Qatar passport ranking 2025: visa free countries for Qatar residents

According to the Guide Passport Ranking Index, Qatar’s passport is ranked 50th in the world, allowing its holders to enter 106 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Qatari citizens can travel visa-free to places like Singapore, Turkey and the United Kingdom. However, access to 123 countries, such as the European Union, Australia and India, requires a visa in advance. The passport’s ranking is based on the number of visa-free accesses. Which gives Qatar a medium level of travel freedom.

However, access to 123 countries, such as the European Union, Australia and India, requires a visa in advance. The passport’s ranking is based on the number of visa-free accesses. Which gives Qatar a medium level of travel freedom.

About Qatar

Qatar is a small but prosperous state located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. The country consists of 8 municipalities, including the capital Doha, Al Rayyan, and Al Wakrah. In terms of area, Qatar is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a mostly flat desert landscape. The climate is hot and dry, with relatively mild winters.

1: Population and Culture

Qatar has a total population of approximately 2.7 million, with the capital Doha being the most populous city. The culture is strongly influenced by Islam, with the majority being Muslim and the official language being Arabic. The country is ethnically diverse, with a large number of expatriates living alongside native Arabs.

2: Economy and development

Qatar has an open and robust economy, largely dependent on the oil and gas industry. It is the sixth largest economy in the Arab world, with a per capita income of $138,910. The official currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR), which is exchanged at a rate of 3.64 riyals per dollar. The government is engaged in efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.

3: Tourism and important places

Tourism in Qatar is growing rapidly. The country’s tourism infrastructure has grown significantly since hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Major tourist attractions include the Qatar National Museum, Doha Corniche, Katara Mosque, and Al Wakrah Museum. Approximately 2 million tourists visit Qatar each year, most of whom are from the Gulf countries.

4: Government and guidance

Qatar is an absolute monarchy, with the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani. The country’s legal system is a mixture of civil and Islamic Sharia law.

5: Transport

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the country’s largest airport, named after former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The airport provides connections to major cities around the world and serves 38.7 million passengers annually.

• Read Must: Eid al-Adha 2025 in Qatar

Qatari passport global status (2025)

The Qatari passport is ranked 47th in the world, allowing its holders to travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 107 countries. This high ranking reflects the country’s strong diplomatic ties and international agreements, making Qatar a key platform for international travel, business and cultural exchange.

Qatari passport global ranking: free visa for qatar id holders

According to the Henley Passport Index, the Qatari passport is ranked 47th in the world, allowing its holders to travel to 107 countries and territories visa-free or visa-on-arrival. This ranking reflects Qatar’s growing diplomatic influence and international recognition.

December 2024 updates

A significant diplomatic breakthrough for Qatar came in 2024, when it was added to the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Starting December 1, 2024, Qatari citizens will be able to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, whether for tourism or business purposes.

Key points:

✔ Visa-free travel: A fast and easy way for Qatari passport holders to visit the US

✔ 90-day stay: Complete freedom for tourism, meetings or short business trips

✔ High diplomatic relations: A sign of strong cooperation between the US and Qatar

This move not only makes travel easier for Qatari citizens, but it will also strengthen trade and cultural ties between the two countries. At the same time, the Qatari passport has become more powerful, reflecting its growing importance on the global stage.

Travel Conditions: Visa Types

Visa-free:

• No visa required in advance
• Entry possible only with a valid passport
• Example: Qatari citizens can now travel to the US visa-free

Visa on Arrival:

• A visa is issued at the border or airport
• Usually requires a fee and immigration form
• Example: Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates

E-Visa (Electronic Visa):

• Online application and pre-approval required
• Printed e-Visa or confirmation email must be presented at the time of travel
• Example: Turkey and India use the e-Visa system for several countries

All three methods make travel easier, but the requirements for each country may vary. It is important to check the information before traveling!

Where is Visa-Free entry for qatari residents ?

By December 2024, Qatari passport holders will enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a number of countries and regions. This expanded access is a testament to Qatar’s strong diplomatic ties and the growing global status of its passport, which makes tourist and business travel much easier.

What is meant by visa free entry?

