E-visa system to attract more visitors to Qatar

More foreign visitors are expected to visit Qatar with the launch of the new electronic visitor authorisation system unveiled recently by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), according to Qatar Airways.

The new system will enable residents of Qatar to invite family and relatives from around the world to visit the country during the ‘Summer in Qatar (SiQ)’ programme and obtain a free visa upon arrival after applying through the online portal: http://www.qatarvisaservices.com.

“The new electronic visitor authorisation system helps solidify Qatar’s ranking as the most open country in the region in terms of visa facilitation. The implementation of this system is a significant achievement for Qatar, as it streamlines the application process, enabling visitors of all nationalities to apply to enter our country and receive a free visa upon arrival,” Qatar Airways Group chief executive HE Akbar al-Baker, who is also the secretary-general of QNTC, said.

“We are proud to offer a warm Qatari welcome to visitors from around the world, and look forward to offering them a taste of our genuine Arabian hospitality,” he said in a statement.

“This important initiative developed by MoI and QNTC will enable us to welcome even more visitors, from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them during the SiQ programme,” he added. “Qatar continues to soar high in the sky where borders and boundaries do not exist, only horizons. We are overjoyed to continue bringing people together, one of our core values.”

The UN World Tourism Organisation recently ranked Qatar as the ‘Most Open Destination in the Middle East’ and the eighth most open destination worldwide in terms of visa facilitation.

The new facilitation during the SiQ programme will further enhance Qatar’s openness, and enrich travellers' experiences, the statement said.

Qatar Airways recently partnered with QNTC to offer passengers up to 25% discount on airfares for all flights to Doha as a final destination from more than 160 destinations worldwide on bookings up to August 15, enabling customers to enjoy fun-filled SiQ activities. Flight bookings can be done by visiting www.qatarairways.com/SummerInQatar.

This year’s SiQ programme introduces a wide range of exciting indoor activities and outdoor experiences, fun for family and friends.

Entertainment programmes will feature regional and international artists, edutainment, sports camps and special promotions on inbound travel, hospitality and shopping.

Nine world-class malls across Doha will be participating in the festivities, offering retail savings of up to 70%, and a chance to win up to $2mn in prizes, including the grand prize of a McLaren 570S.

Qatar Museums will offer authentic experiences, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in Qatar’s rich heritage and cultural scene. Souq Waqif and Katara – the Cultural Village will bring vibrancy to the summer with family fun and entertainment shows during Eid al-Adha.

Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars as celebrated names are set to rock SiQ. These include international and Arab artists as well as a number of Bollywood singers performing at the Bollywood Musical Festival.

Movie buffs will have a chance to attend the glittering South Indian International Movie Awards. Comedy fans can anticipate the return of the Doha Comedy Festival, while the little ones will enjoy numerous stage shows including ‘Hello Kitty’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Smurfs’.

In addition, passengers already booked on Qatar Airways flights can also take advantage of a unique stopover package designed to give travellers transiting through Qatar the opportunity to discover Doha with amazing luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas.