Qatar lifts visa requirements for 80 countries
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), and Qatar Airways lifted the visa requirements for 80 countries, allowing visa-free entry for the citizens of those nations effective Wednesday.
Citizens of the 80 countries will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa and will be issued a multi-entry waiver free-of-charge at the port of entry instead.
Depending on the nationality, visitors can receive waivers valid for up to 180 days from the date of issue down to 30 days upon entry.
In a statement on Wednesday, Qatari authorities claimed the move comes “as part of a series of measures that Qatar has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country.”
However, it could be aimed at opening up the isolated Gulf nation to new investors and business.
In June, a Saudi-led boycott resulted in the cutting of diplomatic ties with Qatar who was accused of supporting terrorism.
Qatar denied the claims against it, labeling the decision from its neighboring countries to sever ties “unjustified” and with “no basis in fact.”
While the list is extensive, it did not extend to include Iraq. Iraqi passport holders will have to continue applying for e-visas.
Last month, Qatar launched an e-visa platform, www.qatarvisaservice.com, through which travelers can apply for tourist and visitor visas online.
The list of countries for which the visa requirements were lifted is as follows:
1. Austria 2. Bahamas 3. Belgium 4. Bulgaria 5. Croatia 6. Cyprus 7. Czech Republic 8. Denmark 9. Estonia 10. Finland 11. France 12. Germany 13. Greece 14. Hungary 15. Iceland 16. Italy 17. Latvia 18. Liechtenstein 19. Lithuania 20. Luxembourg 21. Malta 22. Netherlands 23. Norway 24. Poland 25. Portugal 26. Romania 27. Seychelles
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28. Slovakia 29. Slovenia 30. Spain 31. Sweden 32. Switzerland 33. Turkey 34. Andorra 35. Argentina 36. Australia 37. Belarus 38. Bolivia 39. Brazil 40. Brunei 41. Canada 42. Chile 43. China 44. Colombia 45. Ecuador 46. Panama 47. Costa Rica 48. Georgia 49. Guyana 50. Hong Kong 51. India 52. Indonesia 53. Ireland 54. Japan
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55. Kazakhstan 56. Lebanon 57. Azerbaijan 58. Macedonia 59. Malaysia 60. Maldives 61. Mexico 62. Moldova 63. Monaco 64. New Zealand 65. Paraguay 66. Peru 67. Russia 68. San Marino 69. Singapore 70. South Africa 71. South Korea 72. Suriname 73. Cuba 74. Thailand 75. Ukraine 76. United Kingdom 77. United States 78. Uruguay 79. Vatican City 80. Venezuela
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Editing by Karzan Sulaivany