13 Jan 2017
Many travellers have started benefiting from the relaxed transit visa rules applicable for Qatar Airways passengers with a minimum layover of five hours in Doha.
Free transit visas for short stopovers was implemented since November 1 last year to attract more visitors to the country. The new system allows transiting passengers of all nationalities to enter Qatar for up to 96 hours in between flights.
Several travellers The Peninsula spoke to shared their experiences saying the visa procedures were very convenient and their stay in Doha was memorable. Passengers travelling with Qatar Airways with a minimum transit time of five hours at Hamad International Airport can stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours, by applying for an entry visa in advance.
Passengers booking a multi-city option with Qatar Airways can simply include the stopover in Doha to their booking, at no extra charge. The ticket bookings and applications for the pre-approved transit visa should be done at least seven days (excluding public holidays) prior to departure. The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Wathsala Perera who visited Doha with her mother in December said: “Applying for the visa via Qatar Airways was very easy. Within three days we received our visas. I have a British passport and my mom has a Sri Lankan passport but we both got our visas within same period.”
Within 11 hours of transit, they were able to visit several places in the country. “It was really a good experience to visit a Middle Eastern county for the first time. It really changed my perception about the region. All I have read is that these countries have strict rules, especially for women. We thought women should cover head to toe with oversized clothes but in Qatar we were wearing the same dress we dressed in the UK . During the visit I managed to see the desert, camels for the first time and to buy fresh dates from the market. I really enjoyed the traditional atmosphere of Souq Waqif and the modern structures in Doha and the City Centre shopping mall,” said Perera.
She, however, suggested that a fast track visa processing desk for transit visa holders and shuttle service between the airport and the Doha downtown and other major attractions would help passengers save time.
To apply for a transit visa, a confirmed ticket to Qatar and onwards on one of the Qatar Airways operated flights is required, along with a clear passport copy for each passenger (including infants). The passport should be valid for a minimum of six months at the time of entry into Qatar.
Visitors praise Qatar Airways
However, entry into Qatar will be at the discretion of the immigration authorities and the Qatar Airways offices act only as a processing agent for visa applications.
Rickaz Raheem, who plans to visit Doha next month using a transit visa, along with his spouse and son, said, “I’m glad that an airline operator in the Gulf region is facilitating an easy transit visa process. In general, booking tickets via Qatar Airways website is very convenient. I find it professional and user- friendly. Once the ticket is booked the website automatically asks if the passenger requires a visa to Qatar. Once we enter the visa application page all our details get automatically updated and the only additional requirement is to attach the first page of our passports and provide with the address and contact mobile number during our stay in Doha.”
“We got our visas within three days. I have travelled to a few countries, including some in the GCC and would say this was the most hassle free experience in getting a visa,” he added.
Nahna, who had a stopover in Doha while travelling from Germany to Dubai, said: “My husband and son have German passports and they are eligible for on-arrival visa in Doha. But I, having an Indian passport, always had to go through the standard visa applying procedures when we visit our relatives in Doha. But with this new transit visa system it was very easy to apply and it is free of charge.”
“It’s convenient and saves time as well as money,” she added.
Some travellers have also shared their experience on social networking sites.
“We did a 36 layover in Doha and am very glad we did! That time was enough for us to see around the country and it is definitely something everyone should do. The Museum of Islamic Arts alone is worth the trip, and admission is free,” said a traveller.
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Credit: Fazeena Saleem / The Peninsula
Source URL:http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/01/2017/Relaxed-transit-visa-rules-impress-visitors-Visitors-praise-Qatar-Airways