It’s vital to check whether you can cross Qatar’s borders without a visa before planning the trip. If it’s not necessary, then you will be free from application procedures. And if your country is not in the waiver program, there are some facts you should know about the process of obtaining the travel permit and taking the right photo.

Entering Without a Visa: Who Is Lucky?

More than 90 countries have signed agreements with Qatar that make it easier for residents of their countries to enter. All because the procedure of crossing borders is simplified. But the duration of stay for different nationals is not the same. For example, travelers from Switzerland can stay in the country for up to 90 days, while Canada – only 30. Some can get a visa on arrival at the airport. Check the requirements for your country on Qatar’s official website.

What Do I Need for My Visa?

If you are not on the list and cannot get a visa on arrival, you’ll have to go to the Qatar Embassy to get permission to enter. It is recommended that you start this a few weeks in advance to have time to prepare all the documents and give the consular officers time to process them. Here are the things you’ll need:

• A passport for international travel that will be valid for at least another 6 months (counting from the day you apply to the Embassy)
• 3 photos that meet the official specifications
• A filled-in application form in English or Arabic. Attention: you’ll need to submit it in 3 signed copies
• A certificate confirming hotel reservations
• An invitation letter (from friends or hotel)
• A bank confirmation of sufficient funds to finance the trip

In some cases, other documents may be required. Check out the website of the Embassy in your country and read the up-to-date requirements.

Photo Specifications

1. It must be 38 x 48 mm. The face takes up approximately 34 mm of the entire image area. A small space should be left above the head to separate the top edge of the photo and the silhouette of the person (4 mm).
2. Only a light gray or white background is accepted (no shadows or objects in the frame).
3. Poking one’s head is not allowed. The person must stand up straight and look at the camera.
4. The picture is of high quality, with no distortion of the head proportions.
5. The image doesn’t only show the head but also the shoulders. Their upper part starts right from the bottom edge, without leaving any empty area.
6. The facial expression is neutral. Hair is pulled back and does not cover the face, including ears and eyebrows. The mouth is closed, with a slight smile allowed, but no teeth visible.
7. The head is covered only for religious or medical reasons. In no case is it allowed to hide the face or part of it.

Taking Photo Is Easy

Modern technology makes our lives easier and allows us to receive services without leaving home. So, you can get a photo by using an online tool that will process the picture and make it professional in terms of compliance with specifications. Complete the following steps to get an image that will be accepted by the Embassy without any questions:

1. Fix your smartphone about 2 meters away from you. Use a tripod or ask your friend to assist you. Do not take selfies..

2. Stand against a plain background in a well-lit place. The right lighting will eliminate any dark spots on your face or background. The best option is to either set up against a window or outside during the day because the sun won’t alter the natural color of your skin.

3. Wear dark clothing while avoiding mottled colors. This will provide better contrast.

4. Take off decoration chainlets, large jewelry and avoid too much makeup. The main goal is to look as natural as possible.

Once you have the picture, upload it to the Qatar photo editing tool. This online software will crop it to the right size, center the face correctly, and remove the background to make it white.

How Do I Print It?

In some cases, it is possible to obtain a visa online through the Qatar Ministry of Internal Affairs. Just select a hotel from a special list and submit your visa request. You do not need to print out the picture if you go this way.

But if this option is not suitable, print the image at home using the right printer. This will not require additional photo formatting, as the tool provides a ready-made template. If you do not have such a device, go to a big chain store or to the post office.

Summing Up

The process of obtaining a visa to Qatar is not complicated. Collect a few documents and prepare a photo of the correct format. The latter can be obtained from the comfort of your home for some $7 USD.