Qatar Offers Visa-Free Entry to 80 Nationalities

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:10 AM ET, Thu August 10, 2017

Qatar has officially become the most open country in the Middle East.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the country has introduced a visa-free entry program to 80 nationalities in an effort to boost travel and tourism amid its ongoing diplomatic crisis with neighboring nations.

The new visa waiver program is effective immediately and comprises countries from all over the world, including the U.S., U.K., Mexico, China, France, Germany, Spain and Cuba, among others.

Nationals of the 80 eligible countries will only need a valid passport to gain entry to Qatar, Interior ministry official Mohamed Rashed al-Mazrouei said during a news conference in Doha.

Citizens of 33 of the countries on the list are now authorized to reside in Qatar for up to 90 days, while nationals of the remaining 47 countries are approved for up to 30 days.

Countries were selected based on security and economic factors. However, officials also took citizens' buying power into consideration.

"This historic announcement comes at a time of historic significance while some countries in the region have decided to close their skies and their borders, Qatar has instead opened its borders," said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker via AFP.

"Easing entry to Qatar is a key enabler for the growth of Qatar's tourism industry," the Qatar Tourism Authority's Chief Tourism Development officer, Hassan Al Ibrahim, said in a statement.

"Together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have examined all of the elements needed to create a smooth and enticing experience that can attract visitors from around the world. There is no doubt that facilitating and streamlining access at all ports of entry are key factors in creating a positive first and lasting impression of Qatar."

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Wednesday's announcement comes just over two months after several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over allegations the country was supporting terrorist groups.

The countries have since closed their borders to Qatar and prohibited Qatar Airways and other Qatari-registered aircraft from entering their airspace.

Qatar's new program is the latest step taken to facilitate easier access for visitors. It recently launched an e-visa platform and is considering waiving visa requirements for select holders of a residence permit or a valid visa.

See below for the complete list of countries eligible for the new visa waiver program:

Valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitles its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips:

Austria

Bahamas

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Seychelles

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

Valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitles its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days:

Andorra

Argentina

Australia

Belarus

Bolivia

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Ecuador