Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Qatar

Qatar
State of Qatar

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 48 Months
A-2 None Multiple 24 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 6 Months
C-3 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 24 Months
G-2 None Multiple 24 Months
G-3 None Multiple 24 Months
G-4 None Multiple 24 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 24 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 24 Months 3
H-2A None Multiple 24 Months 3
H-2B None Multiple 24 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 24 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 24 Months 3
I None Multiple 12 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 24 Months
L-2 None Multiple 24 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 12 Months
N-9 None Multiple 12 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 24 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 24 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 24 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 24 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 24 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 24 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 24 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 24 Months
R-2 None Multiple 24 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

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General Documents

There are no general documents.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available:  For births occurring after 1969; prior to that date, records are not complete. Applicants should apply at the Ministry of Public Health in Doha.  Certificates will not be mailed to nonresidents but will be released to individuals acting on their behalf.

Fees:  20 Qatari Riyals

Document Name:  Birth Certificate (Shahadat Milaad)

Issuing Authority:  Ministry of Public Health

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  A5-size paper carrying State of Qatar, Ministry of Public Health seal in Arabic language with colored National Health Authority insignia on the top-center of the document. The certificate carries information both in Arabic and English.  It is not necessary to notarize the certificate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Copy of Birth Certificate is issued on A4 size paper with all of the above information. 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Director of Public Health Administration

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining:  Apply in person at the Ministry of Public Health in Doha.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  Copy of Birth Certificate, issued from Ministry of Public Health on A4 size paper.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name:  Death Certificate (Shahadat Wafat)

Issuing Authority:  Ministry of Public Health

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There is no special seal/color/format.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Director of the Public Health Administration

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining:  There is no procedure for obtaining

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available:  For Muslims married after 1957 at the Initial Court.  Also available for Christians and is issued by any registered Church in Qatar.

Fees:  Fees may apply

Document Name:  Marriage Contract (Aqqd Zawaj)

Issuing Authority:  Initial Court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There is no special seal/color/format.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The Judge of Initial Court

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants should apply with the President of the Sharia Court, P.O. Box 232, Doha, and provide names of both spouses (husband and wife) and date of marriage.  Witnesses are required to be present at the same time to sign before the court.

Note:  Documents are released by the Court in Arabic only.  The Church issues marriage certificates in multiple languages.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

 

Divorce Certificates

Available:  Available for residents in Qatar

Fees:  Fees may apply

Document Name: Divorce Document (Wathikkat Talaq)

Issuing Authority:  Initial Court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There is no special seal/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  A Court Judge

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining:  There is no procedure for obtaining

Certified Copies Available:   Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Adoption Certificates

Unavailable: Adoption is not allowed in Qatar.

Identity Card

State of Qatar ID Cards/Residency Permit

Available:  To all Qatari Nationals and Legal Permanent Residents.

Fees:  100 Qatari Riyals

Document Name:  State of Qatar ID Card or State of Qatar Residency Permit

Issuing Authority:  

Ministry of Interior (MOI)
General Directorate of Passports
Nationality and Travel Documents Department
Expatriates Affairs Department
Opposite Souq Al Ali
Doha, Qatar

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A plastic card, the same size as a credit card, carrying water marks and seals of the Ministry of Interior, Qatar. It states a unique ID number, the holder’s: name, date of birth, signature, passport number, job title, and employer’s name in Arabic, and expiry date of QID.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Any authorized Officer in the Ministry of Interior Service Center (Immigration Department)

Registration Criteria:  Residents holding work, student or family visas

Procedure for Obtaining: Any foreign national who enters Qatar with a resident visa must apply for the QID.  First complete a medical examination and have fingerprints taken at the office of Capital Security Department commonly known as Criminal Investigation Department office.   Next, apply at any Ministry of Interior service center for the residence permit. This can be done in person by the applicant, by the sponsor or representative of the company. Required documents include: the applicant’s original passport, a copy of sponsor’s passport and resident card or company’s registration documents, two colored photographs, copy of resident visa and application form.  All foreign mission employees must also provide a Diplomatic Note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Residency fees vary depending on the type of visa such as work, family, domestic employee, etc. The QID can be collected from the service center or can be delivered by QPost at a pre-selected address.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: Diplomats assigned to foreign missions are issued Diplomatic Identification Cards issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs free of cost. These IDs do not require a medical exam or fingerprints.

