Information on Blackout Travel Dates

Blackout Travel Dates: November 29 - December 3:

The U.S. Embassy has received the following guidance from the Airport Immigration Authority on the issuance of entry visas to Qatar during the U.N. Financing for Development Review Conference, which will be held from November 29 through December 3, 2008.

1) The Authority will not issue tourist or business visas for people who want to enter Qatar under a hotel or company sponsorship during November 29 through December 3, 2008. Visitors who hold passports from USA, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, The Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea can still receive tourist visas upon arrival.

2) For those persons who already entered Qatar under a hotel or company sponsorship, the Authority will extend their visas only up to November 29, 2008. Please note that most hotels are booked to capacity during this time.

3) The Authority will resume issuing tourist and business visas for those people who want to enter into Qatar under a hotel or company sponsorship on December 4, 2008.

4) Diplomatic ID or residency permit holders can enter into and depart from Qatar during November 29 through December 3, 2008.

5) The Authority will issue visas for people who want to enter into Qatar under the sponsorship of Embassies during November 29 through December 3, 2008.

6) The Authority will issue visa on arrival at the Doha International Airport during November 29 through December 3, 2008 for those nationals who are eligible to receive visa on arrival at the airport, including American citizens. However, they will need the No Objection letter if they previously worked in Qatar and had a Resident Permit cancelled, and now want to enter as a tourist.