Qatar announces it is waiving entry visa requirements for 80 countries

Qatar recently announced that it is waiving entry visa requirements for the citizens of 80 countries including South Africa with immediate effect. Multi-entry waivers will be issued for free at the port of entry if the traveller has a passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and an onward or return ticket.
 
There will be two types of visa waivers. The first will be for 33 countries including Austria, Germany, France and the Seychelles. This waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issue and allow you to spend up to 90 days in Qatar on a single stay or multiple trips.  
The second (which applies to South Africa, Canada, America, Australia and the UK) will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue. This is one of many steps Qatar is taking to encourage travel to the country. 
 
South African passport holders visiting Qatar for business purposes will still have to apply for a visa before travelling to the country.
Here are the latest rulings affecting the South African traveller:
 

• Travellers visiting family or friends can get a visa on arrival (information based on SA passport holders, supporting docs may apply)
• Travellers staying in a hotel with confirmed hotel bookings can obtain a visa on arrival (information based on SA passport holders, supporting docs may apply)
• Anyone travelling for business purposes must apply for a visa before travelling to Qatar.

We strongly suggest you still check this information directly with the Embassy as the Embassy website states that South African passport holders cannot obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. This information can also be obtained on the website for the State of Qatar: