FAQs

If you're wondering how to obtain a Qatar visa as a U.S. Green Card holder, here’s a clear and straightforward explanation. 1. Understand: Residency ≠ Visa privilege Holders of a U.S. Green Card are not automatically granted the right to enter Qatar. The requirements for obtaining a visa are entirely based on your nationality, not on whether you reside in the U.S. Only a U.S. passport has the benefit of visa-free entry or visa on arrival; Green Card holders traveling with a foreign passport must follow the visa process that applies to their country of citizenship. 2. Check your passport's eligibility The first step is to check whether citizens of your country of citizenship are eligible for: Visa-free entry Visa on arrival Or pre-issued visas such as an e-Visa Your eligibility will determine whether you can apply online, get a visa at the airport, or need to obtain one in advance from a Qatari embassy or consulate. 3. Common visa options for Green card holders Here are the typical visa routes available: Visa on arrival (VOA): Available only to citizens of certain countries. If your nationality is on Qatar’s approved VOA list, you may obtain it upon arrival. An original valid passport (minimum 6 months before it expires), a ticket back and confirmation of lodging are other requirements you will have to show. The length of stay varies depending on your nationality — many visas on arrival allow up to 30 days (often extendable), while some countries are granted up to 90 days visa-free. e-Visa (Electronic visa): In case there is no e-Visa exemption, you can apply prior to travel with your nationality also not providing VOA. This visa is usually valid for 30 days and processing typically takes several working days. Other Visas: Today, you can also use the embassy or consulate to obtain a Tourist Visa, Family Visit Visa or Business Visa depending on the purpose of your trip. 4. Required Documents Regardless of visa type, you will generally need: Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining. If you are applying from within the U.S., you may also be asked to provide a copy of your Green Card to show your legal residency, but this is not a formal requirement for the visa itself. Evidence of travel (return flight ticket/ onward flight ticket) Accommodation evidence in Qatar (hotel reservation or an invitation letter) Evidence of finances (e.g. recent bank statements) For longer stays, travel health insurance may be required. 5. Where and how to apply Some travelers can apply through the Hayya Portal, which Qatar continues to use for many tourist and visit visas, though eligibility still depends on your nationality. In person: In case there is no e-Visa available to your country, visit the closest Qatari embassy or consulate in the U.S. 6. Timing and preparation Submit much in advance before your date of travel. Visa rules can change and therefore before you apply, check on updates regarding these policies. Travel with your Green Card and passport. Final thoughts What are the ways a Green Card holder can get a visa to Qatar? The Green Card itself does not grant entry rights. This depends on what you are a citizen of, what are the rules and regulations of entry with that nationality. To ensure that it becomes seamless and devoid of stress, you must ensure you qualify, acquire the corresponding documentation and use the appropriate route; online application and application at an embassy.

If you undergo the mandatory medical test for a Qatar visa and are found medically unfit, you may wonder whether you can reapply later. The answer is yes — in some cases. It depends on why you were declared unfit and whether the condition is treatable or permanent.

If you're planning to move from Oman to Qatar for work or travel, a common question is: “Can I get a Qatar visa without canceling my Oman visa?” The short answer is: Yes, you can — but with some important considerations depending on the type of visa you currently hold in Oman and the one you're applying for in Qatar.

Qatar Airways is often discussed as one of the best airlines in the world and is often considered one of the best in regard to its service, luxuriousness, and quality in general. Nevertheless, it has its shortcomings just like the rest of the airlines. Although most people who travel find it enjoyable to fly with Qatar Airways because it provides good service and uses modern planes, there are a variety of issues that one must address before booking a flight. Today, we shall discuss some of the possible shortcomings of traveling with Qatar Airways so that you can decide accordingly before your next trip.

Yes, flying with Qatar Airways through Doha is generally safe, although travelers should note that temporary airspace closures in June 2025 due to regional tensions caused some disruptions such as delays and rerouted flights. As much as the Middle East tension has sparked the interest of the international community, the activities of Qatar Airways have not been affected by the same in their day to day operation.While the situation is primarily diplomatic, recent events such as the June 2025 temporary airspace closure show that regional tensions can occasionally cause disruptions, though passenger safety has not been compromised. As of August 2023, Qatar Airways continues to maintain a high safety rating and a strong operational record. It needs to be mentioned that, besides political development, health advisory, and the airline-specific guidelines, air travel safety might be impacted by other factors. Nonetheless, Qatar Airways has recorded no major accidents, which could make people worry about the way it operates.

