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Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements and Application – Complete Guide

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Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements and Application

The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a temporary visa designed for foreign residents in Qatar to host their immediate family members like spouses, children, parents, and siblings for visits in Qatar. Initially valid for one month, this visa can be extended for up to six months in certain cases.

This guide covers all aspects of the Qatar Family Visit Visa, outlining the necessary requirements, essential documents, and application processes. It also details the visa fees and important information that visitors should consider during the application process.

It’s crucial to understand that this visa is short-term and specifically for visitation purposes. Foreign workers seeking to sponsor their families for long-term residency in Qatar should adhere to the Family Residence Visa Procedure instead.

Table of Contents

Information on Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements and Application Process

According to the information available (from the experience of other applicants)

The processing of Family Visit Visas in Qatar has resumed for spouses, children, and parents, though not yet for in-laws and other relatives, as confirmed by officials at the MOI Service Center. Applicants can now submit their applications online through the Metrash App, with the average processing time for the visa being 1-2 weeks.

Currently, applications for Family Residence Visas (RP) for private sector employees in Qatar are not being approved, while approvals are being granted for public sector employees. Those interested can still submit their applications using the Metrash App.

As of March 2023, MOI Centers in Qatar are still not accepting walk-in visitors for RP applications or follow-ups, except in rare cases. Many applicants who visited the Gharaffa MOI Service Centre were requested to return after Ramadan.

Please note that the information provided above is based on the recent experiences of applicants visiting MOI Centers and not on any official announcement from authorities. Individual experiences may vary, and it is advisable to verify information with official sources or seek professional guidance for accurate and current details.

What is the age limit for the Qatar Family Visit Visa?

At present, individuals above 60 years of age are not eligible for a family visit visa as the Metrash system does not accept their applications. However, they may be able to obtain a visa on arrival.

Family Visit Visa Health Insurance

As of February 1, 2023, all visitors to Qatar must possess health insurance. Visitors have the option to obtain health coverage for QAR 50 per month from any of the accredited insurance providers listed on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website. It is advisable to secure health insurance for a minimum of three months, especially if planning to prolong the stay.

Obtaining an Attestation for a Marriage Certificate

There has been a recent change in the requirements for visit visa applications for spouses. While attested marriage certificates were not consistently required in the past for approval, many applicants are now being asked to provide attested marriage certificates.

These certificates are often handwritten and issued by local or religious institutions like mosques, churches, or temples. In cases where the certificate’s authenticity cannot be verified, attestation may be necessary. It is recommended to ensure that your certificate adheres to an acceptable standard format with official stamps. If not, obtaining an attestation may be required.

Requirements for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar

Foreign residents living in Qatar are eligible to apply for a family visit visa, provided that they meet the minimum salary and profession requirements.

Minimum Salary Requirement for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar

To apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for a spouse and children, a minimum salary of QR 5,000 (USD 1,373) is required.

To apply for a Family Visit Visa for other relatives in Qatar, a minimum salary of QR 10,000 (USD 2,747) is required.

Visa TypeMinimum Salary Required
Family Visit Visa – Spouse and ChildrenQR 5,000
Family Visit Visa – Other RelativesQR 10,000

In November 2021, a senior official from the Ministry of Interior confirmed this requirement

Profession Requirement for Family Visit Visa in Qatar

Foreign residents in Qatar who meet the minimum salary criteria can typically apply for a Family Visit Visa. However, applications may face rejection if the applicant’s profession listed on their Qatar ID is categorized as labor-type.

In instances where an application is declined based on an unsuitable profession classification, it is crucial to be aware that the Captain at the MOI Service Center holds the authority to override the decision.

Fee for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar

The fee for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar is QAR 200 (USD 55) for a duration of 30 days. If needed, the initial visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month..

Medical Check- Up

To obtain a visa extension in Qatar, a medical check-up is necessary, and the cost for this is QAR 100.

Fine for Overstay

If a foreign resident in Qatar overstays their visa beyond the allowed period, a fine of QR 200 per day is imposed.

Validity of a Family Visit Visa in Qatar

Family Visit Visas in Qatar are first given for one month, which is 30 days. Once the visitor arrives in Qatar and takes a medical test, the visa can be extended for two additional months, making the total stay 90 days.

Previously, it was possible to extend a family visa for another five months for first-degree relatives and in-laws (Father, Mother, Sister, Spouse, and Children), and two more months for other relatives. However, currently, the extensions are only allowed for 60 days. There has been no official announcement regarding whether longer extensions will be allowed in the future.