Comments: The Fee for replacing lost or damaged QID cards is 200 Qatari Riyals. All related fees are paid by credit/debit card only. Cash is not accepted.  Commonly known as QID (Qatari ID) or RP (residence permit).   Based on MOI Qatar warning people living and working in Qatar must carry their valid ID cards “at all times” as proof of their identity and residency.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates

Available

Fees:  10 Qatari Riyals for residents.  10 U.S. dollars for nonresidents to be paid in dollars or riyals.  (From inside the country QAR 10 From outside the country USD 10)

Document Name:           

وسلوك  سيرة حسن شهادة
POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE

Issuing Authority:           

Ministry of Interior Qatar

General Directorate of Criminal Investigations
Criminal Evidence and Information Department
P.O. Box 23004
Salwa Road, Exit 15
Doha, Qatar

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  A4-size paper carrying State of Qatar, Ministry of Interior seal as a watermark in Arabic with colored Ministry of Interior insignia on the top center of the document.  The applicant’s photograph is on the upper left corner with a Ministry Of Interior General Directorate of Criminal Investigation criminal evidence and Information Department wet seal on top of the photograph.  A similar seal is also placed on top of the signing authority’s name and signature.  The certificate carries information in Arabic and English.  It is not necessary to notarize the certificate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Director of Criminal Evidence and Information Department

Registration Criteria:  Any current or former resident may apply.  The applicant’s first entry date and last exit date in Qatar is required.

Procedure for Obtaining:   Residents of Qatar can apply by visiting the Office of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations in person.  Former residents now living outside Qatar can apply via mail by including a return envelope and a processing fee of 10 U.S. dollars in cash.  They may also ask a friend or relative to act on their behalf by applying in person and paying the in-person processing fee of 10 Qatari Riyals.  Details on the application procedure are available at the Ministry of Interior’s website at moi.gov.qa

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  Applicants are required to submit evidence of their legal stay in Qatar.  If someone is unable to provide evidence or details of his/her entry into or exit from Qatar, that applicant is required to visit the Directorate of Expatriate Affairs at the Ministry of Interior to get a certificate of entry/exit record.  

Comments:  For residents, it can take up to two weeks to issue a certificate.  For applicants from outside Qatar, it can take one month or longer.  The certificate is valid for six months from the date of issuance.

Military Records

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name:  Military records

Issuing Authority:  Commandant of Police

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There is no special seal/color/format.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Commandant of Police

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants should apply to the Commandant of Police, P.O. Box 58, Doha.  Applicants should include full passport data, name of Qatari sponsor while in Qatar, dates of arrival and departure, and one full set of fingerprints.  All requests by Qatari citizens for such records must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Commandant of Police.  The certificate is valid for three months from date of issuance.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Diplomatic, Special, Regular, Travel Document

Fees: Vary. See list of fees

Document Name:  Passports, Travel Documents

Issuing Government Authority:  Ministry of Interior

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There is no special seal/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Contact the Ministry of Interior regarding all procedures for obtaining these documents.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:   None

Other Documents Available:

Qatari Passports:

  • Requirements for a new passport:
  • Two (2) recent passport-size photos.
  • A copy of the ID card.
  • Copy of a birth certificate for those who do not carry an ID  card

Requirements for Qatari Passport for Children:

  • Copy of Father's and Mother's ID Card.
  • Copy of Child's birth certificate.
  • Copy of the marriage contract.

Second ID card:

  • Requirements for the ID card:
  • Two recent passport size photos (for those who are less than 12 years old and seniors over 65 years).
  • The original passport and its copy.
  • A certificate proving blood group.
  • Copy of birth certificate.
  • A copy of the ID card of the parents.
  • Parental consent.
  • Applicants with more than 12 years shall attend personally.

Renewal of ID card:

  • Requirements for ID Card Renewal:
  • Applicant shall attend in person
  • Bring Old ID Cards
  • Two passport-size photo [for those over 65 years old it's not required to be present in person)

Third: Required Documents (additional) for GCC Citizens.

  • A letter from the employer along with Establishment Card.
  • A copy of attested marriage contract for wives.
  • A copy of the ID card of the husband.
  • A copy of the ID card or family card.

Other Records

Not available.

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title:  Doha, Qatar (Embassy)

Address:  Al-Luqta District, 22nd February Street, P.O. Box 2399, Doha.

Phone Number:  Tel: (974) 488-4101, Fax (974) 488-4176

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of Qatar

Note:  The U.S. Embassy workweek is Sunday through Thursday

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.