UK Visa for Qatari Citizens

The United Kingdom (UK) is a popular destination for travelers, whether planning to study in England or enjoy a holiday in Edinburgh or London. Understanding how to apply for a UK visa from Qatar is the first step toward a smooth journey.

For short-term visits, a new system called the UK ETA (electronic travel authorization) has replaced the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (UK EVW). However, longer stays still require a traditional UK visa.

The UK ETA for Qatari citizens was first introduced on 25 October 2023; as of 15 November 2023, they must apply for a UK ETA to enter the UK for short visits, such as tourism, business, or family visits. Before this change, they could enter the UK using the UK electronic visa waiver, which allowed visa-free travel with an approved document submitted 48 hours before departure.

The UK ETA is a travel permission that allows Qatari nationals to come to the UK for up to 6 months for some permitted purposes. They can also use this same travel permission to come to the UK for 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession, or for a permitted paid engagement, short studies for up to 6 months, or simply for tourism, visiting friends and family. It also allows holders to transit through the UK if they pass through border control. 

This article breaks down the types of available visas, the application process, requirements for applicants, and some helpful tips for ensuring a successful trip to the UK.

Types of UK Visas for Qatari Citizens

For Qatari nationals who are planning to stay longer in the UK or travelling for purposes that are not allowed on an ETA, like work or long-term studies, here are some common visa types they can apply for:

Standard Visitor visa

This visa is designed for engaging in tourism, visiting family, short study courses, or short business trips. Qatari nationals can apply for a UK visit visa from Qatar if they are staying for up to 6 months.

Student visa

For those looking to study in the UK, the Student visa is designed for courses over 6 months. Applicants will need a confirmation of enrollment and proof of funds.

There is also a Short-term study visa for those enrolling in English courses between 6 and 11 months long. For study courses under 6 months, Qatari nationals can also apply for a Standard Visitor visa (above) or an ETA.

Work visa  

There are many types of work visas available. One of the most popular is the Skilled Worker visa. This one is intended for Qatari citizens with a job offer from a UK employer. It is tied to a specific job and sponsor.

Other types of work visas include:

• British National (Overseas) visa
• Graduate visa
• Global Talent visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
  

There are also other visas for temporary work:

• Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work)
• Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)
  

The Innovator Founder visa allows Qatari nationals to start a business in the UK. 

Family visa

This visa is designed for Qatari travelers who want to join a spouse, partner, or other family member who resides in the UK.

UK ETA for Qatari Travelers: What You Need to Know

The UK ETA (electronic travel authorization) is now required for Qatari citizens visiting the UK for tourism, short business trips, or to see family and friends. It’s intended for trips of up to 6 months.

Benefits of the UK ETA

• The application process is fast and can be completed entirely online.
• It is a multiple-entry travel permit.
• The processing time is very fast, with most application decisions being sent in under 3 days.
• It is very affordable and can be paid for using a digital payment method online. 

Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Holders can stay in the UK for up to 6 months each time they visit. 

Application Process

The application process is fairly straightforward and can be completed online: 

• Step 1 Complete the online application form.
• Step 2 Upload the required documents and provide necessary information:
  • A valid Qatari passport.
  • A recent digital photograph that meets the UK photograph requirements.
  • An active email address is required since you will be receiving the ETA decision in the email provided in the application.
• Step 3 Pay the application fees using a valid digital payment method (debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay).
• Step 4 Submit the application and wait for a decision.
  The official processing time is 3 working days, but most applications are decided on in less time than that.

Choosing the Right UK Visa for Your Travel Needs

It can be difficult to know which visa is right before traveling. This guide will help you determine the correct choice.

First, applicants can ask themselves the following questions:

• Are you staying more than 6 months?
• What is the exact purpose of traveling to the UK?
• Is your purpose short-term tourism or business?

Applicants staying less than 6 months can apply for a UK ETA. Those staying longer than 6 months will need to apply for another type of UK visa.

If a visa is needed, applicants will need to decide which type is best suited to their purposes. If they are studying, they will need a Student visa. If they want to work in the UK, there are many types of Work visas to select from. This will depend on the type of work they are planning to do.

If the purpose is short-term tourism or business, a UK ETA will be sufficient.

