Visa waiver scheme: Indians can stay for up to 60 days in Qatar

New Delhi, Aug 10: Indians and nationals of 46 other countries can now stay for up to 60 days in Qatar without getting a prior visa.

 Qatar Airways on Thursday spelt out the fine print of Qatar's policy of doing away with prior visa requirements for citizens of 80 countries that was announced on Wednesday.

The 80 countries have been divided into two parts with different stay periods, 60 days and 90 days, under its new visa-free scheme.

"Nationals of 47 countries (including India) will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar.

The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle 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," the airline said in a statement.

The other countries in this list include US, UK, Australia, China and Russia.

"Nationals of 33 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in 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," the statement says.

 These countries include mostly EU members like France, and others like Turkey.

Citizens of these 80 countries wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa. Instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket, the airline said.

Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said this move "places the State of Qatar as the most open country in the region.

 This is a momentous occasion for Qatar, making the number of nationalities eligible to enter our country without a visa the highest in region, which is something that we are very proud of.

Qatar Airways is the patriotic flag carrier for the State of Qatar and as such we are extremely honoured to bring millions of people each year to our beautiful, welcoming and historic country.

This important initiative from the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Tourism Authority will provide an opportunity to welcome even more visitors, from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them."