-visa you want, and fill it out. This should only take a few minutes, but ensure you fill out every section accurately.
Upload your documents: Upload the bio-data page of your passport and many other necessary documents about the ETA you've picked. Remember, only valid documents will be accepted. Then pay the application fee with your debit or credit card and submit it for approval.
Get the ETA: The ETA will be processed by the authorities and delivered to your email. Print it out and travel with the copy.
Why Use VisaHQ
There are so many reasons to use VisaHQ, and one of them is the ease of application without needing the help of a travel agent. Our standard DIY process can be completed by you even without prior experience. If you use VisaHQ, you can
- Apply for multiple online visas
- Track your application status with your device
- Have your information and documents protected with advanced security software
- Get technical help from our experts when necessary
And so much more. Kindly visit our application page now to apply.