New visa regulations have made obtaining a visa much easier. Citizens of 33 countries can obtain a one month visit visa upon arrival. Visitors from other countries not included in the list of 33, should obtain a visa prior to arrival. The fees for single travel visa are non-refundable 100 QR per passport. In addition a copy of the passport is required. You can contact the airline stations in your country to get more information. You should apply for a visa for a longer time prior to arrival. Only citizens of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arab States who are businessmen, medical doctors, engineers and similar prestigious positions and transit passengers do not need visas. Visas and their cost differ depending on nationality.

Work visas are valid for one to three months and permanent permits are renewable and maybe granted by the sponsor in Qatar. Changing sponsors is conditional on the approval of the Department of Immigration - Ministry of Interior. A foreigner cannot change sponsor except after two years of work for the original sponsor.

All residents need a permit from the sponsor to leave the country but this does not apply for wives and underage children as they are in the custody of the husband or parent. There are no restrictions on visitors to leave the country provided they did not exceed the specified time in their visa.