India entry requirements for Qatar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Qatari passport holders need a visa to enter India in 2026. You can apply for an e-Visa online before you travel, which covers tourism, business, and medical visits. Processing takes at least 4 business days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for an India eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on visa type and duration. Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from India
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in India. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it helps if questioned.Recommended
Apply early — no last-minute e-Visas
The Indian e-Visa cannot be issued at the airport. You must have an approved visa before you fly. Apply at least 7 days before departure.
eSIM saves time at arrival
Skip the airport SIM card queue. Install an Airalo eSIM before you fly — it activates as soon as you land in India.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $25–$100 depending on visa type and duration). Processing takes 4–7 business days. You'll receive the approved e-Visa by email.
2
Pack your documents
Print a copy of your approved e-Visa, your flight itinerary, and your accommodation booking. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Indian immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and printed e-Visa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with your entry date.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)

Non-extendable, single entry only.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)

Multiple entries allowed, max 90 days per stay.

eVisa (tourist)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from entry
CostINR 2,500 (~$30 USD)

Online application, single entry, non-extendable.

work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in India. Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students in recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD)
For individuals investing in Indian businesses. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Valid for 30 days from entry, non-extendable.INR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max 90 days per visit.INR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
eVisa (tourist)For 30-day single entry, available online.INR 2,500 (~$30 USD)
Overstay fineApplies to visa-free or visa overstays.INR 500 per day (~$6 USD), max INR 20,000 (~$240 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through India

No transit visa needed

Qatar passport holders transiting through India do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Japan visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

Health & vaccines for India

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.

MalariaHigh risk

Present in many parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for high-risk regions.

Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and avoid street food.

Malaria risk: high

Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and northeastern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to these areas.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30

For visa extension or registration, bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.

Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, Commissioner of Police, Near Crawford Market, Mumbai-400001
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30

Appointment recommended for extension services.

Practical information for QA travellers

Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Police100
Medical102
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to India — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 4–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. You'll receive the approved visa by email. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive.
No, e-Visas cannot be extended. You must leave before the visa expires. For longer stays, apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy in Qatar before travel.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the e-Visa. The 6 months are counted from your arrival date in India.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside India works. It proves you're not planning to overstay.
Yes, e-Visa holders can enter through 30 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, and Kolkata. Also valid at 6 major seaports.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incorrect photo, insufficient passport validity, or previous visa violations. You can reapply after fixing the issue, but the fee is non-refundable.
No, it's not required for the visa application or entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in India can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.