Many tourists discover Qatar for the first time while in transit via Doha’s airport and, knowing this, the government has leaned in hard to the stopover market, offering visa and hotel packages that make a quick stay easy and affordable.

Equally, with Hamad International Airport just 20 minutes from downtown Doha by car, most of Qatar’s best sights are within easy reach for tourists, even on a relatively short stopover.

We’ve got all the details you need to make the best of your stopover in Doha.

Tourist visas are relatively easy to get for Doha

Tourist visas are relatively easy to get for Doha

Passport Stamps via unsplash global-residence

Do I need a visa for a stopover in Doha?

Citizens of over 100 countries, including the UK, US, EU countries, Canada, Australia and Japan, can enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 or 90 days, meaning you can leave the airport during your stopover in Doha without arranging a visa in advance. Your passport is simply stamped at immigration and off you go.

To see if you qualify for this type of visa, check out the helpful guide on the Visit Qatar website.

Even if you’re not on the list, passengers with stopovers between five and 96 hours can arrange a transit visa as part of the official Qatar Stopover Program.

Souq Waqif boutique hotel

Souq Waqif boutique hotels Tivoli

Best hotels for a Doha stopover

One of the perks of a stopover in Doha is that you can access reduced rates for very good hotels, both within the airport (or very close) or in Doha itself.

Depending on your flight, you may even qualify for a free hotel stay (for up to 24 hours if you are flying economy) or very cheap rates on stays of between one and four nights.

Hotels include the Sheraton Grand Doha, Hyatt Regency Oryx, and Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. There are also hotels within the airport for those with a short layover, including the Oryx Airport Hotel and Premier Inn Doha Airport, which is ten minutes away by shuttle.

Interior of Hamad International Airport. Unsplash

Interior of Hamad International Airport. Unsplash

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Is it easy to get into and around Doha?

Hamad International Airport is just 15–20 minutes from central Doha by car, and taxis are available 24 hours a day outside arrivals. You can pay by card or cash (Qatari riyals). You can also pre-book taxis via the Karwa app, or use Uber (Careem no longer operates in Qatar).

Doha Metro’s Red Line connects the airport to downtown Doha, with stops at Souq Waqif, West Bay and Msheireb. Trains run every 5–10 minutes.

Some hotels also offer free shuttles, so check when booking.

Remember that unlike some destinations in the region, all of Doha’s main sights are within a 15-20 km radius of downtown, and you can visit many of them in a single trip. For example, Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art are walkable from each other.

Katara Cultural Village. Unsplash

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Top things to do in Doha during a stopover

You don’t need a huge amount of time to experience Doha’s highlights, but for a small city there is an awful lot to do. These are some of our favourites.

Souq Waqif: It would be a shame to visit Doha and miss out on Souq Waqif, a modern rendition of a traditional Bedouin market, and a great place to pick up souvenirs and street food.

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA): Designed by I.M. Pei, this waterfront museum showcases centuries of Islamic art and offers stunning views of the Doha skyline. Quite apart from the exhibits inside, the museum’s exterior is worth visiting in itself. Doha Corniche: In cooler weather be sure not miss this scenic 7km promenade along the waterfront, which is ideal to stretch your legs after a long flight, and snap some incredible shots of traditional dhow boats in the Arabian Gulf.

Doha Festival City: In the summer months head to one of Doha’s malls to chill out, eat and maybe do some tax free shopping. At Doha Festival City you can also visit theme parks, catch a movie and even hit the slopes on Qatar’s only indoor ski hub.

Katara Cultural Village: Culture vultures will love Katara’s blend of art galleries, performance spaces, and cafes. There is also a good public beach – with separate areas for women, families and solo men – if you want a cooling dip in the Arabian Gulf.

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Unsplash

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Unsplash

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What are the main tourist rules in Doha?

Qatar is generally welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds but there are specific cultural norms and laws to be aware of.

Dress modestly in public – both men and women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. Women do not have to cover their heads unless in a mosque.

No OTT public displays of affection, especially outside of hotels.

Avoid photographing government buildings, and locals, without express consent.

Is a Doha stopover worth it?

Absolutely, and indeed the stopover program – featuring cheap hotel rates and deals – may actually make more financial sense as long haul flights with layovers tend to be cheaper than those that are direct. Bear in mind that the cost of living in Doha is high, though, and you may spend more than you expect on food, drink, and visiting some sights (although many are free).

Qatar Airways Business Class Cabin

Qatar Airways - Customer Service

How long can you stop over in Doha?

Officially, you can spend up to 96 hours (four days) on a stopover if booked through Qatar Airways, although if you qualify for a visa on arrival, then you can theoretically spend up to 90 days. But even a six to eight hour layover gives you time to explore one or two top sights.

Try to leave at least two hours for immigration and transport each way if you’re planning to leave the airport during a shorter stop.

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