Qatar visa for Saudi Iqama holders: Requirements and Application Process
If you have a valid Iqama from Saudi Arabia, you can easily apply for a Qatar visa. The Iqama is an official residence permit that helps you to work and live in Saudi Arabia. This document offers various services like opening a bank account, renting a house, getting a driving license, and more. Qatar offers different types of visas for Iqama holders, such as business, transit, family, e-visa, and visa on arrival. Every resident in Saudi Arabia must have their own Iqama so they can easily travel between the two countries.
In this blog, we will discuss the required documents, how to apply for the Qatar visa, and the types of Qatar visa for Saudi Iqama holders.
Documents Required from Saudi Iqama Holders
Before applying for the Qatar visa, Saudi iqama holders must know about the required documents. To avoid any delay, you should check that you have all the necessary documents that are mentioned below:
- Valid passport: the passport must have a validity of about 6 months from the date of arrival, and the other thing is the passport must have blank pages for stamping.
- Valid Saudi Iqama: The Saudi IQama or the residency permit, must have a validity of about 3 months from the date of arrival.
- Passport-sized photo: the photos must have a white background and be of high quality without scratches, so the pictures should be scanned clearly.
- Accommodation proof: In the accommodation, the hotel booking confirmation is included.
- Check these documents before applying for the Qatar visa; otherwise, the application for the Qatar visa will be rejected.
- Returned or onward ticket: you should have a return ticket out of Qatar or should have the travel plans.
Applying for a Qatar Visa via the Embassy
Applying for A Qatar visa via the embassy is referred to as applying in person. In this process, you have to submit all the required documents in person by visiting the embassy. You can follow these steps to apply for a Qatar visa through the embassy:
- Search for the Qatar embassy in Saudi Arabia and schedule a visit.
- Prepare required documents and arrive on time at the office.
- The embassy will give you the application form; fill this out accurately.
- Pay the visa fee.
- The immigration officers will ask you some questions about your trip. Answer these questions.
- Submit your application and wait for the confirmation.
Once the application is approved, you can get the Qatar visa through the Qatar embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Visa Application Online
The other method for applying for the Qatar visa for Saudi Iqama holders is through the Hayya portal. The Hayya portal is an online web portal that helps you to get the Qatar visa online by saving your precious time. By following these steps, you can apply online for the Qatar visa:
- Log in to the website or create an account if you do not have one.
- Click on the sign-up button, enter your email address, and enter a secure password to complete the registration process.
- Click the button “Start Hayya journey” to proceed with the process.
- Choose the flying or driving option to Qatar.
- Answer yes when asked for the GCC citizens.
- Choose the visa type for which you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Click the “Apply for visa” option.
- Fill out the application with the required documents and correct information.
- Submit your application and wait for the approval message.
- Check your email for the approval confirmation. Once you receive the email, you can download and print it.
Visa Cost and Processing Time
The Saudi Iqama holders must know about the visa fee and processing time for getting the Qatar visa. The visa fee and the processing time for Qatar are given.
- Visa fee: The fee for a Qatar visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The visa fee for the tourist visa for Saudi residents costs $10; the visa fee for the business visa may be slightly expensive. The one thing you have to keep in mind is that the visa fee changes slightly sometimes, so you must check the visa fee on the government’s official website to avoid any delay.
- Processing time: The processing time for the visa application depends on your visa type and the number of applications. However, the average time for the Qatar visa application is about 5-7 working days. Sometimes, due to the peak seasons and unfortunate circumstances, the visa may be delayed.
Benefits of Saudi Iqama
The following are the benefits of the Saudi Iqama:
- Legal residency: The Saudi Iqama allows foreigners to legally reside and work in Saudi Arabia.
- Employment authorization: It allows one to work in particular jobs.
- Banking services: it allows access to finance and opens a bank account.
- Health care services: It offers to get health care from both public and private hospitals.
- Start a business: The Saudi Iqama allows you to start your own business without needing a business partner.
- Travel easily: With the Saudi Iqama, you can travel within Saudi Arabia easily.
- Access government services: The Saudi Iqama is needed for the visa renewal, medical services, and many other matters.
- Driving License: This can be used for applying for the Saudi license.
- For SIM card and internet: This can be used to buy the SIM card.
- Sponsor family members: The main benefit of this card is that you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents to live with you.
Types of Qatar Visa for Saudi Iqama Holders
The following are the types of Qatar visa for Saudi Iqama holders:
Visa on Arrival
If the applicant meets the requirements of a GCC citizen, they can get an on-arrival Qatar visa for Saudi Iqama holders from the airport in Qatar. The applicant must have the following documents that fulfill the requirements:
- The Saudi Iqama is at least 6 months old
- Have a passport that is 6 months old
- The authorized professions include those for Iqama.
- Have a hotel reservation and a return ticket.
- If possible, pay the visa fee through a credit or debit card.
Visa on Arrival Validity
Visa on arrival validity is about 30 days; however, you can extend it 30 days more. The other thing is that you can enter the country only once.
Qatar Business Visa
The Qatar business visa is available only for those applicants who are going to a conference, a meeting, or on a business trip.
Requirements
The following are the requirements to apply for a Qatar business visa:
- Invitation letter from a business in Qatar
- Saudi Iqama and a copy of your passport
- Reservations for the hotel and a return ticket
Business Visa Validity
The business visa validity is for 30 days and can be extended for 30 days.
Qatar e-visa
If you are not qualified for the visa upon arrival, you can apply for the visa online through the Hayya portal.
Documents Required
The following are the documents that are required to apply for the Qatar visa:
- Valid copy of passport and Iqama; both should be 6 months old
- A passport-sized photo
- Return ticket
- Hotel reservation
- The visa fee should be paid by a credit or debit card
Processing Time
The processing time for applying for the Qatar e-visa is 24 to 72 hours.
Qatar Family Visit Visa
This is the best choice for those who want to visit their relatives in Qatar.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be a first-degree relative, like their spouse or child. The sponsor must be a Qatar resident.
Family Visa Validity
This visa is issued for 30 days and can be extended for up to 6 months.
Transit Visa
This visa has the requirement that you can apply for the Transit visa if you stay in Qatar for more than 5 hours.
Eligibility criteria
You must have a confirmed ticket for the flight, and your stay is between 5 and 96 hours between the flights.
Processing Time
The processing time for this visa is about 24 hours.
Qatar Visa Rejection Reasons and Solutions
The Qatar visa may be rejected due to the following reasons:
- The passport may be invalid and not older than 6 months
- Iqama may be invalid and not older than 6 months
- Missing required documents
- Restriction on visa due to past visa violation
To avoid all these mistakes and any delay, make sure that you are eligible for the visa type, check all the necessary documents, and fill in the correct information in the application form.
Important Tips for Saudi Iqama Holders
The important tips to apply for the visa are as follows:
- Apply at least two weeks in advance for an e-visa
- Make a plan to travel during a non-busy time so you can get the visa earlier
- Do not apply on weekends or on public holidays
- Check the updated rules before submitting your application
FAQs
Conclusion
If you have the Saudi Iqama, then you can easily travel from Saudi Arabia to Qatar through the various visa options like e-visa, family visa, business visa, and visa on arrival. If you prepare all the required documents correctly and apply on time, then you can enjoy your trip without any delay. If you follow trusted platforms for the updated policies, then you can make the process so much easier. To avoid any delay, double-check your documents before applying and follow the steps carefully so that you can save our time.
