Pakistani citizens need a visa to enter Qatar. As of 31 March 2026, Qatar has suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals. The primary route for Pakistani travelers is now the Hayya e-Visa, applied for online at hayya.qa. This guide covers the current status, all available visa options, step-by-step application instructions, fees, and documents needed.
Current Visa Status for Pakistani Citizens in Qatar
Qatar suspended visa-on-arrival for Pakistani nationals on 31 March 2026. The suspension was announced following an official advisory from the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha. Pakistani passport holders can no longer obtain a visa at Qatar’s ports of entry and must secure a visa before departure.
The Hayya e-Visa is now the primary option for Pakistani citizens traveling to Qatar. Applications are processed online through the official Hayya platform. For broader context on all visa types, see our guide on Qatar visa types.
Key points on the current status:
- Visa-on-arrival: Suspended since 31 March 2026
- e-Visa: Available through Hayya platform (hayya.qa)
- Transit visa: Possible for short layovers (see Transit Visa section below)
- Source: Pakistan Embassy Doha advisory, confirmed by EY Global Tax News (April 2026)
Qatar Visa Options Available to Pakistani Passport Holders
Pakistani citizens can apply for multiple visa categories through the Hayya platform. The platform, operated by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, offers four types of entry permits:
| Visa Type | Code | Duration | Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | A1 | 30 days | QAR 100 | All nationalities |
| GCC Resident Visa | A2 | 30 days | QAR 100 | GCC residents |
| GCC Companion Visa | A2 | 30 days | QAR 100 | Accompanying GCC citizens |
| Electronic Travel Authorization | A3 | 30 days | QAR 100 | Select nationalities |
Additionally, transit visas are available for passengers connecting through Hamad International Airport. For details on the e-Visa specifically, visit our Qatar e-Visa guide.
How to Apply for a Qatar e-Visa from Pakistan
Pakistani applicants apply for a Qatar e-Visa entirely online through the Hayya platform. The process takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, with visa approval arriving within 2-7 business days.
Step-by-step application process:
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Create a Hayya account – Visit hayya.qa or download the Hayya mobile app (available on iOS, Android, and Huawei AppGallery). Register with your email address.
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Select visa type – Choose “Tourist Visa (A1)” for general travel. Pakistani citizens applying with a valid GCC residency may select “GCC Resident Visa (A2).”
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Upload required documents – Provide a clear scan of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photograph, confirmed hotel booking, and return/onward flight ticket.
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Pay the visa fee – The fee is QAR 100 (approximately $27 USD), payable by credit or debit card online.
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Submit and track – After submission, track your application status through the Hayya dashboard. Approved visas are delivered electronically to your Hayya account.
For a detailed walkthrough of the Hayya platform, see our Hayya Portal guide.
Qatar e-Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani applicants must provide five key documents for a Qatar e-Visa application. All documents must be clear, legible, and valid at the time of travel.
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity from date of entry | Bio page scan required |
| Passport-sized photo | Recent, white background | Digital upload |
| Hotel booking | Confirmed reservation in Qatar | Refundable bookings recommended |
| Return/onward ticket | Confirmed flight booking | Must show exit from Qatar |
| Health insurance | From a MOPH-registered provider | Mandatory for all visitors |
Additional requirements that may apply:
- Bank balance: No official minimum is specified by Qatar MOI, but applicants should demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay
- Employment letter: Recommended for business travelers
- Invitation letter: If staying with a host in Qatar, a letter from the host may be requested
Qatar e-Visa Fee and Processing Time for Pakistanis
The Qatar e-Visa costs QAR 100 (approximately $27 USD) for all visa types. This fee applies uniformly to tourist visas (A1), GCC resident visas (A2), and Electronic Travel Authorizations (A3).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | QAR 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Payment method | Credit or debit card (online) |
| Processing time | 2-7 business days |
| Validity | 30 days from entry |
| Transit visa (Qatar Airways) | Free |
The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. For the latest fee information, check our Qatar visa fee guide.
Qatar Visa-on-Arrival: Why It Was Suspended for Pakistan
Qatar suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals on 31 March 2026 due to concerns about overstays and unauthorized employment. The suspension was implemented with immediate effect following an official advisory from the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha.
Before the suspension, Pakistani citizens were among the nationalities eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival. The decision to suspend this facility followed reports of Pakistani nationals overstaying their visas and engaging in unauthorized work in Qatar.
Key facts about the suspension:
- Date: 31 March 2026
- Authority: Qatar Ministry of Interior, confirmed by Pakistan Embassy Doha
- Reason: Overstay concerns and unauthorized employment
- Impact: Pakistani nationals can no longer obtain visas at Qatar airports or land borders
- Alternative: e-Visa via Hayya platform remains available
For more on visa-on-arrival policies, see our Qatar visa on arrival guide.
Previous Visa-on-Arrival Rules for Pakistani Citizens
Before the March 2026 suspension, Pakistani citizens could obtain a 30-day visa on arrival in Qatar. This facility was available at Hamad International Airport and other ports of entry.
The previous rules required:
- A confirmed hotel reservation booked through the Discover Qatar platform
- A valid passport with at least 3 months validity
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- Compulsory health insurance from a MOPH-registered provider
- The stay could be extended for an additional 30 days
These rules no longer apply. Pakistani nationals must now obtain their visa through the Hayya e-Visa platform before traveling.
Discover Qatar Hotel Booking Requirement
Qatar requires certain nationalities to have a confirmed hotel booking through the Discover Qatar platform. This requirement was previously linked to the visa-on-arrival facility and remains relevant for e-Visa applicants.
