Qatar will allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, with immediate effect, Qatari officials announced today.

The countries include the UK, the USA, Canada, India, South Africa, Seychelles, Australia and New Zealand.

Nationals of the 33 countries including Malta will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar, according to Visit 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.

Times of Malta rang up the Qatar Embassy in Malta, but was told that they had not been informed of any changes. Until now, Maltese passport holders require a visa on arrival, costing the equivalent of €23, which entitles them to a 30-day stay.

Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures

Nationals of the 47 other countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival, valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and which entitles 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.

Hassan Al Ibrahim, acting chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority said: “With 80 nationalities eligible for a free visa waiver upon arrival, Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures.”

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. 

To view the full list of nationalities, and for more on visas to Qatar, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/plan/visas-requirements.html