How to Get Qatar Tourist Visit Visa from London
Qatar is a former British protectorate and enjoys good ties with the United Kingdom. The kingdom is the fastest growing economy in the world and attracts huge amounts of investment and workers from around the world. As far as Middle Eastern countries are concerned, Qatar is a relatively open country and is the the location of U.S. Central Command’s Forward Headquarters and the Combined Air Operations Center. They also are home to Al-Jazeera and a huge oil and gas industry. In order to visit Qatar, British citizens can obtain a visa on entry at the airport.
Visit: Qatar Embassy website
Instructions
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1
British Citizens
A legal citizen of the UK will be issued a 30 days visa on entry into Qatar when they pass through immigration. This means that you do not need to apply for a visa from the Qatar Embassy in London. However, if you need to get your passport stamped before you enter you can apply at the embassy and follow the same procedure as non-British citizens.
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2
Other Citizens
If your country of citizenship is not listed in the 34 countries who have an agreement with the Qatari government you have to apply directly to the Embassy before you travel. The following countries DO NOT need to apply in advance:
Andorra, Iceland, Singapore, Australia, Italy, South Korea, Austria, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Japan, Sweden, Britain, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Brunei, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Malaysia, Vatican, Denmark, Monaco, France, Netherlands, Finland, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Greece, Portugal, Hong Kong and San Marino.
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3
Applying for a visa
You can visit the Qatar embassy between 10 AM to 1 PM. You will need to go personally to the embassy or apply though a third party. If you go to the embassy, you will need to have the following information and documents with you:
a) Fill out the application that can be downloaded here.
b) A valid passport that will not expire for at least 6 months.
c) 2 passport size photographs
d) All visitors need a return ticket back to their departure point.
e) Proof of funds is required and that is usually done through the most recent bank statement.
f) Invitation from your sponsor in Qatar is required. This can be a company or individual. However, if the person sponsoring you is a non-citizen they have to attach valid credentials of residency along with the invite. The letter must also include contact details of both host and invitee, purpose, duration of stay and accommodation details that will including address, signature and date.
g) You also need to provide a letter that is written to the Qatar Embassy. This letter will state your intention of visit, dates of traveling, accommodation details and cities you plan to visit.
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Visa Fees
A fee will apply in order for your visa to be processed. This is something that all applicants must do including British Citizens. The fee is 150 RQ which comes out to be approximately 16 pounds. You can pay this using your credit or debit card at the airport. No cash is accepted so might need to purchase a prepaid card at the terminal.
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5
Visa Processing and collection
Visa processing can take from 6 to 8 business days to complete. Once you have been issued a visa you will sent a confirmation and can go and pick up your passport from the embassy 10 AM to 1 PM.