Time Limit for Entering Qatar After Visa Approval

Following the approval of the visa, there will be a “visa valid till” date indicated at the top. This date signifies the deadline by which visitors must enter Qatar, not the duration of their stay in the country. Presently, this time limit is set at 90 days from the visa approval date. Visitors are not permitted to utilize the visa for entry into Qatar beyond this specified date.

Required Documents for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Applying for a Visit Visa for Wife and Children in Qatar: Required Documents

The following documents must be uploaded when applying for a Qatar Family Visit Visa through Metrash:

  • Copies of the visitor’s passport,
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for wife and birth certificate for children),
  • Round-trip flight tickets, and
  • Health insurance that is valid in Qatar.

If applying offline (directly at MOI Service Centre), additional documents may be required such as:

  • Completed application form (available at any typing center)
  • Copy of the applicant’s Qatar ID
  • No objection letter from the employer that specifies the applicant’s profession and salary
  • Work contract that has been notarized by the Ministry of Labour
  • Photocopy of the company’s registration card.

When applying through the Metrash app, employment details are not required as labour contracts are linked with the Metrash system.

There are additional documents that need to be provided when applying for a visit visa for other relatives.

Expatriates who are married and have families living in Qatar are eligible to sponsor other relatives for a visit visa

The following documents need to be uploaded when applying for a visit visa for other relatives through Metrash:

  • Visitor’s passport copy
  • Proof of relationship, such as Birth Certificate or Passport
  • Round-trip flight tickets
  • Health insurance valid in Qatar.

If applying offline (directly at MOI Service Centre), the following documents may also be required:

  • Application Form (which can be obtained from any typing center)
  • Applicant’s Qatar ID copy
  • Qatar ID copy of the sponsor’s wife (if she is a resident)
  • No objection letter from employer, stating the profession and salary
  • Work contract (notarized by the Ministry of Labour)
  • Photocopy of Company’s Registration Card.

Application for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Traditionally, applying for a family visit visa in Qatar involved visiting a Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre and submitting copies of necessary documents along with a printed application form.

In 2018, Qatar introduced an online system enabling residents to apply for family visit visas through the Metrash2 app or the MOI website.

Through this online service, applicants can upload all required documents into specified fields. Additionally, they can monitor the progress of their application and make electronic payments for fees once their application is approved.

Applying for a Qatar Family Visit Visa Online: Step-by-Step Guide

here are the steps to apply for Qatar Family Visit Visa using Metrash mobile app:

Step 1 : Download and install the Metrash2 app on your mobile device.

Step 2 : Register and create an account.

Step 3 : Log in to the Metrash2 app and select “Visa Services” from the main menu.

Step 4 : Choose “Family Visit Visa” from the list of visa types

Metrash 2

Step 5: After uploading all the required documents, click on the “Issue Visa” icon in the Metrash2 app to submit your application for processing.

Metrash 2 visa info

Step 6. Select the “Family Visit” option.

Metrash 2 step 3

Step 7 : Click On “Family Visa Application”

Metrash 2 visit visa

Step 8 : Check “New Application”

Metrash 2 visa visit

Step 9 : Furnish the details of the Visitor

Metrash 2 Visit visa 2

Step 10 : Validate the details

Metrash 2 visit visa validity

Uploading Required Photos or Scans of Documents for Qatar Family Visit Visa Application

Clear and readable scans or photos of the documents are required.

If there are multiple pages in a document, they should be combined and saved as a single JPG file.

Passport photo and bio pages should be uploaded on the same side.

You can upload the attested backside of the marriage certificate for “Marriage Certificate (Others)”.

If a birth certificate is not available to prove your relationship with the visitor, other documents can be used as proof of relationship.

After a few days, you will receive an update on your application.

After submitting the application, the authorities may notify you if any documents are missing or do not match the requirements. Once you make the necessary changes and the application is approved, you will receive an application number. The status of your application may change to “Under Process” or “Under Review” multiple times before being finally approved.

Pay the required fee

To pay for the approved visa, you need to make an online payment of the visa fee (QR 200) through Metrash2. To do this, navigate to the “Visa Operation” page and select the “Visa Fees Payment” icon.

Metrash 2 payment fee

Once you have completed the payment, you can download the copy of the visa and send it to the visitor for their travel.

How to Apply for Family Visit Visa Offline in Qatar

For applying for the family visit visa offline, you will need a completed application form along with the other documents mentioned above. You can get the application form completed from any typing center.

Metrash 2 application visit visa

If necessary, it is essential to bring the original copies of your passport, Qatar ID, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter from your employer for verification purposes.

Take all the required documents to any Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre, obtain a token number from the reception, and wait for your turn. Once your number is displayed on the screen, proceed to the designated counter and submit the necessary documents.

In some instances, authorities may include comments on your application and request a meeting with the Captain for final approval. The Captain will review your application and decide whether to accept it. If your application meets the requirements, you will receive a receipt and be advised to return after 2-3 working days.