Citizens of many countries do not require a visa before entering Qatar. They can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival at the airport, provided they have:

✔ A valid passport with at least 3 months validity

✔ A confirmed onward/return ticket

This facility makes travel easier and faster, reflecting Qatar’s open travel policy.

A complete list of visa free countries for Qatar residents.

In addition to e-Visa and Visa on Arrival (VoA), Qatari citizens enjoy visa-free entry to 74 countries. Notable countries include:

Asia

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Georgia
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Thailand

Europe

• Albania
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Ukraine

Middle East

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Africa

• Angola
• Botswana
• Kenya
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Tunisia

Americas

• Argentina
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Panama
• Peru
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Venezuela

Oceania

• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Micronesia
• Niue
• Samoa
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu

Which nations grant Qatari citizens an e-Visa?

Qatari passport holders can apply for an e-visa online to a number of countries, without having to visit a consulate. Several countries offer this facility to Qatari citizens, including:

✔ Asia: Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

✔ Africa: Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe

✔ Europe: Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan

✔ Middle East: Lebanon, Jordan, Oman

This system is a fast and easy way to obtain a visa, making the travel preparation process more streamlined.

Asia:

✔ Turkey (90-day e-Visa)
✔ India (60-day e-Tourist Visa)
✔ Sri Lanka (30-day ETA)
✔ Vietnam (30-day e-Visa)
✔ Cambodia (30-day e-Visa)
✔ Myanmar (28-day e-Visa)

Africa:

✔ Kenya (90-day e-Visa)
✔ Rwanda (30-day e-Visa)
✔ Zimbabwe (30-day e-Visa)
✔ Gabon (e-Visa)
✔ Uganda (90-day e-Visa)

Europe/Caucasus:

✔ Azerbaijan (30-day e-Visa)
✔ Georgia (90-day e-Visa)
✔ Ukraine (30-day e-Visa)

Middle East:

✔ Oman (30-day e-Visa, conditional)
✔ Jordan (30-day e-Visa)
✔ Lebanon (30-day e-Visa, tourism/business)

Americas/Oceania:

✔ Suriname (e-Tourist Card)

Key Notes:

• Processing Time: Typically 1–3 business days.
• Requirements: Valid passport, digital photo, and sometimes proof of accommodation/flights.
• Always check the official government website of the destination, as policies change.

Passport validity for qatari citizens:

Qatari passport holders must ensure their passport meets the validity requirements of their destination country. General rules include:

1. Standard Requirements for Most Countries:

✔ Minimum 6 Months Validity – Many countries (e.g., Schengen Zone, UK, US, Canada, Australia) require passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
✔ Blank Visa Pages – Some nations (e.g., South Africa, China) demand 1-2 blank pages for stamps.

2. Countries with 3-Month Validity Rule:

✔ Schengen Area (if staying ≤ 90 days) – Passport must be valid for 3 months beyond departure date.
✔ Egypt, UAE, Oman, Bahrain – Often accept passports valid for 3+ months at entry.

3. No Minimum Validity (But Must Be Valid for Stay):

✔ Turkey, UK, Japan, Maldives – Passport only needs to be valid for the duration of stay.

4. Special Cases:

✔ Saudi Arabia – Requires 6 months validity for Hajj/Umrah visas.
✔ India – 1 year validity for e-Visas (but 6 months suffices for some categories).

Key Tips for Qatari Travelers:

• Always check the destination country’s embassy website before booking.
• Renew passports early if expiry is near (Qatar’s MOI offers online renewal).
• Some airlines may enforce stricter rules than immigration.

Where Can Qatari Citizens Travel Without a Passport?

Qatari citizens cannot travel internationally without a valid passport, as it is the primary identity and travel document recognized worldwide. However, there are a few exceptions where alternative ID documents may be accepted for entry into certain countries:

1. GCC Countries (With National ID Card Only)

Qatari nationals can enter other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations using just their Qatari National ID (QID) instead of a passport:
✔ Saudi Arabia
✔ United Arab Emirates (UAE)
✔ Kuwait
✔ Oman
✔ Bahrain

Conditions:

• Must be a GCC citizen (not just a resident).
• Travel must be by land or sea (some airlines still require a passport).
• Some GCC countries may impose restrictions during special events (e.g., Hajj in Saudi Arabia).

