Qatar Expands Visa-Free Entry to 80 Countries, Launches Zero-Fee Work Permits – Iran Waives Visas for 28 Nations
- Editorial Team
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
DOHA/TEHRAN, August 9, 2026 — Qatar has expanded its visa‑free entry program to cover citizens of 80 countries, offering stays of up to 90 days, while also introducing a special work permit with no application fee for eligible foreign residents. In a parallel move, Iran has abolished tourist visa requirements for citizens of 28 countries, including Gulf neighbours and major Asian nations.
The twin announcements mark the most significant visa liberalisation in the region in recent years, as both Gulf states compete to attract international visitors and talent.
Published: August 9, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
Qatar: Visa-Free Entry Expanded to 80 Countries
Qatar's General Tourism Authority has announced visa‑free entry for citizens of 80 countries, effective immediately. The policy is part of a broader strategy to increase visitor numbers and boost tourism spending.
Two Groups of Visa-Free Nationalities
Group | Countries | Exemption Validity | Stay Duration |
Group 1 | 33 nationalities | 180 days from issue date | Up to 90 days (single or multiple visits) |
Group 2 | 47 nationalities | 30 days from issue date | Up to 30 days, renewable for another 30 days |
Countries included in the exemption list include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, among others.
Hassan al-Ibrahim, head of the Tourism Development Sector at the General Tourism Authority, confirmed that this visa policy development "is not the first and will not be the last."
Electronic Travel Notification for GCC Residents and More
Qatar is also considering granting exemptions to holders of valid residence permits or visas from:
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman)
The United Kingdom
The United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Schengen Area countries
Eligible visitors would need to complete an online application for an Electronic Travel Notification at least 48 hours before travel.
Qatar: Special Work Permit with No Application Fee
Qatar has introduced a special work permit for eligible foreign residents that carries no application fee, marking a significant shift in how certain categories of residents can seek employment.
Who Is Eligible?
Group | Details |
Family-sponsored residents | Those living in Qatar under family sponsorship |
Permanent residents | Holders of permanent residency |
Investors | Individuals residing in Qatar through investment activity |
GCC citizens | Citizens of GCC member states wishing to work in Qatar |
Key Features
Feature | Details |
Application Fee | Zero – no application fee required |
Residency Status | Applicants do not need to alter their current residence visa category |
Employer-Specific | Permit authorises work only for a single specific establishment |
Requirements
Requirement | Details |
Valid Qatar National ID Card | Must hold an active ID card |
Valid Residence Permit | Must have at least 3 months remaining validity at the time of application |
Iran: Visa-Free Entry for 28 Countries
Iran has abolished tourist visa requirements for citizens of 28 countries, according to announcements from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The 28 Eligible Countries
Region | Countries |
Gulf & Middle East | United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia |
Africa | Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles |
Asia | Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, India |
Americas | Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico |
Europe | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Belarus |
Key Details
Aspect | Details |
Purpose | Tourism only |
Stay Duration | 15 days, non-extendable |
Frequency | Once every 6 months |
Air Travel (India) | Indian nationals must enter by airplane |
The visa waiver has been in effect since February 4, 2024, with the latest confirmation issued in July 2026.
Citizens of the mentioned countries who request to stay for more than 15 days or request other types of visas (business, entry, etc.) should apply for visas through Iran's representative offices abroad.
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Qatar | Iran |
Visa-Free Countries | 80 countries | 28 countries |
Stay Duration | 30–90 days (depending on nationality) | 15 days (non-extendable) |
Validity | 30–180 days | Once every 6 months |
Application | No pre‑entry visa required | No visa required (tourism only) |
Special Work Permit | Zero application fee | — |
Electronic Travel Notification | Under consideration | — |
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