Doha Travel Forum

I'm a Canadian citizen wishing to visit Doha, Qatar to visit a friend that works there. I have looked into the requirements of obtaining a visit visa to Qatar and I am getting mixed comments or information on what is required. The information that I'm getting is making me more confused rather than making it clear to me what I need to do and what I have to bring. I was told that I needed to get a hotel reservation certificate from a known hotel in Doha from some people and getting a different answer from other people and websites regarding visit visa requirements in Qatar.
I don't really need a means of accommodation because my friend has a flat that has 3 bedrooms and shares with other expats there as well.
So my question is, "Do I really need to have a hotel reservation in Doha to be able to be granted a visit visa in Qatar and how long will my visit visa last?"

This would help my trip go a lot smoother if I find out what I really need to do.

Thank in advance for all the comments that I'll get. Have a good day everyone.

CHEERS!

How long do you intend to stay in Qatar?

According to: http://www.destdoha.com/visainfo.html
Visa regulations have recently been liberalized and it is now much easier to enter the country. Nationals of 33 countries (includin Canada) can now receive a visit- visa on arrival for a period of two weeks.

Thanks for that insight. Now I'm wondering if they need me to show them 3 months of bank statements too? I read that on the Qatar Embassy Website located in Washington, DC.

Yon don't need to apply at the embassy. On arrival you get a visa for 100 QAR (~30 C$). No additional paperwork needed except for your passport.
However it is a good idea to have a reservation, as hotels in Qatar are sometimes fully booked, especially on weekends.

We (two Canadians) visited Qatar in 07 and it was easy to acquire the Visa at the airport. Just pay your money and you are good to go. If you require an address, just give the address of your friends flat. I don't think you will have a problem.

Would it be a problem though entering if I don't make a hotel reservation? Just in case I do what nancynb is suggesting me to do. As Canadian citizens we also don't need a sponsor to get the visa right? Because like I said I'm getting mixed answers. Some say I have to have a sponsor some don't. I need clarity please.

CHEERS!

As I said before, just hand over your money or credit card and you'll have your passport stamped. No questions asked, no reservations necessary, no sponsor needed for Canadian citizens.

You should have no problem gettting your VISA at the air port.Provide them with your friend's address.I am not sure of the charges but it should not be more then US $ 35.
I have one advise for you. try to avoid the Gulf during the summer time. the weather is really hot and humaid.
It is more pleasent during October to April.

I have learned that I have to take Qatar Airways to enter Qatar if coming in a tourist. Is that true?

Thanks for the response that I'll get. Have a great day.

CHEERS!

No. It used to be like that a couple of years ago, so some sites still quote the old rules. But now you can arrive on any airline and still get the on-arrival visa