Qatar
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Oman
Bahrain
Key takeaways
- Qatar visa tracking is done on the MOI portal or Metrash2 app using your 8‑12 digit application number and passport number.
- Fees range from QAR 150 (transit) to QAR 800 (work); e‑visas process in 3‑5 business days, work visas in 14‑21 days.
- Live queue counters and QR‑code status cards were added in July 2026 for real‑time visibility.
- Common rejection reasons include passport validity under 6 months, mismatched sponsor data, and missing attested degrees.
- Employers must secure MADLSA labour‑market approval before a work‑visa tracking reference is issued.
Qatar visa tracking in 2026 is faster than ever: go to the Ministry of Interior portal, enter your 8‑12 digit visa/application number and passport number, and you’ll see live queue metrics and a QR‑code verification badge added in July 2026. E‑visas now clear in 3‑5 business days, paper visas in 7‑10 days, and work visas in 14‑21 days.
TL;DR: Visit the MOI Visa Approval Tracking portal, enter your 8‑12 digit application number and passport number, and click Search. E‑visas process in 3‑5 business days, work visas in 14‑21 days. Fees range from QAR 150 (transit) to QAR 800 (work).
Qatar visa tracking: step‑by‑step guide
Follow these exact steps on the official MOI Visa Approval Tracking portal (portal.moi.gov.qa):
- Open the portal on desktop or mobile (the 2026 UI is fully responsive).
- Select Visa Approval Tracking from the services menu.
- Enter your Visa/Application number (8‑12 digits) exactly as it appears on the Qatar Visa Center (QVC) receipt.
- Enter your passport number (must match the passport used at QVC).
- Click Search. The result page now shows a live queue counter, a QR‑code you can scan for a printable status card, and the current status message.
After the search you can download the QR‑code as an SVG or use the “Print Status Card” button to save a PDF. The live queue counter updates every 30 seconds, so you know exactly how many applications are ahead of yours.
Qatar visa tracking: fees, processing times & visa types
Understanding the cost and speed of each visa category helps you plan travel or recruitment. The table below reflects the latest fees published by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Qatar Visa Center (QVC) as of October 2026. All amounts are in Qatari riyal (QAR).
| Visa type | Typical fee (QAR) | Standard processing | Common use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e‑visa (single entry) | 150 | 3‑5 business days | Leisure visits up to 30 days |
| Tourist e‑visa (multiple entry) | 300 | 3‑5 business days | Frequent travellers, business trips |
| Business e‑visa | 400 | 3‑5 business days | Meetings, conferences, short‑term contracts |
| Family visit visa | 200 | 5‑7 business days | Spouse, children, parents of residents |
| Work visa (employer‑sponsored) | 800 | 14‑21 business days | Long‑term employment, labour contract |
| Student visa | 350 | 7‑10 business days | Enrolled in recognised Qatari institution |
| Transit visa (96 h) | 150 | Instant on arrival | Connecting flights via Hamad Intl. |
| GCC resident entry permit | 100 | 24‑48 hours | GCC national/resident visiting Qatar |
| Medical treatment visa | 250 | 5‑7 business days | Patients with hospital referral |
| Investor / property owner visa | 500 | 7‑10 business days | Real‑estate investors, company owners |
| Domestic worker visa | 600 | 14‑21 business days | Household staff sponsored by resident |
| Diplomatic / official visa | Exempt | Varies | Government delegations, embassy staff |
Fees are payable online via the MOI portal or at any QVC branch. The MOI added a live‑queue indicator in July 2026, so you can see how many applications are ahead of yours in real time. For work and domestic‑worker visas, the employer must first obtain a labour‑market approval from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) before the visa application is submitted. You can verify the current fee schedule on the MOI website under “Visa Services → Fees”.
Required documents per visa type (quick reference)
| Visa type | Key documents |
|---|---|
| Tourist e‑visa | Passport copy (≥6 months validity), passport‑size photo, confirmed hotel booking or invitation letter |
| Business e‑visa | Passport copy, company letterhead invitation, commercial registration copy |
| Family visit visa | Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy, relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates), sponsor’s salary certificate |
| Work visa | Signed employment contract, MADLSA labour‑market approval, attested degree, medical fitness certificate |
| Student visa | Admission letter from Qatari university, passport copy, tuition fee receipt |
| Transit visa | Onward ticket, passport copy (no extra docs needed) |
| GCC resident entry permit | Valid GCC residence card, passport copy |
| Medical treatment visa | Hospital referral letter, medical report, passport copy |
| Investor / property owner visa | Title deed or share certificate, company CR, passport copy |
| Domestic worker visa | Sponsor’s Qatar ID, employment contract, worker’s passport, medical certificate |
Qatar visa tracking: common status messages & what they mean
After you hit Search, the portal returns one of several status codes. Knowing each code saves you from unnecessary follow‑ups.
- Application Received – Your file is in the queue; no action needed.
- Under Review – Immigration officers are checking documents; typical for work visas.
- Additional Documents Required – The system will list missing items (e.g., medical certificate, attested degree). Upload them within 72 hours to avoid cancellation.
- Approved – Visa granted; a QR‑code appears for download and printing.
