Qatar visa for cruise passengers can be obtained as a part of the services offered by the travel agencies. Qatar’s visa services are provided either individually or as a bundle with other services including arranging visas, hotels and other arrangements involving the tour. Doha is one of the most popular destinations in Qatar for cruise passengers.
Who said that everyone travelling to Qatar had to endure the heat, dust and traffic? That’s only half of the truth! Cruise passengers do not have to take “the normal route” when entering Qatar. Qatar government has made arrangements which streamline the procedure for cruise passengers wanting to get their tourist visa. The following blog is “How to obtain a Qatar visa for cruise passengers in 2017? We will base our discussion today on Qatar Visa For Cruise Passengers. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: visa for cruise ship employees and royal caribbean cruise visa requirements
Qatar Visa For Cruise Passengers
Qatar visa for cruise passengers is the best way to visit Qatar. If you are planning a vacation to the beautiful country of Qatar, then you should know that there are many things that you can do when you arrive. One of these things is getting Qatar visa for cruise passengers.
This type of visa will allow you to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days as long as your cruise ship has made arrangements with the government here. You may also stay longer than 30 days if you wish, but this will depend upon your situation and how it is handled by the local authorities here.
If you are looking for information on Qatar visa for cruise passengers, then we have some tips that can help make things easier for you during your time here in this stunning country.
Qatar Visa for Cruise Passengers
If you are travelling on a cruise ship, there are several steps you will need to take to get your Qatar visa.
First, you will need to email qatarvisas@vfs-usa.com and request them. They will send you a link where you can submit your application online. You will need to provide the following information: full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, travel dates and port of entry into Qatar (if known). You may also be asked to provide additional documentation if deemed necessary by the authorities; this is something that varies from case to case.
Once your application has been submitted and approved by the Embassy, they will send you a notification email with instructions on how to proceed with payment. This can be done through their website or by calling them directly at +974 44405333/+974 44444500; however we recommend using their website as it is more convenient and easier for those who have difficulty speaking Arabic or English due to their location in the United Arab Emirates. Once payment has been completed successfully then an official receipt will be emailed back along with an approval number which should be noted down carefully so that it does not get lost.
Visa For Cruise Ship Employees
U.S. citizens can help their loved ones in the entertainment industry get a visa to work aboard cruise ships by establishing employer-employee relationship.
Employees of cruise lines are generally required to obtain an H-2B visa, which allows them to work in the United States for up to three years. However, an H-2B visa can only be obtained if there is a U.S.-based employer willing to sponsor the employee and ensure that he or she complies with all visa requirements.
Cruise lines often hire employees through third-party agencies and subcontractors, which makes it difficult for employers to establish the appropriate relationship between themselves and their contracted workers. However, there are several ways for employers to demonstrate this relationship:
1) The Cruise Line may enter into a valid contract with the agency or contractor that clearly states that they will be responsible for providing employment verification, tax withholding information and other documents necessary for petitioning USCIS on behalf of their contracted workers;
2) The Cruise Line may have its own contracts with individual contractors or agencies which contain similar provisions; or
3) The Cruise Line may have an agreement with its contractors or agencies stating that they will provide any necessary documentation on behalf of its employees in order
Cruise ship employees can apply for a visa through the United States Department of State. You must be an employee of a cruise line or travel agency to qualify for this type of visa.
If you are planning on working in the United States as an employee on a cruise ship, you must apply for an H-2B visa at least six weeks before your scheduled departure date.
The visa application process for cruise ship employees is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things you should be aware of before applying.
First, know that you don’t need to apply for a visa if you’re only traveling to the United States for less than 30 days. Second, know that if your trip involves any kind of work, even if it’s just volunteering or sightseeing, then you must have the proper documentation in order to enter the country.
For example, if you’re going on a cruise trip and will be working as a waiter or bartender on board the ship during your vacation time, then you’ll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. If all you want to do is relax and enjoy the ocean views from your balcony cabin without doing any work whatsoever (even if it’s just being paid for by someone else), then all you need is an F-1 student visa.
Cruise Ship In Qatar Today
As our world becomes increasingly more connected, it’s easy to forget that we’re still a part of it. From the moment you step off the plane in Qatar, you’ll be reminded of this fact, as you’ll find yourself surrounded by an ever-changing and vibrant culture that is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Doha is the cultural center of this country, and the cityscape reflects this. There are beautiful museums, art galleries and theaters, each offering their own unique take on local history and culture. You can also visit some of Qatar’s most famous landmarks like Pearl Tower or The Museum of Islamic Art – both are worth visiting if only for their unique architecture alone!
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, then there’s no better way than by taking a cruise ship through the Persian Gulf. This area is home to some of the world’s most impressive wildlife so if you’re an animal lover then this is definitely something worth doing while in Qatar!
Cruise ship in Qatar today
The world’s largest cruise ship will be docking in Qatar today as part of a six-month voyage that will visit 22 countries. The ship, called Harmony of the Seas, is owned by Royal Caribbean, which says it’s the largest passenger ship ever built. It carries 6,296 passengers and 2,100 crew members. It’s so big that it takes three days to get all of its passengers onto shore.
Countries That Can Enter Qatar Without a Visa
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Qatar for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
- EU Member States (except Ireland)
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Bahamas
- Brazil
- Dominican Republic
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Malaysia
- Norway
- Russia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Qatar for stays of up to 30 days (extendable for another 30 days):
- Andorra
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Georgia
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Lebanon
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Suriname
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
In both cases, you can enter Qatar multiple times within the permitted period of time.