UK Visa Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for a UK visa is determined by the following criteria:

• Purpose of travel The visa type must match the reason for traveling, whether it be studying, tourism, or work.
• Duration of travel The UK ETA is only available to Qatari nationals who are planning on staying in the UK for less than 6 months. Violating visa conditions is very serious and could result in legal consequences. Any Qatari citizens who wish to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months should apply for another type of standard UK visa.
• Clean criminal record Qatari applicants for a UK visa should possess a clean criminal record. Any recorded sentence in the last 12 months that is 12 months or longer may result in refusal.
• Financial stability Some visa types may require the applicant to prove they can support themselves for the duration of their stay in the UK. This can usually be done by presenting bank statements.

Documents required for UK tourist visa from Qatar

• A valid passport Qatari applicants for any visa must possess a valid Qatari passport. Their passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the intended departure date to the UK.
• Personal photographs All photographs should be recent and passport-sized. They should meet the standard guidelines set forth by the UK immigration authority.  That means they are clear, unedited, and include the applicant's head and shoulders. They must be at least 600 x 750 pixels and between 50 KB and 10 MB.
• Visa application form Applicants are required to complete the appropriate visa application form.
• Biometric information Many visas require the applicant to submit their biometric information at a visa center or another appropriate venue. This typically includes giving fingerprints and taking a photograph.
• Valid payment method Applicants must have a valid form of payment for the visa they are applying for. This might be a credit/debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or another form of payment.

Certain visa categories will require additional documents. For example, applicants for the Skilled Worker visa must possess a valid job offer. Applicants for the Student visa must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and proof of tuition payment.

UK Visa Application Process for Qatari Citizens

Current UK Visa Fees

The UK visa fees will depend on the visa type, duration of stay, and purpose of stay. Applicants should check the fees before applying to ensure they can cover the cost of the visa application. Other payments may be necessary for work and study visas. For example, the UK visit visa fee from Qatar starts at £115, but other fees might apply for the biometric appointment and gathering the required documents.

Visa Type	Visa Fees
Standard Visitor Visa	£115
Skilled Worker Visa	£769 to £1,751 depending on the applicant’s case
Student Visa	- £524 to apply for a Student visa applying from outside the UK - £524 to extend the visa or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
Graduate Visa	£880 plus £1,035 healthcare surcharge for every year stayed in the UK

Processing Times for UK Visas

Processing times for a UK visa will vary depending on the visa type and the purpose of travel. For example, the UK ETA is usually processed in under 3 days, while the Visitor visa can take up to 3 weeks. Work visas are usually processed within 3 weeks, while a Skilled Worker visa can take up to 8 weeks. 

Tips for a Smooth UK Visa Application

• Start early Applicants are advised to start at least one month in advance for most visa types.
• Double-check documents Failure to provide the correct documents could result in a refused application. Applicants must ensure they have all the required documents prepared when they submit their UK visa application.
• Be honest and consistent All information should be up-to-date and valid. Any fraudulent answers can result in a negative outcome for the applicant.
• Book the biometric appointment early Appointments should be booked well in advance of the intended date of departure to the UK. Applicants should also leave plenty of time too in case they have a long distance to travel to their appointment.
• Complete all forms carefully The application form and any required documents must be filled out with all necessary information to ensure the best outcome for the application.
• Sufficient funds for payment Applicants should ensure they have the funds to pay for the visa fees before applying. The application cannot be processed if the fees are unpaid.

UK Visa Refusal: Common Reasons and What to Do Next

There are some common reasons that UK visa applications are refused. This includes insufficient funds for the visa fees or to cover the stay in the UK, incomplete documentation, choosing the wrong visa type, or having a criminal record. Past immigration violations can also be a reason for refusal.

If your visa is refused, you can try to reapply with the correct documents. If possible, you can appeal the decision and try to fix the errors in the application. In other cases, applicants may be required to wait and reapply after some time.

UK Visa for Qatar Residents

Qatari citizens cannot travel to the UK visa-free. They must obtain a valid UK visa or a UK ETA. Residency in Qatar does not grant visa-free access to the UK either. Depending on their nationality and the purpose of their trip, residents of Qatar may need to apply for a UK ETA, a Visitor visa, a type of Work visa, or Student visa.

FAQ