You can check the status of your application after 2 days using the link provided on the receipt. If you have the Metrash2 app on your phone, you will also receive notifications regarding any updates on your application status.

If the visa is approved, you can make the visa payment online via Metrash2 or at the MoI Service Centre. Subsequently, you can download the visa from the same link.

Checking the Status of Your Family Visit Visa Application

If you have applied for a Family Visit Visa using Metrash, you can check the status of your application directly from the Metrash app.

Metrash 2 visit visa status

To check the status of your family visit visa, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Ministry of Interior website.
  2. Navigate to the “Inquiries” section.
  3. Select “Visa Services” and then “Visa Approval Tracking.”
  4. Fill in the necessary details accurately as prompted.
  5. This process will enable you to check the current status of your visa application.
Metrash 2 visa application tracking

What to Do if Your Family Visit Visa is Rejected

If your family visit visa application is rejected, it could be due to various reasons, such as submitting incorrect or insufficient documents. For example, if a document photo is unclear or lacks attestation, like in the case of a marriage certificate, you can have it attested and resubmit. It’s crucial to understand the cause of rejection and rectify it before reapplying.

Aside from document issues, applications may be turned down if the Qatar resident applicant fails to meet conditions like salary or profession requirements. If rejection is based on not meeting the salary criteria, gaining approval again might be challenging. However, if it’s due to the profession, you can request a review by meeting the Captain at the MOI Service Center in Gharaffa. The Captain may grant approval if the profession is deemed acceptable.

Steps to Cancel Visa Application in Metrash

To cancel a visa application in Metrash, follow these steps:

  1. If the application is still under review or in process, click on the right arrow on the status page.
  2. Look for an option to cancel the application within the interface.
  3. If the cancellation option is not available in Metrash, you will need to visit an MOI Service Center to cancel the application.

Checklist of Required Documents for Family Visit Visa Travelers

  • Passport
  • Visa printout
  • Two-way flight tickets
  • Health insurance

Guide to Extending Your Family Visit Visa

To ensure a smooth process and avoid penalties, sponsors should extend family visit visas within the first month since the initial visa is typically issued for one month.

Here is a comprehensive guide on the medical test required for extending a visit visa for relatives planning to stay beyond one month:

  1. Medical Examination: Relatives wishing to extend their visit beyond one month must undergo a medical examination.
  2. Visa Extension Process:
  • After passing the medical test, the visit visa extension can be completed online via the Metrash mobile app (Visa -> Visa Services -> Extend Visa) or by visiting any MOI service center.

Other Key Points to Consider:

  • Flight Ticket Flexibility: To prevent issues with airlines, it’s crucial to book a return ticket that allows for modifications with a minimal change fee, as the initial visa validity is for one month. Adjusting the ticket dates upon arrival in Qatar is recommended.
  • “OK to Board” Requirement: Some airlines may necessitate an “OK to Board” status before departure for online visas. To obtain this status, present the visa copy to the airline’s Doha office.

“Null” Status on Visit Visa Application Receipt

Many readers have raised concerns about the acknowledgment receipt they receive after submitting their application, noting that most fields appear as “null.” It is crucial to understand that this is a standard occurrence for all applicants. The receipt serves as a confirmation that your application has been successfully received, and your application details will be stored in the system for processing.

Status of Visit Visa Application: ‘Under Process’ and ‘Under Review’

The visit visa application status can sometimes be confusing for applicants, as it may cycle between “Under Process” and “Under Review” before approval. It’s important to understand that this is a normal part of the application process.

If your visit visa application status alternates between “Under Process” and “Under Review,” you usually don’t need to take any action. In most instances, the application will be approved shortly after the status changes, typically within a few days.

Approval Timeline for Qatar Family Visit Visa

The standard timeframe for the approval of a Qatar Family Visit Visa ranges from one to two weeks. It’s important to keep in mind that applications are usually processed in batches and may not follow the exact order of submission.

Here is a general outline of the process:

  1. Review the application and make any required corrections.
  2. Pay the visa fee electronically as instructed.
  3. Wait for the visa application to be processed.
  4. Check the visa status using the Metrash2 app or the MOI website.
  5. Once the visa is approved, download and print it from the Metrash2 app or the MOI website.

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Written by Sri Krishna

Sri Krishna is the accomplished eCommerce and retail branding expert, renowned for creating captivating content, building brand reputation, and fostering brand growth. With expertise in targeted marketing campaigns and exceptional customer experiences, Sri Krishna cultivates brand loyalty and recognition. Through innovative branding strategies, Sri Krishna empowers businesses to succeed in the ever-evolving eCommerce and retail landscape.

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