Suppose you study in Qatar and decide to continue to work there. Your question may be whether it is possible to get a work visa in Qatar in case you have a student visa. The answer is yes, you can do this transition in many cases and you will not have to leave Qatar at all but there are necessary procedures and requirements on the legal front to be approached. These are the things you must appreciate to clear your way through this procedure. Converting a student visa to a work visa As compared to visit or tourist visas, in some instances student visa can be easier to convert to a work visa in Qatar particularly when one lives in Qatar and has a residency permit attached to his studies. The latter, however, is not automatic and it greatly relies on confirmation of a job offer by a Qatari employer. Key steps in changing your visa status Here’s how the process generally works if you want to switch from a student visa to an employment visa: 1. Obtain a job offer You must secure a job offer from a Qatari company willing to sponsor you for a work visa. Without a sponsoring employer, it’s not possible to legally change your visa status. 2. Employer sponsorship Your future employer is responsible for handling most of the visa paperwork. This includes: Preparing a labor contract for submission. Providing your personal documents, including your passport copy, residence permit, and educational certificates. Submitting medical test results required for work visa applications. It’s crucial to communicate openly with your employer about your current student visa status so they can follow the correct legal steps. 3. Ministry of labor approval Before your visa status can be changed, your employer must secure approval from the Ministry of Labor, which authorizes the job offer. Subsequently, your residency status is updated with the Ministry of Interior to issue your work visa. 4. Change of visa status Depending on your circumstances and the discretion of immigration authorities: Many students are able to switch to a work visa without leaving Qatar, but this depends on individual circumstances and approval by immigration authorities. In some other cases, officials will demand that you move out and back to the country in a few days, and then within a new working visa. Not as many students will do this as tourists or visitors, but it can still be done depending on the circumstances and the existing regulations. Consult official sources Because Qatar’s immigration rules can change, it’s wise to consult: The Ministry of Interior in Qatar for official guidelines. A licensed immigration consultant or legal advisor familiar with current policies. They can confirm whether your visa transfer can be completed entirely inside the country or if an exit-and-return process is necessary. Conclusion Then, is it possible to convert a student visa to a work visa in Qatar without trying to leave the state? It will be yes to most students as long as you have an actual job offer and as long as your employer is performing the sponsorship work well. It may be one of the simplest methods of acquiring a legal means of working in Qatar to anyone who has already been studying in Qatar. However, every situation is a unique one, and it is advisable to consult the latest policies to ensure that nothing should go wrong.

Wondering whether you can even get a job in Qatar when you are there on a tourist visa or a family visa? A big number of expats find themselves asking the question whether a visit visa can grant them rights to seek employment in this rapidly developing Gulf nation. The answer is yes—with limits. You can look for a job and attend interviews on a visit visa, but working or earning income is strictly prohibited until you have a valid work visa. This is what you should know to go through the procedure and increase your chances of securing a job in Qatar. Understanding visit visa rules in Qatar Supposing that you are thinking of relocating to Qatar to work, you may be thinking that you may look for jobs on a visit visa. The brief and precise answer is yes, you can search for a job, you can apply for it, but you can not and are not allowed to work on a visit visa. A visit visa entitles you to spend a temporary period in Qatar on tourism, visiting family, on business or meetings. Nevertheless, a visit visa does not allow you to work or receive wages. Working without the appropriate employment visa can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Qatar. Job hunting while on a visit visa Although a visit visa is intended for tourism, family visits, or business meetings, many people also use it as an opportunity to explore job opportunities, attend interviews, and network—while still complying with the law that prohibits working. Here’s how: Attend interviews: You can take part in interviews and meetings when on a visit visa. Firms have the tendency to receive the interviewees physically, even when they are on a business visit. Networking: The key in Qatar is professional contacts. Attend events in social networks such as LinkedIn to meet recruiters, HR managers, and other specialists who could help you locate available positions. Job fairs: Job fairs conducted throughout Qatar are one of the effective means of meeting with an employer in person. Recruitment agencies: A number of recruitment firms in Qatar deal with different sectors. Your chances of getting a desirable job lead through them may be improved through registering with them. Applying for jobs before arriving Although one can do job search after arriving in Qatar, many people find it much easier to search for employment back in their home country. Most Qatari firms post their job openings at electronic job portals and other company websites. Remote recruitment saves money and travel expenses as well as cost of living during the job seek process. The work visa process After you receive a job offer, you are then supposed to acquire an employment (work) visa before legally beginning to work in Qatar. So this is how it works: Employer sponsorship: Your employer applies for your work visa on your behalf, submitting the required documents to the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Interior. Medical and background checks: You’ll likely need to undergo a medical examination and, in some cases, provide a clean background record. Visa transfers: If you’re already in Qatar and want to switch jobs, visa transfers may be possible depending on your current contract, employer approval, and updated labour laws. Specialized roles: Some critical positions, such as specialist doctors or engineers, may receive faster processing. However, all applications must still follow the official legal and procedural channels. Important cautions Some unscrupulous employers may try to recover visa costs illegally from your salary once you start working. Make sure to clarify your employment terms and who pays for visa fees upfront. Never start working on a visit visa. It’s illegal and could lead to serious legal consequences. Conclusion Can one get employment in Qatar on a visit visa? Of course, it can be indeed possible to look at opportunities, go to interviews, and network. Nevertheless, before your employment visa is accepted and granted, you cannot work or make money legally. Other professionals find it most appropriate to apply to job posts even before going to Qatar or schedule a brief visit with the sole purpose of interviewing and networking. Qatar has a lot of enthralling employment opportunities to expatriates who are in need to venture in a new destination when it comes to job opportunities.

