Qatar Announces Visa-Free Entry for 102 Countries to Boost Winter Tourism

Qatar is set to open up more of its visa-free policy that grants entry to citizens from 102 nations as a test to develop its winter tourism start. The key strategic move is aimed at visitors from the GCC as a way to showcase the unique winter activities in Qatar. According to this policy, the legal stay for the visitors is up to 30 days and this requires only a valid passport with a months validity period and a confirmed air ticket.

To promote Qatar as a preferred tourist destination during the winter, Qatar Tourism has laid down a detailed winter tour package strictly for the GCC countries that will highlight unique winter products as well as the superior hospitality of the country. Tourists can get familiar with rich culture by visiting such museums as the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar; on the other hand, adrenaline lovers would just love this place doing dune bashing along the beautiful coast of the Arabian Gulf.

This has already produced positive outcomes; Saudi Arabia turns out to be the most dominant source market accounting for about 29 percent of total arrivals. The simple process of entry reduces formalities, which means that visitors will be able to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to meet Qatar’s unusually diverse and rich cultural sights and landmarks.

“During the winter time, we call on the brothers and sisters in the GCC to come to Qatar for an enjoyable holiday with a travel program of their choice,” said Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO, of Visit Qatar. Its nearby access to other countries in the GCC, together with the presence of several luxurious resorts and a rich culture that is within close distance of the city centre in Doha makes it a perfect winter vacation center.

It is noteworthy that the presence of visa-free countries is backed by Qatar through the advancement of its tourism industry through large investments in comfortable accommodation and entertainment. The concern with the ability to turn the country into a travel destination of choice is well-supported by the country’s strategic vision that integrates the need to promote the development of the culture and heritage sites with the need to provide modern comforts.