South Africa passport to Qatar
Visa on arrival for South Africa passport holders.
South AfricaQatarShort stayVisa on arrival
South Africa passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Qatar — no application before you fly, but expect a fee and a queue at the border.
This is short-stay visitor policy only. It does not let you work, study or settle in Qatar — that needs a residence permit.
Passport Index · updated 17 February 2026Qatar's official immigration service
- How long you can stay
- Set on the visa issued at the border
- Qatar passports in South Africa
- Visa-free · 90 days
- Getting in
- You get the visa at the airport or land border when you arrive. Expect a form, usually a fee and a queue, and carry proof of onward travel.
Long stay
Staying in Qatar longer
Living here takes a residence permit. 3 routes researched:
- Work / sponsored
- Family
- Investment
What changes
South Africa and Qatar side by side
| South Africa | Qatar | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Pretoria | Doha |
| Languages | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English | Arabic |
| Currency | South African Rand | Qatari Riyal |
| GDP per person (2025) | $6,598 | $72,525 |
| Population | 64.7M | 3.0M |
GDP and population: World Bank.