Qatar is among the favorite destinations from the gulf region for the people living in Saudi Arabia. If you are a resident in Saudi Arabia with a valid iqama, you can very conveniently visit Qatar by road. In this article, we will explain Step by Step Guide about Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road for Saudi Iqama holders and visit visa holders.
Step By Step Guide About Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road
Qatar is a Gulf country with diverse culture with a unique blend of modernization and traditions. This Muslim country is much developed with an excellent intra-structure as well as plenty of job opportunities for people across the globe.
Qatar is also known for different types of sports events like recent FIFA world cup, spectacular modern architectural beauties, some of the best beaches of middle east and because of a great work place.
For people living in Saudi Arabia, a visit to Qatar by road is a viable option. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are having direct road link which makes it quite convenient for people from these two countries to visit each other. You will be entitled for a visa on arrival being a Saudi Iqama holder.
Below are the steps to consider if you are having Saudi Iqama and you want to visit Qatar by Road.
Step 1: Get Exit Re Entry Visa, Ensure Validity of Your Passport and Car Authorization
In order to exit Saudi Arabia to visit Qatar or any other country, Exit Re Entry Visa is required. Without Exit Re Entry visa you can’t leave the kingdom and can’t re-enter.
Additionally, your passport should also be valid. You can’t travel to Qatar from Saudi Arabia if your passport is expired or its expiry is just approaching. It is always a good practice to get your passport renewed well before its expiry to avoid any hassles.
Since you will be travelling by road, you also need to ensure your car authorization. The entry of GCC citizens and expats with their private vehicles to Qatar requires prior permission. Additionally, your car Fahas should also be valid to avoid any issues. Refer to How to Check Fahas (MVPI) Status Online in Saudi Arabia to know the current status of your car Fahas (MVPI).
Step 2: Book a Hotel in Qatar for Your Stay during the Visit
Booking your hotel using Discover Qatar is the next recommended step. Discover Qatar is the Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways. This is better if you book here and your profession is good, you need not pay On Arrival Fees of 100 QR.
The Hotels here are cheaper as well, than actual rates , few hotels consider Above 5 yrs age as adult so the prices will be high. If you have younger children, ensure that you put their age as 5 or below 4. So the prices will be cheaper. Age doesn’t matter while booking for children. Names are important.
Some people opt to book using booking.com or other similar OTAs (Online Travel Agencies). However, it is better to avoid any eleventh hour hassles and opt for booking through the Discover Qatar platform.
Step 3: Get Mandatory Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory for you prior to visiting Qatar. You can apply for medical insurance online using MOPH Registered Insurance Companies
Typically, Medical Insurance for Qatar Visit on Saudi Iqama will cost you around 50 QAR.
Step 4: Proceed with Your Travel to Qatar By Road from Saudi Arabia
When travelling to Qatar from Saudi Arabia by road; do expect some longer wait times with big queues at immigration specially during weekend. Plan by keeping such expected delays in mind. Generally, you will find Saudi Immigration much faster and smoother compared to Qatar Immigration.
Also keep in mind, following additional points:
- Both Residents (iqama holders) and Saudi Visit Visa holders can enter Qatar on On Arrival from Saudi Arabia.
- Visit Visa Holders will be asked for finger print while exiting, at Saudi side Immigration and Entering Qatar. While returning , No finger print at both sides.
- Iqama holders holders will be asked for Finger print , while exiting Saudi Arabia and also while entering back.
That’s it from this guide. If you want to visit Bahrain from Saudi Arabia, we explained all the steps in Bahrain On Arrival Visa : Bahrain Visit Visa On Saudi Iqama article. For Saudi Iqama holders who wish to visit UAE may seek guidance from the article How to Apply for UAE Visit Visa With Saudi Iqama.
Feel free to comment below if you have any further questions.
[…] Recommended: Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road: Step By Step Guide […]
[…] For Saudi Iqama holders, also read Bahrain On Arrival Visa process if you wish to visit Bahrain. Additionally for Qatar refer to Qatar Visit From Saudi Arabia by Road: Step By Step Guide […]