Qatar will allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, with immediate effect, Qatari officials announced today.

The countries include the UK, the USA, Canada, India, South Africa, Seychelles, Australia and New Zealand.

Citizens of those countries wishing to visit Qatar will not need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days, and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar (multiple-entry); or it will be valid for 30 days and entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in

Qatar (multiple-entry) with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days.*

Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority said, “With 80 nationalities eligible for a free visa waiver upon arrival, Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures.”

In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities transiting in Qatar for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days). In May 2017, QTA and Qatar Airways launched +Qatar, a package which includes a free night’s stay in a 5- or 4- star hotel in Doha, alongside a complimentary transit visa.

*Entry to Qatar is approved at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Today’s announcement places the State of Qatar as the most open country in the region. This is a momentous occasion for Qatar, making the number of nationalities eligible to enter our country without a visa the highest in region, which is something that we are very proud of.”

Brigadier Mohammed Al Ateeq, Director General of the Department of Passport and Expatriates Affairs at MoI, commented, “We are very pleased to announce that nationals of 80 countries are now eligible for a visa waiver and can enter Qatar without requiring any prior visa arrangements. Together with our partners at QTA and Qatar Airways, we have been working to enhance our country’s visa policies and implement solutions to better facilitate travel to Qatar. Further enhancements are being studied and we look forward to announcing them in due course.”

In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities transiting in Qatar for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days).

When the likes of maternal and ugosample are busy with their hate campaign against Nigeria, posting rubbish on the internet, how will we be respected by other countries like Qatar?

Good initiative by Qatar to boost its economy coming on the heels of the economic embargo placed on it by the likes of Saudi Arabia, The UAE, Egypt... With respect to the list of visa free travellers to Qatar, Nigerians should not weep about it because after all Seychelles and South Africa are the only African countries in the list.

Pidgin2:
When the likes of maternal and ugosample are busy with their hate campaign against Nigeria, posting rubbish on the internet, how will we be respected by other countries like Qatar?

Ugosample:

Looool!!

She's now putting the blame on you now.

Pidgin2:
When the likes of maternal and ugosample are busy with their hate campaign against Nigeria, posting rubbish on the internet, how will we be respected by other countries like Qatar?

So you think the posts of 2 individuals here is why Nigeria isn't on the list? Nothing to do with the pervasive corruption and poverty in your country? Nothing to do with a country so lawless that it's president can take 3 month sabbaticals in a foreign country with no consequence? You have your priorities seriously warped.

Beautyaddy:

Looool!!
She's now putting the blame on you now.

See me see problem o

But where is lalasticlala now sef

Pidgin2:
When the likes of maternal and ugosample are busy with their hate campaign against Nigeria, posting rubbish on the internet, how will we be respected by other countries like Qatar?

Your matter nor be here o

The announcement also suggests that Nigerians with valid visas to countries like US, UK,and other Shengen countries are qualified for a visa waiver at Qatar's Poe.

Ugosample:

Why u dey shine teeth

Ekpekus:

Your matter nor be here o

Who expected Nigeria to be there before
Where is Kenya jooor

Even US can only get 30 days while Italy can stay for more than 90 days

They said country ! Nigeria is no more a country but a zoo

Pidgin2:
When the likes of maternal and ugosample are busy with their hate campaign against Nigeria, posting rubbish on the internet, how will we be respected by other countries like Qatar?

Pidgin2 na wah for u ooo. U no dey tire haba. How do u reason? By d way do u still ve 22hrs light?

The international community are not blind to d fact that d doomed nation u love dearly is not to be reckoned with when u re talking of countries.

Look at d the list especially d first list and google d countries on that list u wud see y citizens of those countries dont even need a visa to Qatar.

By d way Qatar is a country with huge oil and gas deposit like doomed Nigeria yet Nigeria is no match with Qatar.

Pidgin2 most patriotic Nigerian who loves Nigeria more than all Nigerians. How market na