Qatar visa requirements for Belgian citizens

Qatar is a sovereign country located in Western Asia, occupying a small peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The Persian Gulf borders and shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia. The capital city of Qatar is Doha, which is also the largest city and the economic center of the country.

When traveling overseas, a visa application is a crucial step. Qatar offers an online visa application (e-Visa) system that allows eligible travelers to obtain their visas electronically without the need to visit an embassy or consulate. So this article will introduce you, a Belgian applicant, to how to apply for a Qatar e-Visa conveniently. Besides, Qatar visa requirements for Belgian citizens are the things you can not ignore to have a smooth visa application. Let’s explore this type of visa with Qatar Immigration Services.

Introduction of Qatar e-Visa and the things you need to know

Types of Qatar visa for Belgian citizens

Belgian citizens planning to visit Qatar can choose from several visa types depending on the purpose and length of stay. Below are the main types of Qatar visa for Belgian citizens:

• Visa-free entry: Belgian passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. This allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. No prior application is needed.
• Tourist visa (e-Visa): If not eligible for visa-free entry (due to prior overstays or other restrictions), Belgian citizens can apply for a Qatar tourist visa online. Valid for 30 days, extendable once.
• Business visa: Required for short-term business visits. Typically valid for 30 days, with sponsorship from a Qatari company.
• Work visa: For employment in Qatar. Must be arranged by a Qatari employer and includes a residence permit.
• Family visit visa: For visiting immediate family members in Qatar. Requires sponsorship and valid supporting documents.

Always check current regulations before travel.

About Qatar electronic Visa or Hayya Entry Visa

Qatar e-Visa or Hayya Entry Visa is a digital authorization that allows eligible nationals to enter Qatar for allowable purposes such as tourism, conferences, and leisure activities.

Besides, Qatar e-Visa for Belgians has functions that you need to be aware of. Take notes below:

• Once approved, the Qatar e-Visa will be valid for up to 30 days.
• The Qatar e-visa is granted to those who wish to participate in tourist or business activities in the country.
• With a Qatar e-Visa, Belgian visa holders can stay in Qatar within 30 days from the arrival date
• Qatar e-Visa is acceptable as a single entry authorization.

As a tourist, do Belgian citizens need to have a Qatar visa?

Yes, Belgian citizens have to apply for a valid Qatar visa to enter the country legally.

Qatar visa requirements for Belgians: The new updates

We would like to say that checking Qatar visa requirements for Belgians before applying is truly important. Therefore, take note of the following requirements:

• A Belgian passport: The passport must be valid for at least 06 months from the date of arrival.
• An up-to-date color picture of the applicant that was snapped within the last six months.
• A hotel reservation in Qatar is also necessary when you apply for a visa online
• Current email address
• Credit or debit card to make online payment
• For a 2-month validity visa, travelers are required to provide a valid visa or residency in the US, the UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia, or New Zealand, or of countries in the GCC.

Check Qatar visa requirements for Belgian citizens

How to apply for a Qatar tourist visa - Belgians should know

The application form is required to be filled out. Also, you have to make a payment before processing your visa application. For details, kindly check the step-by-step instructions below:

• Step 1: Access our visa application form for Belgians and fill out the information we request. Double-check to make sure no errors.
• Step 2: Make your payment and finish some remaining requests.
• Step 3: Receive your Qatar valid visa through an email address.
• Step 4: Print out the Qatar e-Visa into 02 hard copies to present to airline staff. Then, receive a stamp on your passport.

Check the prices of a Qatar visa application from Belgium

There are 02 types of fees the applicants must pay when applying for a Qatar eVisa for Belgians at Qatar Immigration Services:

• The government fees: This fee will be charged to the Qatar Immigration Department to solve your visa order. Travelers should note that this is a non-refundable fee regardless of the application’s result.
• The services fees: This fee depends on the types of timing services you choose. It usually charges an affordable amount for normal visa services per applicant. At Qatar Immigration Services, we have 03 available options:
  • Normal: For those who want an e-Visa within 3 business days.
  • Urgent: For those who would like to get an e-visa within 24 hours.
  • Super Urgent: For those who would like to get an e-Visa within 5 business hours.

