Qatar drops visa requirements

DOHA: Qatar yesterday announced a programme to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries to encourage air transport and tourism amid a two-month boycott imposed on the Gulf state by its neighbours.

Nationals from dozens of countries in Europe and elsewhere including India, Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, and the US only need to present a valid passport to enter the gas-rich country.

Nationals of 33 countries will be allowed to stay for 180 days, and the other 47 for up to 30 days.

“The visa exemption scheme will make Qatar the most open country in the region,” said Hassan al-Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development officer at Qatar Tourism Authority.