Qatar scraps visas for UK tourists with immediate effect

UK tourists are among those from a total of 80 countries who no longer need a visa to travel to Qatar following a sudden change in the country’s policy.

Instead, UK visitors will be able to apply for a visa waiver on arrival, which will allow them to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an additional 30-day extension.

Arrivals will need to present a passport with at least six months validity and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Citizens of 46 other countries will also get up to 30 days visa-free access, while citizens of 33 other countries – including most of the EU with the notable exception of Ireland – will be given 90 days visa-free access.

Qatar is also considering waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or valid visa from several countries, including the UK. This waiver would allow eligible visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation by completing an online application at least 48 hours prior to travel.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways said this was part of a series of measures to facilitate access to the country.

Last month, Qatar launched an e-visa platform, through which travellers of all nationalities can apply for tourist and visitor visas with more efficiency and ease.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency 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.

"Qatar Airways is the patriotic flag carrier for the State of Qatar and as such we are extremely honoured to bring millions of people each year to our beautiful, welcoming and historic country. This important initiative from the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Tourism Authority will provide an opportunity to welcome even more visitors, from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them."

QTA chief tourism development officer Hassan Al Ibrahim said: "Easing entry to Qatar is a key enabler for the growth of Qatar’s tourism industry.

"With this announcement we are already turning the pages of the next chapter of Qatar’s journey towards 2030.

"Together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have examined all of the elements needed to create a smooth and enticing experience that can attract visitors from around the world.

"There is no doubt that facilitating and streamlining access at all ports of entry are key factors in creating a positive first and lasting impression of Qatar."

Brigadier Mohammed Al Ateeq, director general of the Department of Passport and Expatriates Affairs at MoI, added: "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.

In May, QTA launched +Qatar, an initiative to promote the country as a stopover destination, with the national carrier, Qatar Airways.

These measures, along with intensified international marketing, have resulted in a 39% rise in the number of stopover visitors during the first six months of 2017, compared with the same period last year.