2. Special Cases (Limited Domestic Travel)

✔ Qatar to Bahrain via King Fahd Causeway – Qatari citizens have historically been able to cross with just an ID, but political tensions may affect this.
✔ Ferry between Qatar and Iraq/Kuwait – Some routes may accept national ID, but a passport is safer.

Important Notes:

• Air Travel: Airlines almost always require a passport for international flights, even to GCC nations.
• Non-GCC Travel: No country outside the Gulf accepts a Qatari ID alone for entry.
• Children/Minors: Must have a passport (or GCC family travel document, if applicable).

Recommendation:

Always carry your passport when traveling, even within the GCC, to avoid complications. Check with the destination’s immigration authority before departure.

Nations Grant Visa on Arrival VISA to Qatari

Africa:

✔ Egypt (30 days)
✔ Mauritius (60 days)
✔ Seychelles (90 days)
✔ Tanzania (Zanzibar included, 90 days)
✔ Rwanda (30 days)
✔ Zimbabwe (30 days)

🌏 Asia:

✔ Indonesia (30 days, tourist only)
✔ Maldives (30 days)
✔ Nepal (90 days)
✔ Sri Lanka (30-day ETA, extendable)
✔ Thailand (30 days, airport arrivals only)
✔ Armenia (120 days)

🌎 Americas/Caribbean:

✔ Bolivia (90 days)
✔ Dominica (21 days)

🌐 Middle East:

✔ Iran (30 days, airport VoA)
✔ Lebanon (30 days, free for GCC nationals)

Key Notes:

• VoA Fees Apply (varies by country, e.g., 
• 25–
• 25–100).
• Proof of Return Ticket & Hotel Booking may be required.
• Passport Validity: Typically 6+ months.
• Some countries restrict VoA to specific entry points (e.g., airports only).

⚠️ Important:

• Schengen/US/Canada do not offer VoA to Qatari citizens (apply in advance).
• Rules change frequently. Check the embassy website before departure.

List of countries that require visa from qatari citizens

list of countries that require Qatari citizens to obtain a visa before travel (pre-arranged visa, e-Visa, or embassy visa):

✈️ North America & Europe:

✔ United States (B1/B2 visa required)
✔ Canada (TRV visa required)
✔ Schengen Zone (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. – Schengen visa required)
✔ United Kingdom (Standard Visitor Visa required)
✔ Australia (Visitor Visa Subclass 600 required)
✔ New Zealand (Visitor Visa required)

🌍 Asia (Strict Visa Policies):

✔ China (Tourist/L business visa required)
✔ North Korea (Special visa, rarely granted)
✔ Bhutan (Tourist visa via approved travel agency)

🌏 Middle East & Africa:

✔ Algeria (Visa required)
✔ Libya (Visa required, difficult process)
✔ Sudan (Visa required)

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Visa policies change frequently – Always check the embassy website before booking.
• Some countries (e.g., Russia) require invitation letters.
• Transit visas may be needed for layovers (e.g., in the USA, UK).

✅ Alternatives:

• Many countries offer e-Visas (e.g., India, Turkey).
• Some allow Visa on Arrival (e.g., Thailand, Maldives).

Conclusion 

Qatari citizens today enjoy the benefits of a powerful passport for international travel. From visa-free access to over 70 countries to the innovative e-visa system, and now joining the US Visa Waiver Program, the Qatari passport offers its holders rare opportunities for unrestricted travel around the world.

This is not only a testament to Qatar’s growing global status, but also makes travel for both business and tourism extremely easy for its citizens. It would be a wise choice for every Qatari citizen to keep abreast of changes in travel regulations over time and take full advantage of visa-free countries.

FAQs

Oman Visa for Qatar Residents:

Yes, Oman is visa-free for Qatar residents since GCC nations allow entry with just an ID card.

Travel with Qatar ID:

Qatari citizens can visit all GCC countries (UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) using only their Qatari ID card, no passport needed.

How strong is the Qatari passport?

The Qatari passport ranks 47th globally, offering visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 111 countries, per Henley Index.

Which passport rank is No 1 in the world?

Singapore

Do Qatari need a Schengen visa?

Qatar’s passport offers rare US visa-free access, yet still requires visas for Europe’s Schengen Zone. A unique travel privilege among global passports.

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