Web Desk: The Pakistan Embassy in Qatar issued a travel advisory on Monday, informing its citizens that Qatari authorities have suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani passport holders.
Effective immediately, all Pakistani nationals planning to visit the Gulf state must obtain a valid visa before their departure. The embassy cited the prevailing regional situation as the primary reason for the sudden change in entry requirements. Officials urged travelers to secure the appropriate documentation through official channels to avoid being turned away at the airport or facing other travel inconveniences.
Previously, Pakistani travelers could enter Qatar by meeting specific criteria for a visa on arrival at Hamad International Airport. This new directive shifts the responsibility to the traveler to complete the vetting process in advance. The embassy did not provide a specific timeline for when the on-arrival facility might resume.
This move comes as several Gulf nations review their security protocols and immigration policies. While the embassy statement remained brief, it emphasized that pre-approved visas are now a mandatory requirement for all categories of Pakistani visitors. Travelers are encouraged to contact the Qatari consulate or the embassy for further clarification on specific visa types.
Read more: India may use Pakistani prisoners for false flag attack, security sources
