QATAR Issuing Authorities Embassy of the State of Qatar 1077 Justice Mahomed Str, Waterkloof, Pretoria Tel: (012) 452-1700/11/13 Fax: (012) 452-1710 E-mail: amal@qatarembassy.za.net Web: http://pretoria.embassy.qa/en Submissions: 0900-1200 Mon-Fri Collections: 1400-1500 Mon-Fri THE EMBASSY DOES NOT ISSUE VISAS. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 1 of 10
Visa Requirements Visas are required by SA passport holders and must be applied for and obtained prior to arrival. This must be done through the hotel or through a contact living in Qatar. If travelling on Qatar Airways, passengers can apply online for a tourist visa to visit Qatar. Visit https://www.qatarairways.com/en/qatar-tourist-visa.html Visas can only be requested through Qatar Airways if accommodation is booked on their stopover programme. Visas are not required for holders of GCC states countries. (Gulf Co-operating countries are: Qatar, Bahrain, U.A.E., Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.) TRANSIT: If travelling through Doha and are in transit for less than 8 hours and do not leave the airport, a visa is not required. REQUIREMENTS: Tourist visa -1 Application form - Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months after leaving Qatar. Ensure there are blank pages for the visa to be affixed. - Photocopy of the information pages of the passport - 3 months bank statements (recent) - 2 colour photographs (recent) - Flight reservation with return/onward ticket - Hotel reservation - Medical insurance is advised before travel to Qatar. Business visa: As above plus an invitation letter from the company in Qatar. A Business visa is obtained from the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar, through the local business partner. A copy will then be forwarded to the applicant via fax or email in order to travel with, and the original visa received at Doha International Airport upon arrival. If there is no local business partner in Qatar, apply through the Embassy in Pretoria. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 2 of 10
IMPORTANT NOTICE: It is important to note that there is a distinction in the procedures to be followed where a female relative or friend is invited. In cases of a close blood relative, proof of the relationship must be provided (recommended that full birth certificates in respect of both relatives be submitted as well as other supporting documents). Unfortunately it is difficult to obtain a visitors visa for a female friend, irrespective of the gender of the sponsor in Qatar. Most circumvent this problem by requesting a hotel in Doha to apply for a visa on behalf of the visitor. The hotel normally charges more for the processing of the visa as well as charging a daily levy for this service. Passengers over the age of 60 years will be subject to approval by Immigration. WARNING: Passengers travelling on Israeli passports will not be granted entry into Qatar. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 3 of 10
Visa Processing Time 15-30 working days. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 4 of 10
Visa Validity 3 months from date of issue. Applicant is entitled to stay in Qatar for ONE month from the date of entry. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 5 of 10
Visa Cost Please contact the Embassy directly. The fee is non-refundable. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 6 of 10
SA Representative SA Embassy Saha 100 West Bay Lagoon, Doha. Tel: +974 4485 7111 E-mail: doha.consulate@dirco.gov.za Web: www.dirco.gov.za/doha/ https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 7 of 10
Travel Health Compulsory: Recommended Travel Vaccines: None Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio Qatar - or at least the capital, Doha - has metamorphosed into a self-confident, elegant entrepôt that gives the UAE a run for its money. Occupying a flat peninsula jutting into the oil-rich waters of The Gulf, Qatar is one of the richest per capita countries in the world - a wealth exhibited in high-profile projects, such as the new Museum of Islamic Art, built to house the largest such collection in the world Sip mint tea at one of the many coffee shops around the souq and try a croak on a sheesha: don't be fooled by the innocent-sounding flavours of apple, peach and strawberry - these splendid water pipes have a high tobacco content. Paddle in the shallows, or lounge in a spa at one of Qatar's growing number of resorts; for those wanting a bit of history with their sun-downer, try the pyramid-shaped Sheraton, the grand dame on Doha's skyline. Cruise into the sunset on a dhow boat ride around Doha Bay; these characterful hand-made vessels creek and groan with each gentle wave but, as the traditional Arab fishing vessel, they know all about braving high waters. Play a round or two at the Doha Golf Club and be in the company of the greats; the Qatar Masters in March is an important event on the international circuit. Capital: Currency: Language: Doha (DOH) Qatari Riyal (QAR) Arabic. English is spoken. Dialling code from SA: + 974 Time Zones: Public Holidays 2018: UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) Feb 13; Jun 15-17; Aug 22; Dec 18 Side of the Road: Best Time to go: Right. October April. The coolest months are December February. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 8 of 10
Best For: Plugs: Drinking Water: Health: Customs: Local Offences / Laws: Travel Tips / Warnings: Duty Free: Islamic Art, Resorts 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are used. Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Doctors may require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. As this is a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their shoulders and upper arms, and legs covered (at least until their knees). Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Drinking alcohol in public (other than in hotel restaurants and bars) is illegal. The import of pornographic material, non-islamic religious material, alcohol or pork products is strictly prohibited. Homosexuality is illegal. Public displays of affection between men and women are illegal. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours. ATMs may be limited outside of Doha. The following goods may be imported into Qatar without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes. Personal items and gifts up to a value of QR3,000. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 9 of 10
Prohibited Imports: Alcohol, narcotics, pork-related products or pornography. Goods conspicuously originating from Israel may pose problems if you're stopped by customs. You cannot bring Israeli currency in or out of the country. You can only import firearms with a licence obtained in advance from the Ministry of Defence. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2743-qatar-country-guide&print=1 Page 10 of 10