Everyone apart from the citizens of the GCC states needs a visa to enter Qatar. For short stays, the nationals of 33 countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can be issued with a 2-week visa on arrival at Doha, on payment of a small fee. A list of these countries is available on the Doha airport website.

For longer stays visas should be obtained through the Qatar Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of origin before travelling to Qatar. First, a sponsor in Qatar, usually the employer offering the person a job, must apply to the Ministry of Interior, who will issue the visa either to the employer or to the applicant via the overseas Embassy.

It is reportedly very difficult for young single females to obtain long-stay visas.

Commercial Visit Visas - issued for up to 14 days, extendable for up to 3 months. Work Visit Visas - valid for one year and renewable. Personal Visit Visas - issued to the spouse and dependents of a foreign national who is employed in Qatar. These are valid for up to one year and are renewable after exiting the country.