Qatar introduces free four-day transit visa

Passengers passing through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport can now get a free four-day transit visa.

The new visa is applicable for all passengers with a layover exceeding five hours.

Passengers can present proof of their onward journey at immigration to avail the offer, which is not restricted by the passport holder’s nationality.

Previously transit passengers had to apply for an entry visa ahead of time and were required to have a minimum layover of eight hours. The duration was also limited to two days.

The new initiative is part of government efforts to promote tourism as it prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in six years time.

Read: Qatar anticipates tourism boom as FIFA 2022 looms ahead

It also comes following a dip in tourist numbers in the first half of the year that hit hotel occupancy rates.

Read: Visitor numbers to Qatar drop 6% in first half of 2016

Qatar also announced a simpler visa procedure for cruise passengers last week in preparation for the beginning of the 2016-2017 cruise season in October.