After the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha last week, to keep the tourist inflows high the Qatar government has eased the entry norms, restoring visa on arrival for visitors from 95 nationalities, including Indian visitors.

Starting December 23, Qatar’s Visa on Arrival policies have been reinstated, replacing Hayya card requirements that were installed in view of the huge number of football fans from around the world who descended upon the Gulf Cooperation Council country to follow the world’s most popular sports tournament.

According to a press statement, visitors from more than 95 nationalities can enjoy Visa on Arrival and explore the burst of new attractions that have opened in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The statement adds that visitors can experience first-hand Qatar’s iconic offerings and family-friendly attractions that took centre stage during the football tournament.

With its distinctive combination of cool weather, pristine beaches and authentic warm Arabian hospitality, Qatar’s visitors and residents can continue to experience the unique, family-friendly atmosphere that made this year’s tournament so special and memorable.

From the exquisite cuisines and culture on offer in Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village, to soaking up the sights of the Doha Port and Corniche, some of the tournament’s most recognisable hotspots are still open and ready to welcome guests from around the world, says the statement.

“Looking back at the end of a truly remarkable month of celebrations, we are so proud to have hosted some of the year’s most memorable moments. We are confident that Qatar’s iconic attractions, warmth and openness, and infectious enthusiasm will continue to draw in visitors and residents toward the end of the year and into the next,” says Haya Al-Noami, Head of Promotions Sector at Qatar Tourism.

The rules for the VoA differ for different countries. While most European and a few other countries benefit from a 90-day free visa on arrival, other GCC nationalities can continue to travel without any visa formalities, while Indian visitors would need a hotel booking via Discover Qatar, the destination management company that is part of Qatar Airways, besides a confirmed return air ticket and a passport with at least 180 days validity. The 30-day tourist visa costs QAR 100 and a business visa, which has 90-day validity, costs QAR 200 for each 30 days.