Hamad International Airport is the busiest in the Middle East and is located in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is the main and national airport in Qatar. The previous name of this airport was The Amir of Qatar, Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. It has won the Best Airport in the World award in 2024 from Skytrax and has been named the best airport in the Middle East for the 10th time. The airport serves more than 35 million passengers. There are two runways with a length of 4850 meters. Every hour, 80 aircraft take off and land, meaning that every 3 minutes, 5 aircraft can take off or land.

Overview of Hamad International Airport

Facilities

1. Prayer Room
2. Smoking Zone
3. ATMs
4. Foreign Exchange
5. Hotel Desk (For Hotel Booking)
6. WiFi and Telephone Booths
7. Parent’s Rooms
8. Family Rooms (Offer Privacy and Relaxation)
9. 24/7 Medical and Emergency Services
10. Shopping Experience
11. Car Rentals Service
12. Traveler Guide Services

Visas and Immigration

Arrival

Using Electronic Gateways

Kindly proceed directly to the Electronic Gateway Zone. This is positioned to your right-hand side as you approach the Immigration Area.

Entry Permits Upon Arrival

For exhaustive details regarding entry permits, kindly refer to these web pages: link 1, link 2. Should your travel document originate from one of the nations outlined on this register, you are entitled to a single-use entry permit upon arrival. This is valid for a month-long visit to Qatar. Kindly approach an immigration kiosk, present your travel document, and settle the relevant permit fee. If you are a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), you qualify for a single-use entry permit upon arrival. However, issuance of the permit is contingent upon the validity of your residency permit for a minimum of six months. Please proceed to an immigration kiosk, present your travel document, and settle the applicable permit fee. The permit grants a one-month stay in Qatar and can be extended for an additional two months.

Settling Permit Fees

The simplest mode of settling permit fees is through your credit or debit card, directly at an immigration kiosk. The fee varies based on your nationality and the category of permit. If you opt to settle the permit fee in cash, kindly visit the designated banking kiosk (location indicated on map) before heading to a passport control kiosk. The bank will levy a service fee (QAR 25/USD 7) for processing your cash payment. All major currencies are accepted.

Securing a Permit Prior to Travel

If you do not qualify for an arrival permit (please refer to the eligibility criteria above), you must arrange for a permit before traveling to Qatar. This can be facilitated through Qatari embassies worldwide or by contacting a Qatar-based hotel where you have accommodations booked. The fee for the permit varies based on your nationality and the category of permit. Ensure adequate time for permit processing. If you are flying with Qatar Airways, you may have the option to secure an arrival permit by booking accommodations for the duration of your stay. For further guidance and assistance, please visit the Qatar Airways Holidays website. Note that standard permit processing typically takes two weeks, while expedited service is completed in approximately five to six days.

Hayya Electronic Visa Platform

Qatar’s Hayya platform facilitates seamless entry into the State of Qatar through an electronic visa. Obtain your electronic visa in four straightforward steps: 1. Register on the Hayya platform website or via the Hayya app. 2. Upload the necessary documents. 3. Settle the visa fee & submit your application. 4. Receive approval for your Hayya permit. Refer to Click here for comprehensive guidance on obtaining an electronic visa through Hayya and access the detailed guide.

Priority Service

All Al Maha clients, travelers requiring special assistance, and unaccompanied minors receive priority service upon arrival at Hamad International Airport.

Precautionary Measures

Kindly refrain from approaching a passport control kiosk if you intend to settle your permit fee in cash. Passport control kiosks only accept credit and debit cards. Please utilize the designated banking kiosk for cash payments (map location provided). Prior to commencing your journey, ensure confirmation of visa requirements. This helps minimize potential inconveniences or delays during travel.

Outbound Travel

Essential Guidelines for Passengers Departing from Hamad International Airport.

Exit Permits

To ascertain whether you require an exit permit, please visit the Hukoomi website. For families visiting Qatar, male visitors with stays exceeding one month are obligated to obtain an exit permit upon departure from the country (female family members are exempt).

Navigating Passport Control:

Scan your boarding pass at the automated security gates preceding the passport control zone. Ensure readiness of your travel documents (passport, exit permit, boarding pass, and ticket) for presentation to immigration officials. Exclusive lanes are designated for First Class and Business Class passengers.

Priority Service

All Al Maha clients, travelers requiring special assistance, and unaccompanied minors receive priority service when departing from Hamad International Airport.

Precautionary Measures

For travelers bound for a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), passport validity must extend for a minimum of six months (three months for GCC citizens). Ensure your passport meets this criterion to avoid travel disruptions. Travelers with outstanding fines in Qatar will be barred from exiting the country. Settle any unpaid fines prior to travel. Alternatively, fines can be settled at the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport (map provided).

Problem Resolution

If prevented from departing due to unpaid fines, settlements can be made at the Ministry of Interior fees and fines office at Hamad International Airport. It is located at the conclusion of check-in Row 8 (map). If unable to depart due to lack of an exit permit, kindly approach the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport.

Security and Customs

Your hand baggage will undergo security screening before you proceed to the baggage claim area. Prohibited items will be confiscated, and you won’t be able to retrieve them at any time.

• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pork products
• Narcotic drugs

Customs

• Select the Green Channel if you have Nothing to declare.
• Select the Red Channel if you have to declare.
• Alcoholic beverages 
• Exceeding permitted limits of foreign currency, jewelry, and precious stones
• Transporting prohibited and restricted weapons and firearms
• Possession of illicit material
• Carrying more than 400 cigarettes
• Possession of personal items and gifts valued at over QAR 3,000 (USD 825)

Please ask for assistance if you’re unsure which channel to use. If requested by a customs officer, you are expected to disclose any amount of currency, jewelry, or precious stones in your possession. 

Prohibited Items

You’re not Authorized to carrying the following items.

• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pork products

Pets And Animals

Traveling with pets or animals? An airline representative will personally deliver them to you at the baggage claim area. Should you require assistance, please contact the Airline Baggage Service office near Belt 1.

Lost Or Damaged Baggage

In the event of lost or damaged baggage, please promptly seek assistance from an airline representative at the nearest information desk.