Qatar Visa for US Citizens 2026 – Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Qatar in 2026? If you are a U.S. citizen holding a United States passport, this guide explains everything you need to know about entering Qatar — visa requirements, visa-free entry, stay duration, extensions, and important tips.

Updated for 2026 – US Passport Holders

learn more about QMC Qatar Medical Center 2026 guide

How to Apply for a U.S. Visa from Qatar (2026) – Complete Process

Applying for a U.S. visa from Qatar in 2025 depends on your nationality and purpose of travel. The application process differs for Qatari passport holders and residents of Qatar with other nationalities.

As of October 2024, Qatari citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to the United States for up to 90 days under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

1. U.S. Visa Process for Qatari Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)

If you hold a Qatari passport and plan to travel to the United States for tourism or business for less than 90 days, you do not need to apply for a U.S. visa.

ESTA Application Requirements

• Apply through the official ESTA website or the ESTA Mobile app
• ESTA approval is mandatory before travel

The ESTA Fee

• USD 21

ESTA Validity

• Generally valid for two years

2. U.S. Visa Application from Qatar for Residents & Other Nationalities

If you are a Qatar resident with a non-Qatari passport or you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a U.S. non-immigrant visa.

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

• Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) in English
• Save your Application ID to retrieve the form later if needed

Step 2: Pay the U.S. Visa Application Fee

• Visitor (B1/B2) and Student (F/M/J) visas:
  QAR 674 (USD 185)
• Work visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R):
  QAR 746 (USD 205)

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview

• Use the official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service
• Book your interview in the U.S. Embassy in Doha
• A new appointment scheduling system is in effect from February 9, 2025

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Bring the following documents to your interview:

• Original passport (valid for at least six months)
• Printed DS-160 confirmation page
• One U.S. visa photo (5×5 cm) with a white background
• Valid Qatar ID (mandatory for embassy entry)
• Proof of funds and supporting documents
  (such as NOC from employer, if applicable)

Step 5: Attend the U.S. Visa Interview

• All applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, must attend an in-person interview
• Interviews are conducted in the U.S. Embassy in Doha

Qatar Visa for US Citizens 2026 – Visa-Free Entry & Hayya E-Visa Guide

US citizens can enter Qatar visa-free for up to 90 days in 2026. This is the most common and easiest option. Travelers must carry a valid US passport and pay a small entry fee at the airport for the visa-on-arrival benefit.
Alternatively, US citizens may apply online for an A1 Tourist E-Visa via the official Hayya platform, which can streamline entry and support longer or specific stay needs.

Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens (Most Common Option)

• Stay Duration: Up to 90 days (extendable)
• Passport Requirement: US passport valid for at least 3 months
• Entry Fee: Approx. QAR 100, paid on arrival
• Health Insurance: May be mandatory (available for purchase at the airport)
• Process:
  • Arrive at Hamad International Airport
  • Passport is stamped on arrival
  • No prior visa application required

Hayya Portal (Optional / For Specific Needs)

Hayya is Qatar’s official digital platform for visas, entry approvals, and travel services.

A1 Tourist E-Visa

• Apply online before travel via Hayya
• Preferred by travelers who want pre-approved entry
• Requirements include:
  • Passport upload
  • Passport-size photo
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of funds
• Fees apply during application

Other Visa Types via Hayya

• GCC Resident Visa (A2)
• ETA-based Visas (A3) for specific cases
• Options for extensions or longer stays, depending on eligibility

How to Apply via Hayya (Online Method)

1. Visit hayya.qa or download the Hayya mobile app
2. Create an account using your email and password
3. Start your journey and complete the questionnaire
4. Select the appropriate visa type (usually A1 Tourist Visa)
5. Upload required documents:
   • Passport copy
   • Photo
   • Flight details
   • Accommodation information
6. Review and submit your application
7. Track status in your dashboard
8. Receive your e-visa via email or app after approval
   

How to Check Qatar Visa Status for US Citizens (2026

To check the status of a Qatar visa for a United States citizen or resident in 2025, the primary and official method is through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar portal. At present, Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) do not operate inside the United States, so all visa status checks must be completed online via MOI.

How to Check Your Qatar Visa Status Online (MOI Portal)

Step 1: Visit the Official MOI Qatar Portal

Access the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar Visa Inquiry page to begin the visa status check.