Conditional Qatar Visa Exemption
Citizens of India can enter Qatar without a visa for 30 days if they show:
- Passport with validity of at least another 6 months.
- A confirmed return ticket.
- A confirmed hotel reservation.
Citizens of Pakistan can enter Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days (not extendable) if they show:
- Passport with validity of at least another 6 months.
- A confirmed return ticket.
- A confirmed hotel reservation.
- A valid debit or credit card.
- Proof of vaccination against polio (if travelling directly from Pakistan)
Citizens of Rwanda can enter Qatar without a visa
Who Can Get Qatar Visa on Arrival?
In addition to the visa-exempt entry, citizens from the countries listed below can get a Qatar visa on arrival, which will allow them to enter both Qatar and Oman for up to 30 days:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
Electronic Travel Authorisation for Qatar
You can get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Qatar prior to travelling if you have a valid tourist visa or residence permit issued by one of the following countries:
- Any of the Schengen countries
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- United States
- New Zealand
You have to apply for a Qatar ETA through the website qatarvisaservice.com by completing an online form and attaching electronic copies of the following documents:
- Proof of accommodation in Qatar, such as a hotel reservation or your host’s address
- Proof of a return-trip ticket or onward ticket
- A scanned copy of your passport.
- A scanned copy of your visa or residence permit to one of the aforementioned countries. It must be valid for at least thirty days.
Your application for the ETA will be reviewed by the Qatar Ministry of Interior. If it is approved, then you can travel to Qatar, and get your visa on arrival, which will allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
Remember that the visa on arrival is valid for only a single entry, so when you leave you won’t be able to return unless you apply for a new ETA, even if you haven’t spent the entire 30 days.
Qatar Visa Requirements
When you apply for a Qatar visa, you have to submit electronic copies of the following documents (scanned with color):
- Your passport’s biographic information page (name and picture)
- A recent passport-size picture of you
- Your confirmed airline ticket.
- Proof of accommodation in Qatar, such as your hotel reservation.
- If you will stay with a relative/friend in Qatar:
- A letter of authority from them
- Their Qatar ID and residence visa
- Copy of their passport’s bio page
- A copy of their rental agreement document
- If you will stay with a friend/relative who is a Qatar citizen: Copy of their Qatar ID
- Requirements for residents of GCC countries:
- Residence visa for the GCC country
- ID card for the GCC country
- Any additional documents related to your travel purpose, such as:
- Previous visas issued by Qatar, Schengen countries, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
- A document showing you have invested at least $8,000 in Qatar
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
Your Qatar visa is processed by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. If the immigration officers in charge of handling your application think it is necessary for you to submit additional documents, they will let you know.
Make sure that all the electronic copies of your documents are scanned in color and are clear and fully legible.
How to Apply for a Qatar Online Visa for Tourism?
Anyone who is not eligible for a visa on arrival or for visa-exempt entry will be able to apply for a Qatar visa online, prior to travelling. You can apply for a Qatar visa through the website qatarvisaservice.com or through the Qatar Airways website (for those travelling with the airline company).
To apply for the Qatar online visa, you have to:
- Complete the online application form and attach all the supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee through your debit/credit card (Visa or Mastercard). The Qatar online visa fee is QAR 100 (appx. US$ 27).
You will receive the outcome of your visa application on your email. Print it out and bring it with you to Qatar.
Note: Citizens of Egypt, Israel, Kosovo and Palestine are not eligible to apply for a Qatar visa online. They should contact the nearest Qatar embassy or consulate to learn how to proceed about a visa application.
Applying for a Qatar Transit Visa
If you will pass through Qatar on your way to a third destination and have a layover that’s longer than five hours, then you can apply for a Qatar transit visa. The Qatar transit visa is issued for free, and you can use it to enter and stay in Qatar for up to four days (96 hours).
You apply for the Qatar transit visa online, in the same manner as you would apply for a tourist visa. You will receive the visa via email.
The Qatar transit visa can’t be extended beyond 4 days! If you wish to stay longer than 4 days, you can apply for a regular tourist visa.
To apply, you have to submit a scanned copy of your passport and an onward-travel ticket and visa for the third country of destination (if a visa is required). Both your inward and outward flights have to be operated by Qatar Airways.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Qatar Visa?
If all the documents are in order, and there are no problems regarding your application, then most visa applications for Qatar are processed within 4 working days.
How Much Is the Qatar Visa Fee?
The Qatar tourist visa fee is QAR 100 (apps. US$ 27). If there are people accompanying you, such as dependent family members, there is a fee of QAR 50 (appx. US$13) for each of them.
However, you may have to pay an additional service fee for the company handling your visa application.
What Is the Duration of a Qatar Visa?
A Qatar visa is issued for a duration of 30 days and for a single entry. The visa can be extended from within Qatar via the Ministry of Interior.
Qatar Visa Extension
You can extend your Qatar visa by applying online at the Qatar Ministry of Interior website (here). You have to:
- Enter your visa number, passport number, and the shown security code into the required fields to access the service.
- Select how long you want to extend your visa for.
- Pay the corresponding fee. For a 30-day visa extension, the fee is QAR 200.
Extending the Visa-Free Stay in Qatar
If you are from one of the countries allowed to enter Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days, you can extend your stay for another 30 days. You can apply for an extension at the Qatar Ministry of Interior’s Immigration Office at the Hamad International Airport or any of the MOI Service Centres across the country.
If you are from one of the countries that are allowed to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you cannot extend your stay.
Overstaying beyond the permitted time means you have to pay a fee before you leave (QAR 200 per day, which is approximately US$ 54 per day).