- Rejected – Reason displayed (often passport expiry < 6 months or mismatched sponsor data). You may re‑apply after correcting the issue.
- Cancelled – Usually triggered by sponsor withdrawal or failure to submit extra docs on time.
If the status stalls at Under Review for more than 10 business days (tourist) or 25 business days (work), open a support ticket via the MOI “Contact Us” page or call the 24‑hour hotline +974 4406 9999.
Qatar visa tracking via Metrash2 app
The Metrash2 mobile app (available for iOS and Android) mirrors the MOI portal. After logging in with your Qatar ID or passport, tap “Visa Services → Visa Tracking”. The app pushes a notification when the status changes, which is handy if you’re away from a desktop. The QR‑code can be saved directly to the phone’s wallet for airline check‑in.
Tracking visa extensions and renewals
Extensions for tourist and family visit visas are processed through the same portal. Select “Visa Extension” after the initial approval, pay the extension fee (QAR 100 per 30 days for tourists), and the new expiry date appears instantly. Work‑visa renewals require the employer to submit a fresh MADLSA approval; the tracking number changes, so keep the new reference handy.
Employer‑sponsored work visa tracking details
For a work visa the employer initiates the process on the MADLSA portal (madlsa.gov.qa). Once the labour‑market approval is issued, the employer receives a 10‑digit application reference. That reference is what you enter on the MOI tracking page. The live queue counter is especially useful here because work‑visa queues can exceed 200 applications during peak hiring seasons (March‑May, September‑November).
Common rejection reasons and how to avoid them
- Passport validity < 6 months – Renew before applying.
- Mismatched sponsor data – Ensure the sponsor’s Qatar ID number on the contract matches the MOI record.
- Missing attested degree – For professional roles, the degree must be attested by the Qatar Embassy in the country of issue.
- Medical certificate expired – Certificates are valid for 3 months only.
- Duplicate application – Submitting a second request while the first is still “Under Review” triggers automatic cancellation.
Qatar visa tracking: troubleshooting, tips & FAQs
Why can’t I see my application?
Common causes: typing the application number incorrectly (omit leading zeros), using a passport number that differs from the one presented at the QVC, or checking before the system has ingested the QVC receipt (usually 2‑4 hours after submission). Double‑check the receipt PDF; the application number is the 10‑digit code under “Reference No.”.
QR‑code not downloading
The portal serves the QR‑code as an SVG. Some mobile browsers block automatic downloads. Tap the “Print Status Card” button instead; the print preview lets you save as PDF, which includes the scannable code.
Fee payment failed
Payments are processed through the Qatar Central Bank gateway (qcb.gov.qa). Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions and that the billing address matches the cardholder’s address. If the transaction times out, wait 15 minutes and retry – the system prevents duplicate charges.
Expedited processing
As of 2026 there is no official “express” lane for tourist e‑visas. Work‑visa applicants can request priority handling only if the employer provides a MADLSA‑issued “Urgent Recruitment” letter. The fee remains QAR 800; the timeline shortens to 7‑10 business days.
Checking on behalf of someone else
You need the applicant’s full passport number and the exact application reference. The portal does not support name‑only lookups for privacy reasons.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I track a visa without the application number? No – the MOI portal requires both the application/reference number and the passport number.
- Is the QR‑code valid for airline check‑in? Yes. Airlines accept the printed QR‑code or the digital version on a phone as proof of visa approval.
- What if my passport expires in 4 months? Qatar requires at least 6 months validity. Renew your passport before applying; otherwise the visa will be rejected.
- Do GCC residents need a visa? GCC nationals enter visa‑free. GCC residents (non‑nationals) need the GCC resident entry permit (QAR 100, 24‑48 h).
- Where is the official fee schedule published? The MOI publishes the fee list on moi.gov.qa under “Visa Services → Fees”.
- How long does a visa extension take? Tourist extensions are instant once the fee is paid; work‑visa renewals follow the standard 14‑21 day timeline.
- Can I use the Metrash2 app for all visa types? Yes, the app supports tracking for every visa category listed above.
Keep this page bookmarked – the MOI updates the portal UI and fee table quarterly. The next scheduled refresh is January 2027, when biometric enrolment at Hamad Airport will become mandatory for all first‑time work‑visa holders.
Frequently asked questions
Can I track a visa without the application number?
No – the MOI portal requires both the application/reference number and the passport number.
Is the QR‑code valid for airline check‑in?
Yes. Airlines accept the printed QR‑code or the digital version on a phone as proof of visa approval.
What if my passport expires in 4 months?
Qatar requires at least 6 months validity. Renew your passport before applying; otherwise the visa will be rejected.
Do GCC residents need a visa?
GCC nationals enter visa‑free. GCC residents (non‑nationals) need the GCC resident entry permit (QAR 100, 24‑48 h).
Where is the official fee schedule published?
The MOI publishes the fee list on moi.gov.qa under “Visa Services → Fees”.
How long does a visa extension take?
Tourist extensions are instant once the fee is paid; work‑visa renewals follow the standard 14‑21 day timeline.
Can I use the Metrash2 app for all visa types?
Yes, the app supports tracking for every visa category listed above.
Photos: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; Zairon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0