Step 2: Select Your Identification Method

You can check your visa status using either of the following options:

• 15-digit Qatar Visa Number, or
• Passport Number

Step 3: Enter Required Details

Provide the following information accurately:

• Enter your 15-digit visa number or your passport number
• Select USA (or your specific nationality) from the dropdown menu

Step 4: Complete Security Verification

Enter the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen to verify the request.

Step 5: View Your Visa Status

Click “Submit” to display your current Qatar visa status, which may show as:

• Under Process
• Approved
• Issued / Ready to Print
• Expired

This MOI portal is the only reliable source for checking Qatar visa status for US citizens and residents.

How to Check Qatar Visa Status for US Citizens (Online & Offline)

1. Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar – Official Visa Check

This is the primary and most reliable method to check visa status.

Steps:

• Visit moi.gov.qa
• Go to Visa Services
• Select Visa Inquiry & Printing
• Enter your passport number
• Submit to view visa status and validity

2. Qatar Visa Center (QVC) – Online Tracking

If your application was submitted through QVC:

• Visit the official QVC website
• Use the tracking option to check application progress
  (Note: QVC tracking applies only to specific nationalities and visa types)

3. Qatar Visa Center (Physical Visit)

You can also check visa status offline by:

• Visiting an authorized QVC center
• Carrying your passport and application receipt
• Requesting a status update at the service counter

How US Citizens Can Apply for a Qatar Visa (2026)

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

For longer stays or smoother entry, US citizens may use Visa on Arrival.

Requirements:

• Passport valid for 3+ months
• Confirmed hotel booking (often via Discover Qatar)
• Pay visa fee at the airport

Visa Fee:

• Approximately QAR 100 / USD 21

Hayya Portal (Online Visa Application)

US citizens can apply in advance through the Hayya platform.

Options:

• Hayya A2
• Hayya A3

Process:

• Apply online at www.hayya.qa
• Upload required documents
• Pay applicable fees before travel

Work & Long-Term Visas (Offline / Agency Process)

For employment or residency visas, the process usually involves:

• Applying through the Hayya platform, or
• Using an authorized service center or agent (such as VisaHQ)

Documents typically required:

• Passport
• Photographs
• Job offer or sponsor documents
• Additional supporting paperwork

Medical Requirements for U.S. Citizens – Travel & Immigration Guide (2026)

Medical requirements for U.S. citizens vary depending on whether you are traveling internationally or seeking immigration/adjustment of status. These requirements focus on preventing communicable diseases and ensuring public health safety.

1. U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad (Example: Qatar)

Visa Requirements:

• For short stays, U.S. citizens often receive a Visa on Arrival or can apply via e-visa.
• Always check official government travel portals for updated entry rules based on nationality.

Medical Requirements:

• Generally, no mandatory medical exam is required for tourist visas.
• Health insurance is strongly recommended for your stay.
• For residency or work visas in Qatar, health screenings may include:
  • TB screening
  • HIV, Hepatitis tests
  • Basic blood work and X-rays

Tip: Even if not mandatory, having vaccinations up-to-date can help with smooth entry and compliance with employer/host requirements.

2. U.S. Citizens Seeking to Immigrate or Adjust Status (Green Card / Permanent Residency)

Medical Examination:

• Must be conducted by a USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon in the U.S. or a panel physician abroad.
• Ensures applicants are not inadmissible due to communicable diseases or conditions likely to require excessive public funds.

Typical Components of the Immigration Medical Exam:

1. Medical History & Physical Examination – Comprehensive evaluation of past and current health conditions.
2. Chest X-Ray – Screening for tuberculosis (TB).
3. Blood Tests – Includes syphilis testing (for ages 15+) and other standard labs.

Vaccination Requirements:

• Hepatitis B
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Polio
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Meningococcal
• Pneumococcal
• Rotavirus
• Influenza
• COVID-19 (depending on age or date of exam)

Documentation Needed:

• Passport or ID
• Vaccination records
• Medical history forms
• Applicable fees

Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Qatar in 2026?

Good news! 🇶🇦 U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a traditional visa before arriving in Qatar for short visits.
Under current entry rules, U.S. passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry or a visa-on-arrival for tourism, business, or general travel purposes.

✅ Visa-Free / Visa-On-Arrival Eligibility

As of 2026, citizens of the United States are included in Qatar’s visa-exempt list, allowing them to enter Qatar without a pre-arranged visa and stay for:

• Up to 90 days per visit, with multiple entry options available.

This visa-free status makes travel simple and convenient — ideal for tourists, business visitors, and travellers on layovers.

