File picture used for representation.
South African citizens are now able to obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar. The new system is effective from June 21, and the tourist visa will be valid for a month.
The South African embassy in Qatar yesterday on its Facebook page posted the official document saying ‘Official notification that South Africans can now obtain tourist visas for Qatar on arrival.’
“The embassy of the State of Qatar presents its compliments to the Department of International Relations in the Republic of South Africa, and has the honour to inform the esteemed department that the authorities in the state of Qatar have decided to grant the citizens of the Republic of South Africa tourist visas valid for one month, upon arrival in the state of Qatar, effective from 21 June 2017,” said the notification.
A tourist visa valid for a month will be issued for South Africans provided that the tourist holds a valid passport with not less than six months validity, have a return onward ticket, a valid hotel booking and money equivalent to US dollar 1,500 or a credit card with the sufficient amount. A visa fee of QR100 will be charged per tourist.
Many South African residents in Doha have appreciated the new facility.
Some said “Well Done” and “ Great Work” on social media welcoming the move.
“It’s a good move that South African citizens can get visas on arrival. There are a good number of South Africans and presence of our products in Qatar. This new move will attract more South African tourists to Qatar and help those who wish to visit their friends and families for a short time,” a South African expatriate working in the retail sector told The Peninsula.
South African expatriates believe that this initiative would further boost tourism and trade between the two countries. Many South Africans will now be interested in visiting Qatar which has transformed itself into a tourist friendly destination. When it comes to business and trade, Qatar and South Africa has very strong relations.
