The Ministry of Interior, in co-operation with the National Tourism Council (NCC), has launched an e-notification system through the portal http://www.qatarvisaservices.com for those wishing to travel to Qatar during the summer season from June 4 to August 16.
Residents in Qatar can invite their relatives and receive an electronic notification allowing them to enter the country on a visa upon arrival and without any fees.
Target groups include relatives, friends, former residents of the country, and families.
Those wishing to travel to Qatar may also obtain a visa upon arrival after submitting the electronic notification through the portal.
"For example, visits of relatives and friends require a valid return ticket, and residence in Qatar for the host, and a relationship with the host," the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry noted that the electronic notification service is open to all nationalities and that the Directorate General of Passports would check and respond to applications within 24 hours.
The quick response to the requests will help simplify decision making for travellers to choose Qatar as a tourist destination during the summer tourist season.
Major Abdullah Khalifa al Mohannadi, Director of Support Services for Recruitment at the General Passport Department, said that the visa policy adopted by Qatar contributed to its transformation as one of the most open countries in the world, and is ranked the first in the Middle East, according to the latest indicators of the World Tourism Organisation of the United Nations, on the extent of openness of countries to visitors.
He added tghe e-notification system for former residents and residents' families is another step towards openness and interest in the travellers' experience in Qatar.
Khalid al-Jumaili of the National Tourism Council said that providing a smooth visitor experience reflects the vision of modern Qatar and the traditions of Arabian hospitality and is at the heart of the tourism development strategy in the country.
