Free transit visa on arrival scheme to be implemented soon
Qatar announced a major policy shift when it agreed to offer free visit visas to transit passengers who had time to kill between flights. Though the announcement came a few weeks back, no specific timeline had been given as to when it would be implemented.
Recent reports in the media say that the scheme, which is available only for travellers with Qatar Airways, is set to become a reality soon.
“The new transit visa scheme ‘is in the process of being put into effect,’ said a release from the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). The scheme is widely expected to be implemented by the end of the year.
While passengers are not be required to apply for the transit visa in advance, QTA stressed they should check with their nearest Qatar Airways office if it has come into effect before planning to travel via Doha.
“If the new transit visa scheme has not come into effect by the time they are due to travel via Doha, passengers should apply for a tourist visa in advance through QA,” QTA noted.
At the moment, people of 38 nationalities are eligible to apply for visa from the Hamad International Airport (HIA), on arrival, for QR100.
QTA is aiming to promote Qatar as a great tourist destination to over 30 million passengers that passes through the HIA’s doors every year.
Go ahead and implement if the authorities are in agreement.
Qatar Air already doing a great job to the countries tourism and hotel occupancy. May other direct and indirect advantages for the economy and the business.
Please provide counters for all hotel. Make the booth sharing or smaller.or else find away to represent all hotel in a professional manner in the airport.
Make sure the all airport staff are trained and groomed as per the QA standard.
Make the first impression of a guest to Qatar great.
I am a hotelier and any of the guest visiting qatar should feel utmost comfort from the first instance.