Discover Qatar is Qatar’s official travel services platform, offering hotel reservations, tour packages, and travel experiences. Pakistani travelers applying for an e-Visa should ensure their hotel booking is:
- Confirmed (not a tentative reservation)
- For the full duration of their stay in Qatar
- Booked through an official channel (Discover Qatar or a recognized booking platform)
A refundable hotel booking is recommended in case of visa processing delays or application changes.
Transit Visa Option for Pakistani Travelers
Pakistani citizens transiting through Hamad International Airport may qualify for visa-free transit of up to 24 hours. This option applies to passengers who remain in the airport’s transit area and do not pass through immigration.
For longer layovers, Qatar Airways passengers can apply for a free transit visa. This allows a short stay in Qatar between connecting flights. The transit visa must be arranged through Qatar Airways before arrival.
| Transit Option | Duration | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport transit (airside) | Up to 24 hours | Free | Valid onward ticket, stay in transit area |
| Qatar Airways transit visa | Up to 96 hours | Free | Qatar Airways booking, pre-arranged |
For complete transit visa details, visit our Qatar transit visa guide.
Qatar Visa for Pakistani Workers and Business Travelers
Pakistani citizens traveling to Qatar for work or business need a separate visa – the tourist e-Visa does not permit employment. Work visas must be sponsored by a Qatari employer through Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs (MADLSA).
The work visa process involves:
- Employer sponsorship – The Qatari employer initiates the work visa application
- Contract signing – A formal employment contract is required
- Medical examination – Health screening upon arrival in Qatar
- Residence permit (RP) – Issued after arrival, valid for the employment period
Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or short-term engagements may use the tourist e-Visa (A1) provided they do not engage in paid employment during their stay.
Tips for a Successful Qatar Visa Application from Pakistan
Follow these four tips to maximize your chances of approval:
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Apply early – Submit your e-Visa application at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date. Processing takes 2-7 business days, but delays can occur during peak travel periods.
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Ensure document clarity – Upload high-resolution scans of your passport and supporting documents. Blurry or incomplete documents are a common reason for rejection.
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Use a refundable hotel booking – Book a refundable hotel in case your visa is delayed or denied. This protects your investment while meeting the hotel booking requirement.
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Check application status regularly – Log into the Hayya portal to monitor your application. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
FAQ – Qatar Visa for Pakistani Citizens
Is the Qatar visa open for Pakistani citizens now?
Yes, the Qatar e-Visa is open for Pakistani citizens through the Hayya platform (hayya.qa). However, the visa-on-arrival facility has been suspended since 31 March 2026. Pakistani nationals must obtain their visa online before traveling to Qatar.
Can a Pakistani passport holder visit Qatar without a visa?
No. Pakistani citizens cannot visit Qatar without a visa. The visa-on-arrival facility was suspended on 31 March 2026. Pakistani passport holders must apply for an e-Visa through the Hayya platform before departure.
How much does a Qatar visa cost from Pakistan?
The Qatar e-Visa costs QAR 100 (approximately $27 USD) for all visa types including tourist (A1), GCC resident (A2), and ETA (A3). Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application process. Transit visas for Qatar Airways passengers are free.
How long does it take to get a Qatar visa from Pakistan?
Processing a Qatar e-Visa for Pakistani citizens takes 2-7 business days. It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any additional processing time or document requests.
Is the Qatar visa-on-arrival suspended for Pakistani citizens?
Yes. Qatar suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals on 31 March 2026 with immediate effect. The suspension was confirmed by the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha. Pakistani citizens must now apply for an e-Visa before traveling.
How much bank balance is required for a Qatar visa from Pakistan?
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior does not specify an official minimum bank balance for e-Visa applicants. However, applicants should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay in Qatar. A bank statement showing regular income and adequate savings is recommended as supporting documentation.
Can I apply for a Qatar visa online from Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistani citizens apply for a Qatar e-Visa entirely online through the Hayya platform at hayya.qa. The process includes creating an account, selecting the visa type, uploading documents, paying QAR 100, and receiving the approved visa electronically within 2-7 business days.
Is it easy to get a Qatar visa from Pakistan?
Getting a Qatar e-Visa from Pakistan is straightforward if you have all required documents ready: a valid passport (6+ months), confirmed hotel booking, return ticket, and health insurance. The online application takes about 15-20 minutes, and most applications are approved within a week.
What documents do Pakistani citizens need for a Qatar visa?
Pakistani citizens need: (1) a passport valid for at least 6 months, (2) a passport-sized photograph, (3) a confirmed hotel booking, (4) a return or onward flight ticket, and (5) health insurance from a MOPH-registered provider. All documents must be uploaded digitally through the Hayya platform.
Can Pakistani citizens get a Qatar work visa?
Yes, but work visas are separate from tourist e-Visas. A Qatari employer must sponsor the work visa application through Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs (MADLSA). The tourist e-Visa does not permit employment in Qatar.
Why was Qatar visa-on-arrival suspended for Pakistan?
Qatar suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals due to concerns about overstays and unauthorized employment. The suspension was implemented on 31 March 2026 following an advisory from the Pakistan Embassy in Doha.
Can Pakistani citizens get a transit visa for Qatar?
Pakistani citizens transiting through Hamad International Airport may stay in the transit area for up to 24 hours without a visa. Qatar Airways passengers can also apply for a free transit visa of up to 96 hours, which must be arranged through the airline before arrival.