Purchasing gold in Doha can be an exciting experience, especially for those interested in jewelry or investment. However, if you’re expecting to find a place with cheaper gold, it’s important to understand how gold pricing works. Gold is a commodity that is bought and sold on the world market and a price on it is known as the spot price and is published in a worldwide manner and quoted all through the day. The price of gold in Doha, Dubai or any other gold market which is considered a major gold market is by far the same as it is pegged to the international market. Therefore, the truth is that there isn’t truly a cheapest place to buy gold in Doha, rather what matters is finding where to shop for the best craftsmanship, reasonable making charges, and the lowest markup over the spot price. Gold Souq in Doha The Gold Souq of Doha is your best bet for good value. This old market which is positioned close to Souq Waqif has a row of small shops that deal in selling jewelry made of gold, bars and coins. This is why it’s considered one of the best places to buy gold in Doha: Lower overheads: Stores located in the Gold Souq tend to have low overheads as compared against those stores in the high end malls. Consequently, they often charge lower making fees and are more open to price negotiation. Bargaining space: The culture of bargaining exists at the Gold Souq. Although you will always pay at least the spot price of gold plus a premium for making charges and the seller’s profit margin, these can often be negotiated. Broad range of variety: The Gold Souq exhibits an extensive range of designs, purities as well as weights, which gives you the ability to select pieces that suit your budget best. Popular stores in the Gold Souq include Al Fardan Jewellery, Joyalukkas, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Luxury malls and branded stores The branded jewelry stores are present in upscale shopping malls in Doha such as the Villaggio Mall, the Mall of Qatar and the City Center. Although such stores sell quality products, expect premium prices as they package very expensive goods to make them high-end, to cater to added overheads and to add luxury brands. You’ll likely pay more here than at the Gold Souq for gold of the same purity and weight. Tips for buying gold in Doha The spot price: Before you go out shopping, make sure to check the current global price of gold in your smartphone. Know purity: The purity of gold is measured in karats where pure gold is 24 karats. Stay informed on what you are purchasing. Emphasis on the weight and making charges: When purchasing gold jewelry, attention will be made on the value of the gold and making charges. Bargain out the latter. Do not make an impulse buy; spend time shopping around shops. All gold sold in Qatar is regulated and hallmarked by government authorities, ensuring its purity and authenticity. In conclusion, although gold prices are globally consistent, the Gold Souq in Doha usually offers some of the lowest premiums. In this place, you can get a good deal rather than in the fancy shopping malls and you can always bargain and get the best out of the money that you will spend.

