Doha, September 6, 2026: The Qatar Ministry of Interior has introduced a new online service allowing travelers entering under the visa-on-arrival category to extend or renew their stay directly through the official website.
- New online service to extend visas directly through website
- No need to visit physical service centers
- Important for GCC residents and Indian expatriates
The Qatar Ministry of Interior has introduced a new online service allowing travelers entering under the visa-on-arrival category to extend or renew their stay directly through the official MOI website, moi.gov.qa.
This digital initiative removes the requirement for applicants to visit the General Directorate of Passports or physical service centers. The process involves navigating to the 'Visa Services' section under 'Inquiries', selecting 'Visa Extension', and then 'Inquiry and Extension'. After entering visa details, applicants can verify eligibility, complete health insurance requirements through approved providers, select an extension duration, and pay applicable fees electronically.
This development is particularly significant for Indian expatriates residing in GCC countries—specifically the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—who qualify for the GCC-resident on-arrival visa category.
Under current MOI regulations, eligible residents can obtain a 30-day single-entry on-arrival visa for a fee of QR 100. Eligibility is contingent upon holding a passport valid for at least three months, possessing a confirmed round-trip ticket, providing accommodation details, maintaining valid health insurance, and holding a profession from the list of 206 approved roles. The MOI emphasizes that possessing a GCC residence card does not guarantee visa approval, as all entry conditions remain subject to verification.
For travelers entering from India, the ministry advises verifying category eligibility via the official MOI visa portal or the Hayya platform before travel.
Health insurance remains a critical component of the extension process, as visitors staying longer than 30 days must maintain valid coverage. Travelers are cautioned to ensure their insurance validity aligns with the requested extension period to avoid system-generated processing errors. The ministry warns against sharing sensitive documents or payment details with unofficial agents, stressing that all procedures must be conducted exclusively through the official government portal to prevent overstaying or compliance issues.
