The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar, both members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), share close political, economic, and cultural ties. With the normalization of diplomatic relations and the increasing integration of GCC countries, travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has become simpler and more accessible.

As of 2025, SAUDI VISA FOR QATAR CITIZENS without a visa, thanks to their GCC membership. However, depending on the purpose of the visit—whether it's for tourism, religious pilgrimage, business, or employment—there may still be certain formalities or permits required. This guide outlines all the important details Qatari citizens need to know before traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Do Qatari Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Saudi Arabia?

No, Qatari citizens do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for most purposes. As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qataris enjoy the freedom of movement within member states, including:

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• Kuwait

• Oman

• Bahrain

This means Qatari nationals can enter Saudi Arabia using only a valid Qatari passport or national ID card, with no need for a pre-approved visa for short stays.

Entry Requirements for Qatari Citizens

While a visa is not required, Qatari citizens must meet the following entry conditions when traveling to Saudi Arabia:

• A valid Qatari passport or national ID card

• No travel restrictions or bans (related to legal, health, or national security concerns)

• Entry for lawful purposes (e.g., tourism, family visit, business, or religious pilgrimage)

• Comply with Saudi customs and immigration regulations

How Long Can Qatari Citizens Stay in Saudi Arabia?

There is no fixed limit for how long a Qatari citizen can stay in Saudi Arabia for tourism or personal visits, but stays longer than 90 days may require additional documentation or registration with local authorities.

For work, study, or business purposes that involve legal contracts or long-term residence, a residency permit (Iqama) or work authorization may be necessary, even for GCC nationals.

Purposes of Travel and Relevant Procedures for Qatari Citizens

Although Qatari citizens enjoy visa-free access, some activities still require permits or registrations inside the Kingdom. Here's a breakdown by travel purpose:

1. Tourism and Family Visits

Qatari citizens can travel freely to Saudi Arabia for tourism or to visit family and friends. No visa or entry permit is needed.

What’s required:

• Passport or Qatari national ID

• Accommodation details (if asked at entry)

• Return or onward travel plans (optional but helpful)

2. Business and Trade Visits

For short-term business trips, Qatari nationals do not need a visa. You can attend meetings, sign contracts, and participate in trade events. However, you may be asked to present:

• An invitation letter from the Saudi business host

• Proof of business registration (if applicable)

• Contact details of the hosting company

For extended stays or establishing a business presence, a commercial registration (CR) or permit from the Saudi Ministry of Investment may be required.

3. Religious Pilgrimage (Umrah and Hajj)

Qataris who are Muslim can perform Umrah or Hajj without a visa. However, they still need to:

• Register through the official Hajj or Umrah portals

• Use an authorized travel operator for Hajj

• Show proof of vaccinations, especially for:

  • Meningitis

  • COVID-19 (if required by Saudi health authorities)

Important: Even though visas are not needed, all religious pilgrims must register in advance and follow Saudi Arabia’s religious travel protocols.

4. Employment and Long-Term Stay

If a Qatari citizen secures employment in Saudi Arabia, they do not need a work visa in the traditional sense. However:

• The employer must register the employee with Saudi labor and residency authorities.

• A GCC employment permit or Iqama (residency card) may still be issued to formalize the stay.

• The Qatari worker may be required to register for health insurance and social security programs in Saudi Arabia.

Travel Between Qatar and Saudi Arabia: Border and Transport Options

1. By Air

There are multiple daily direct flights between major cities in both countries, including:

• Doha ↔ Riyadh

• Doha ↔ Jeddah

• Doha ↔ Dammam

Carriers include Saudia, Qatar Airways, and low-cost airlines such as flynas and Flyadeal.

2. By Road

Qatari citizens can also drive into SAUDI BUSINESS VISA FOR US CITIZENS via the Abu Samrah–Salwa land border checkpoint.

Requirements:

• Valid Qatari driving license

• Vehicle registration and insurance valid in Saudi Arabia

• Saudi customs declaration if carrying goods

• Compliance with Saudi traffic laws

Key Tips for Qatari Travelers to Saudi Arabia

1. Dress modestly, especially in religious cities and rural areas. Saudi Arabia enforces conservative dress codes.

2. Respect prayer times and avoid playing music in public during religious hours.

3. Use official apps such as Tawakkalna, Absher, or Nusuk if needed for health or pilgrimage registrations.

4. Don’t overstay—even though there’s no visa limit, long stays may draw attention from immigration authorities.

5. Carry original documents, especially your ID or passport, when traveling between regions inside Saudi Arabia.

Can Qatari Residents (Non-Citizens) Travel to Saudi Arabia?

If you live in Qatar but are not a Qatari citizen, your entry to Saudi Arabia will depend on your nationality. For example:

• Indian or Filipino expats in Qatar: May need a Saudi visa.

• EU/UK/US residents in Qatar: Might be eligible for Saudi eVisa.

• In some cases, Qatari residency can make the application process easier but does not grant visa-free entry unless you're a GCC national.

Always check with the Saudi Embassy in Doha or the official Saudi visa portal before planning your trip.

Conclusion: Seamless Travel for Qatari Citizens to Saudi Arabia

Thanks to strong regional cooperation within the GCC, Qatari citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, religious pilgrimages, and business. With shared cultural values, close ties, and integrated travel policies, Saudi Arabia is a natural destination for Qatari nationals seeking leisure, faith, or economic opportunity.

While visas are not required for most purposes, it's important to stay informed about specific entry requirements for longer stays, religious travel, or business-related activities. Always carry the appropriate documents, follow Saudi regulations, and enjoy the experience of traveling through one of the region’s most fascinating and rapidly evolving countries.