Contemporary and always developing capital of Qatar, Doha is boasted of its impressive skyline, luxurious malls and well-known attractions such as Corniche and Museum of Islamic Art. However, although these are notable locations, Doha has some other underrated attractions that are worth visiting. When visiting Doha on a holiday and want to explore places that are off the commonly-travelled tourist places, you should explore some unusual sites to include in your itinerary. Souq Waqif’s pet area Although a lot of visitors see Souq Waqif as a place to experience the feel of bazaar, traditional wear, spices, and curios, most tourists are not aware of a separate pet section situated at this market. It has become a mini zoo of this section, as there are sellers of birds, rabbits, turtles and even exotic animals. It is a curious place to walk around with another angle of understanding local culture and business. However, some visitors may find the conditions in the pet section concerning due to animal welfare issues. Purple Island Purple Island (also known as Al Thakira Island) is a beautiful natural treasure, though it’s becoming increasingly popular among locals and expats. It is known due to its mangroves and quiet walks. This place is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. In contrast to the metropolitan areas of Doha, Purple Island is a quiet place where you can experience the beauty of nature and see how the Qatari coastal land looks. Film City at Zekreet Film City is quite an unusual and interesting place to visit where it is situated in a desert area at Zekreet. This recreated traditional village of Arabians was created as a set of a film but still can be seen, and provides visitors with a surreal and almost ghost-town-like place. There is the view of the surrounding rocks and desert that makes the visit more exciting. It’s quite remote, so visitors should ideally go with a 4×4 vehicle and plenty of water, and access may sometimes be restricted for maintenance or security. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Although the Museum of Islamic Art has attracted a large number of tourists, not many of them usually visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. Set up in the outskirts of central Doha, this museum is truly a spectacular unique collection of a personal collection of more than 15,000 objects, including vintage cars, Islamic art, ancient manuscripts and textiles. It is an interesting observation of the history of Qatar and personal passions of its creator. Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic cultural center (FANAR) The Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (which used to be called FANAR) is, sometimes, ignored on its location next to Souq Waqif. Its spiral minaret is legendary, and in the center, there are cultural exhibitions and informative meetings, which also give significant understanding of Qatar culture and Islam traditions. Katara Cultural Village’s hidden corners Although Katara Cultural Village is a well advertised place, most people who come tend to overlook the less touristy areas of Katara, art galleries, and minor exhibition rooms. A walk in the streets of Katara may bring secret art objects, beautiful architecture, and lovely sea sceneries. By visiting these unpopular sights in Doha, you will find additional contents to your trip as you will know more about the country and its culture, the nature, and the history besides the most popular places in the city.

A Qatar work visa is the dream of many workers, especially those who are considering working in Qatar. One of the initial questions that may occur to you is this: Can I obtain a Qatar work visa without a job offer? So the basic answer is no- you cannot get a work visa in Qatar without work. So why not? And what can you do to work in Qatar anyway? Why you can’t get a work visa without a job Unlike tourist visas where you allow yourself to be issued with a visa,a Qatar work visa must be sponsored by a Qatari employer. In Qatar: Foreign workers are sponsored by their employers. They are charged with the procedure of obtaining the working visa. Individuals who don’t have a job offer are not eligible for a work visa issued by the government. This system helps the Qatari government regulate its labour market and ensure that foreign workers have legitimate employment before entering the country. How the process works Here’s how the process typically goes: Step 1 - Job offer: The first step is to secure a job offer from a company in Qatar. Step 2 - Work visa application: Your employer applies and manages paper work with the ministry of labour and further with the ministry of interior with regard to issuing your work visa. Step 3 - Entry visa: A visa is made once authorized, and you will be given an entry visa to the country. Step 4 - Residence permit: Once you arrive, your employer assists you with medical checkups, fingerprints, and the procedures towards your Qatar ID (QID) whereby your entry visa is changed to a residence permit that is connected to your job. Without an employer, you can’t initiate this process on your own. Ways to find a job in Qatar If you don’t have a job yet but want to work in Qatar, here are practical steps you can take: Use job portals Many reputable job portals list opportunities in Qatar. Create a professional CV highlighting your skills and experience. Trusted websites include: Bayt.com LinkedIn GulfTalent Indeed Qatar Legitimate employers do not charge fees to hire workers. Be cautious of scams promising visas or jobs in exchange for money. Networking and references If you have friends, relatives, or colleagues in Qatar, ask if they know of job openings. Many companies prefer to recruit through referrals to save time and costs on advertisements or recruitment agencies. Visit Qatar on a Tourist visa For some nationalities, Qatar offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for up to 30 days, which may sometimes be extendable depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. During your stay, you can: Visit companies directly. Attend job interviews. Explore local job markets. However, remember: You cannot legally start working on a tourist visa. You must leave Qatar and re-enter on a proper work visa once an employer hires and sponsors you. Beware of scams Whenever passing on a job advertisement, or a recruitment agency, verify their authenticity. Do not pay money in advance to get jobs or in order to have visas processed. Legitimate employers do all official documentation and expenses when hiring. Conclusion Without a job offer, there is no way you can get a Qatar work visa. In Qatar, visa work is also done based on the ability to get sponsorship by an employer, your visa application is launched by an employer. The first step that you should embark on to start the process of working legally in Qatar is to find a job first-either via job portals, networking, or a visit to do an exploratory job.