- Visa Requirements
- Things to Consider
- Travel by Road
- Travel by Rental Boat or Cruise
- Qatar Entry Rules
- FAQs
Qatar is a wonderful place to visit. The country offers scenic waterfront views, beaches and dunes, not to mention ultra-modern shopping places and eateries. Moreover, Qatar welcomes tourists from all over the world and visa on arrival is available for visitors from several countries, including the UAE.
If you are planning to explore Qatar with friends or family, here’s how you can travel to Qatar from the UAE. We have detailed information on obtaining visas and Qatar’s entry rules.
TRAVEL TO QATAR FROM THE UAE
Those planning to travel to Qatar from the UAE can choose to commute via air, road or sea. The easy and quick way to reach Qatar from the Emirates is by air. It takes around an hour or two to reach, and you must book a flight in advance.
Irrespective of the mode of commute you choose, you have to fulfil some UAE to Qatar travel requirements. So, let’s talk about the visa first.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of more than 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry or visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar. However, certain terms and conditions apply that you can check on the official visit Qatar website. It is worth noting that Qatar is one of the countries UAE residents can travel without a visa or with an e-visa. Even expats holding an Indian or Pakistani passport can avail of this benefit.
QATAR VISA
Citizens from one of the eligible countries applying for a Qatar visa can get a visa waiver upon arrival. The validity of the visa will be for 30 days for single and multiple trips. Tourists can apply for visa extension for a further 30-day period. Also, the visa waiver is available for 90 days for single or multiple visits. That said, the 90-day visa waiver is available for citizens of certain countries. UAE nationals do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING FOR QATAR VISA
- Passport with a validity of a minimum of 6 months
- Confirmed return tickets (if travelling by air)
- Make hotel reservations before applying for the visa
- Must have a polio vaccination card
- Fully vaccinated with Ministry of Public Health’s vaccines and have completed 14 days before travelling to Qatar
- Negative PCR test certificate
Those holding a GCC resident visa can apply for a single-trip Qatar visa for a period of 30 days. The visa can be renewed for further 30 days. Residents of any GCC countries entering Qatar must submit official documents verifying their profession in the respective country.
Besides, UAE residents travelling to Qatar should get a Hayya Card. This card is mandatory to avail of visa-free entry for a 30-day period. With this card, you can use public transport in Qatar for free. Also, a Hayya Card is mandatory even if you opt to travel to Qatar from the UAE by road or sea.
WAYS TO TRAVEL TO QATAR FROM THE UAE
You can travel to Qatar from the UAE through the following means:
TRAVEL TO QATAR FROM THE UAE BY ROAD
If you are adventurous and enjoy long road trips, you may opt to travel to Qatar from the UAE by road.
Yes, you can travel to Qatar in your own vehicle from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Qatar is a drive of around 5 to 7 hours from both Emirates. There are two borders that you have to pass through: from UAE to Ghuwaifat (Saudi Arabia border) and from Saudi Arabia to Salwat (Qatar border).
The travel time depends on the border inspections, as it may take around two hours or more on days with a heavy flow of traffic.
Once you reach Ghuwaifat, you have to get off your vehicle and present your passport, visa and other required documents to officials on the border. As per the new rule for driving to Qatar, you will have to park your car at the Abu Samra land border that connects Qatar and Saudi Arabia. From that border, you can then take a free shuttle bus that takes passengers to central Doha.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE OUTSIDE THE UAE
If your vehicle is registered in Dubai and you are an expat living in the Emirate, you must get a Tourism Certificate from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai. This certificate is mandatory when driving your vehicle outside the UAE as a tourist. However, an RTA tourism certificate is not required if you are a UAE national or a GCC national.
Moreover, you will have to obtain a Clearance Certificate from RTA Dubai if the vehicle registered in Dubai is not in your name. This certificate indicates that the car is not under any restrictions (mortgage) or has any unpaid traffic fines.
Also, you will have to get your car insurance to enter Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This insurance will remain valid for 15 days. If your insurance has expired on your way back to UAE via Saudi Arabia, you will have to buy new insurance. Therefore, it is better to get third-party GCC-wide insurance for at least a month.
RENTAL BOAT OR CRUISE
Travelling via sea to Qatar could be a unique experience for adventurous travellers. One can book a cruise to travel to Qatar from the UAE. You can take one of the cruises in the UAE from the Arabian Gulf to reach Qatar and other port cities.
Since ferry service to Doha from Dubai is not available at the moment, people living in the UAE can also rent a boat from Dubai to Qatar.
QATAR ENTRY RULES
The Qatar government has implemented certain entry rules for all travellers. Here we have detailed the entry rules to further facilitate in planning your trip to Qatar from the UAE:
- Pakistani, Iranian and Indian passport holders need to make hotel reservations before entering Qatar to get their visa on arrival.
- Register an entry permit on the Ehteraz portal to obtain pre-travel approval, in case you hold a Pakistani, Indian or Iranian passport. It is also worthwhile to note that pre-travel registration does not apply to GCC residents and citizens.
- When travelling to Qatar, you need to keep your negative PCR test certificate. Also, get a PCR test done 48 hours before departure or a Rapid Antigen test before 24 hours. Rapid Antigen tests conducted at home are not accepted.
- Upon arrival in Qatar, download the Ehteraz app (Android | iOS) and activate the app using your SIM card or passport number.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
CAN UAE EXPATS TRAVEL TO QATAR?
Yes, expats living in all the Emirates of the UAE can travel to Qatar.
CAN I TRAVEL TO QATAR WITH A UAE RESIDENCE VISA?
No, you cannot travel to Qatar from the UAE with a UAE residence visa. You have to apply for a Qatar visa. However, citizens from around 95+ eligible countries are eligible for visa-free entry or visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar.
Can UAE Residents Travel to Qatar by Road?
Yes, UAE residents can travel to Qatar by Road. From Dubai, the route is about 649 km which can be covered around 6 hours and 30 minutes. Whereas, people traveling from Abu Dhabi can reach Qatar in about 5 hours and 30 minutes covering around 546 km.
How Far is Qatar from Dubai?
The UAE shares a maritime border with Qatar. The distance from major UAE cities to Qatar is as follows:
- Dubai to Qatar distance – about 649 kilometres.
- Abu Dhabi to Qatar distance – about 546 kilometres.
How to Travel from UAE to Qatar by Road in 2023?
People from the UAE can drive to Qatar or use the different buses offered in the UAE to reach Qatar. However, it is important to fulfil all requirements before entering the country.
This concludes our UAE to Qatar travel guidelines. Though flying to Qatar takes around 1-2 hours from all the Emirates, travelling by road in your own vehicle is a more adventurous way to explore the route. If you seek such an experience, you’ll need a ride you can trust. Browse these used cars for sale in the UAE to find the perfect car for the trip.
Stay tuned to the top auto blog of the UAE for information on intercity and intracity commute options across the UAE and a lot more.
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