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The increased diplomatic isolation and sanctions from the neighbouring Arab nations have had a detremental domino effect on Qatar’s economy, tourism included. In a welcome move, Qatar has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, effective immediately (August 9, 2017).
In addition, Qatar is also considering waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or a valid visa from the nations of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Kuwait, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Schengen countries.
Qatar visa-free entry
According to the press release by Qatar Airways;
A) Nationals of the following 33 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.
1. Austria
2. Bahamas
3. Belgium
4. Bulgaria
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czech Republic
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Netherlands
23. Norway
24. Poland
25. Portugal
26. Romania
27. Seychelles
28. Slovakia
29. Slovenia
30. Spain
31. Sweden
32. Switzerland
33. Turkey
B) Nationals of the following 47 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days.
1. Andorra
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. Belarus
5. Bolivia
6. Brazil
7. Brunei
8. Canada
9. Chile
10. China
11. Colombia
12. Ecuador
13. Panama
14. Costa Rica
15. Georgia
16. Guyana
17. Hong Kong
18. India
19. Indonesia
20. Ireland
21. Japan
22. Kazakhstan
23. Lebanon
24. Azerbaijan
25. Macedonia
26. Malaysia
27. Maldives
28. Mexico
29. Moldova
30. Monaco
31. New Zealand
32. Paraguay
33. Peru
34. Russia
35. San Marino
36. Singapore
37. South Africa
38. South Korea
39. Suriname
40. Cuba
41. Thailand
42. Ukraine
43. United Kingdom
44. United States
45. Uruguay
46. Vatican City
47. Venezuela
Take Away
Qatar visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries is a welcome news, certainly for the tourism industry and hopefully, the economy on a whole. This is in addition to the free transit visa program that applies to passengers of all nationalities transiting Qatar, a stay of up to 96 hours. As for travel, Qatar is now the most welcoming and barrier-free Arab country.