Regarding payment methods, we accept payment via electronic payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal) and bank transfers.

Check the prices of a Qatar visa application from Belgium

Some useful tips for your Qatar visa application: Do not ignore

Aim for an advantageous visa application and a memorable trip, Qatar Immigration Services shares with you some tips that will probably be useful to you:

• Once the Qatar e-Visa is approved, it is linked to your national passport electronically. If your passport is lost, damaged, or stolen, we regret to inform you that your e-visa will be invalid, and you need to apply for a new one.
• After preparing enough of the required documents, apply for a visa as soon as possible, at least a week, to avoid interruption.
• The Government fee is not refundable, no matter if your application is approved. Therefore, make your travel arrangements carefully. Any changes after payment will be charged as a new application. Refer to Qatar visa fee information and Payment Guidelines.
• In case the Qatar e-Visa requirements are not suitable for your needs, you can apply for a traditional visa through the Qatar Embassy in Belgium. You can also research more visa requirements for other countries on our website.
• As previously mentioned, the allowable time is 30 days. If you are overstayed, the fine is 200 QAR, approximately $55, for every overstay night. Be noticeable.
• Recently, Travel insurance is not required as a visa requirement, but this is necessary. Wholeheartedly we think you should purchase Travel Insurance for your security.
• To feel more secure, you can follow the status of your Qatar visa at Check Qatar visa status.
• When entering the country, Hamad International Airport (Doha) is usually used as a main entry port. However, GCC citizens can enter via different transportation, but they should research carefully.

FAQ about Qatar visa for Belgian citizens

Can Belgian citizens extend their visa-free stay in Qatar?

Yes, the citizens of Belgium have the ability to stay in Qatar visa-free. Arrival into the country attracts a 90-day visa free but this comes with a single opportunity to have it extended by 30 days. You should make your request to be applied prior to the expiry of the initial period so as to access the extension. It is possible to undergo the extension procedure online by using a Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal or a Metrash2 app. Make sure that you have a valid passport, guaranteed housing, and health insurance that includes the extended stay. Failure to request an extension and exiting on an overstay can lead to fines and legal implications.

Is it possible to work in Qatar with visa-free entry?

Not at all, Belgian citizens are not allowed to work on the territory of Qatar with visa free entry. The visa-free temporary residence of a maximum of 90 days is only available on tourism or on business visits. Activity in employment operations is forbidden in this time. Belgian citizens need a work visa to work in Qatar and this is only given after being sponsored by an employer in Qatar and is given approval by the ministry of labour. Illegal employment can prove to be fined or deported or subjected to legal ramifications.

What happens if a Belgian citizen overstays their visa-free period in Qatar?

If a Belgian citizen overstays their visa-free period in Qatar, they will incur a fine of QAR 200 (approximately $55 USD) per day starting from the day after the visa expires. The total fine is capped at QAR 12,000, regardless of the length of the overstay.

These fines must be settled before departure; failure to do so can result in travel restrictions, legal consequences, or future entry bans.

To avoid such penalties, travelers should monitor their visa validity and apply for an extension if necessary. Extensions can be requested through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal or via the Metrash2 app before the visa expires.

Is health insurance required for a Qatar visa for Belgian citizens?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for Belgian citizens traveling to Qatar. Effective from February 1, 2023, all visitors must possess a valid health insurance policy approved by Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to enter the country. The standard policy costs QAR 50 (approximately $14 USD) for 30 days and covers emergency medical treatment up to QAR 150,000, including services like ambulance transportation and medical evacuation. Visitors can purchase this insurance online through MoPH-approved providers before arrival or at the port of entry. It's advisable to obtain the insurance in advance to ensure a smooth entry process.

In conclusion

All the things you should know about a Qatar visa for Belgian citizens are presented in this article. Qatar Immigration Services will support the applicant's entire process, from filling out the visa application to receiving a stamp at the international airport. Any questions or concerns will be welcomed.