Qatar goes visa-free for 80 countries

Qatar has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries with immediate effect. The countries include the USA, the UK, Canada, India, South Africa, Seychelles, Australia, and New Zealand among others, according to a Reuters report.

Citizens of these countries will not need to apply or pay for a visa. They will be issued a multi-entry visa waiver free of charge at the port of entry if they are holding a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

The duration of stay is dependent on the nationality. The nationals of 33 countries will get a waiver of 180 days and can spend a total of 90 days, during either on a single trip or multiple trips. The nationals of 47 countries will get a waiver of 30 days and can spend same number of 30 days, during either on a single trip or multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for additional 30 days.

The move makes Qatar the most open country in the region, claimed Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority.

However, the decision on the entry to Qatar is the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.