Qatar Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens (2026) – Complete Guide

US citizens can enter Qatar without applying for a visa and stay for up to 90 days visa-free, thanks to Qatar’s visa waiver policy. This entry permission is issued on arrival and does not require pre-approval, making travel to Qatar simple and fast for American passport holders.

In a major update implemented in late 2024, Qatar officially extended the visa-free stay for US citizens from 30 days to 90 days, valid into 2026.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Qatar?

No.
US passport holders do not need to apply for a Qatar visa in advance. Instead, they receive a visa waiver on arrival, sometimes still referred to as a visa on arrival, although it is technically a visa-free entry permit.

Qatar Visa-Free Stay Duration for US Citizens

• Maximum stay: 90 days
• Rule: 90 days within a 180-day period
• Extension: May be extendable in certain cases through MOI Qatar

This makes Qatar one of the most accessible Middle Eastern destinations for US travelers.

Qatar Entry Requirements for US Citizens (Visa-Free)

To enter Qatar under the visa-free policy, US travelers must meet the following requirements:

1. US Passport Validity

• Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from arrival
• Some airlines prefer 6 months validity, so longer validity is strongly recommended

2. Visa Waiver on Arrival (Hayya System)

• No prior visa application required
• Entry is granted automatically at immigration

3. Confirmed Accommodation

You must show:

• Hotel booking confirmation OR
• Host address in Qatar + copy of host’s Qatar ID

4. Return or Onward Ticket

• Proof of exit from Qatar before the 90-day limit

5. Proof of Sufficient Funds

• Immigration or airlines may ask for evidence of funds to cover your stay

6. Health Insurance

• Strongly recommended
• Can be purchased on arrival if not already covered

How Qatar Visa-Free Entry Works for US Passport Holders

Step 1: Arrive in Qatar with required documents
Step 2: Immigration verifies passport and travel details
Step 3: Visa waiver is granted on arrival
Step 4: Enter Qatar legally for up to 90 days

There is no fee for the visa-free entry.

Important Airline Check (Very Important)

Some airlines—especially non-Qatar Airways carriers—may request additional documents before boarding, such as:

• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket
• Proof of funds
• “OK to Board” confirmation

Passport Requirements for Visa-Free Entry

Before traveling to Qatar, make sure your U.S. passport meets the following:

✅ Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Qatar
✅ Present a confirmed return or onward ticket
✅ Show proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details) if asked by immigration officials

Duration of Stay for U.S. Citizens

🟢 Visa-Free Entry Allowance

• U.S. passport holders can stay in Qatar up to 90 days per visit without applying for a visa beforehand.
• You may also leave and re-enter Qatar multiple times under this scheme as long as your passport remains valid and the entry conditions are met.

This extended 90-day stay has been in effect since October 2024 as part of visa policy updates for U.S. travel.

Can You Extend Your Stay in Qatar?

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you generally must:

✔ Apply for a visa extension through the Ministry of Interior’s immigration system before your current stay expires
✔ Meet extension requirements such as valid passport and accommodation proof

Extensions are possible, but always check the latest MOI requirements or the Visit Qatar website for specific procedures

Other Ways to Enter Qatar (Optional Pre-Application)

If you prefer to get authorization before travel, Qatar offers options such as:

🟡 Entry via Hayya Portal (ETA / eVisa)

• U.S. citizens may apply for an eVisa or travel authorization like the Hayya A3 Entry Visa
• This gives pre-approval before arrival, which can be useful for certain travel plans
• Documents required typically include a valid passport, confirmed accommodation, and return ticket

This isn’t required for most U.S. visitors but can provide certainty ahead of travel.

Visa Fees and Costs (If Applicable)

For visa-exempt status, there is no separate visa application fee for most U.S. citizens under the standard visa-free entry rules.

In rare cases if entry fees are applied at the airport (as reported by some travellers), charges can be modest — often around QAR 100 (~$27) — but this is less common under the current visa-free regime. 

Conclusion  

In 2026, Qatar visa rules for U.S. citizens remain simple and traveler-friendly. Americans enjoy 90-day visa-free entry, easy visa-on-arrival, and optional Hayya online visas. Whether checking Qatar visa status, entering visa-free, or applying for a U.S. visa from Qatar, following official MOI and embassy guidelines ensures smooth travel. Qatar continues to rank among the easiest Middle East destinations for U.S. passport holders.

