So you scored yourself a discounted premium seat through Qatar Airways’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ sale and you’ve considered which meal you’ll pre-select weeks before takeoff.
You’re just about ready to head off on a European adventure with a two-night stopover in Doha when suddenly you realise, you forgot about researching Qatar visas.
Fret no longer fellow Aussies.
Your Australian passport may not get you into Brazil or Vietnam (click here for more countries the Aussie passport won’t get you into), but it will get you into Qatar.
Earlier this month, Australian passport holders were included in the Middle Eastern country’s new 30-day visa upon arrival program for citizens from 30 countries.
As part of the program, Aussies will receive their visa into Qatar upon arrival at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, for free.
The only catch is, Australians will need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months as well as a confirmed onward ticket.
Qatar Tourism Authority’s Chief Tourism Development Officer, Hassan al-Ibrahim, said the visa scheme will make “Qatar the most open country in the region”.
Previously, Australians were required to pay QR100 (AU$34) for visa on arrival.