 

FAQs

Do US visa holders need a visa to travel to Qatar in 2025?

Yes, US visa holders may or may not need a Qatar visa, depending entirely on their nationality, not on holding a US visa.
If your nationality is included in Qatar’s visa-free entry or visa waiver on arrival list, you can enter Qatar without applying in advance. Otherwise, you must obtain a visa before travel.

Does holding a US visa give visa-free entry to Qatar?

No. A US visa alone does not grant visa-free access to Qatar.
Qatar’s immigration rules are nationality-based, not visa-based. However, holders of valid US visas may qualify for a simplified Qatar eVisa (Hayya ETA – A3) if their nationality is eligible.

Which nationalities can enter Qatar visa-free in 2025?

In 2025, Qatar offers visa-free or visa-waiver-on-arrival access to over 95 nationalities.
Eligible travelers can stay 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality, for tourism purposes.

Important: Visa-free eligibility depends only on your passport nationality, not your US visa.

How long can visa-free travelers stay in Qatar?

Visa-free travelers may stay:

• 30 days (extendable by another 30 days), or
• 90 days, depending on nationality

Extensions are processed through Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI).

What are the requirements for Qatar visa waiver on arrival?

To receive a free Qatar visa waiver on arrival, you must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Confirmed return or onward flight
• Hotel booking via Discover Qatar
• Proof of sufficient funds (credit card or bank statement)

Entry is subject to immigration approval upon arrival.

What visa options are available for US visa holders traveling to Qatar?

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you can apply for one of the following Qatar visas:

1. Qatar Tourist Visa (A1)

• Valid for 30 days
• Extendable for another 30 days
• Available via embassy or Hayya Portal

2. Qatar eVisa / Hayya ETA (A3)

• Online application
• Stay up to 30 days
• Simplified process for holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visas

3. GCC Resident Visa (A2)

• For residents of GCC countries
• Valid for 30 days, extendable
• Requires valid GCC residency permit

4. Visa for Companions of GCC Citizens (A4)

• For individuals accompanying GCC nationals
• Requires proof of relationship

What is the Hayya Platform and how does it work?

The Hayya Platform is Qatar’s official eVisa and travel authorization system.
It allows travelers to:

• Apply for Qatar visas online
• Upload documents
• Pay visa fees
• Track application status

How do I apply for a Qatar eVisa (Hayya ETA)?

To apply for a Qatar eVisa:

1. Visit the Hayya Portal
2. Select “Start the Hayya Journey”
3. Choose your travel option
4. Select your nationality
5. Complete the online application
6. Upload required documents
7. Pay the visa fee
8. Receive approval by email

Processing usually takes up to 5 business days.

What documents are required for a Qatar visa?

Common Qatar visa requirements include:

• Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photo (white background)
• Flight itinerary
• Hotel booking via Discover Qatar
• Proof of funds
• Health insurance (mandatory)
• Employment or occupation proof (if requested)

Additional documents may be required depending on visa type and nationality.

Is health insurance mandatory for Qatar entry?

Yes. In 2025, health insurance is mandatory for all visa-required travelers to Qatar.
Insurance must be issued by providers approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health.

How long does Qatar visa processing take?

Estimated processing times:

• Qatar eVisa (A3): Up to 5 business days
• Tourist Visa (A1): 7–14 business days
• GCC Resident Visa (A2): 14+ business days
• Companion Visa (A4): 14+ business days

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of travel.

Can I extend my Qatar visa or visa waiver?

Yes. Most Qatar visas and visa waivers can be extended for up to 30 additional days through:

• Ministry of Interior website
• MOI Service Centers in Qatar

Apply before your visa expires to avoid fines.

What happens if I overstay my Qatar visa?

Overstaying a Qatar visa results in:

• Daily fines
• Possible travel bans
• Deportation in serious cases

Always ensure your visa status remains valid.

What are Qatar’s entry requirements in 2025?

Upon arrival, travelers may be asked to show:

• Valid passport (6+ months)
• Health insurance
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation

Certain items such as alcohol, pork products, narcotics, weapons, and restricted medications are prohibited.

Where can I get official Qatar visa information?

For the most accurate updates, consult:

• Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar
• Visit Qatar
• Hayya Portal
• Embassy of Qatar in Washington, DC

Qatar Embassy in the United States – Contact Details

1. Address: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
2. Phone: +1 202-274-1600
3. Email: info.dc@mofa.gov.qa
4. Website: washington.embassy.qa
5. Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM