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CATHERINE W GICHUKI
Doha
People visiting Qatar from India, Russia and China will be able to get tourist visas on arrival at the Hamad International Airport soon, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al Baker has announced.
Qatar is finalising agreements in this regard, Baker said at a press conference.
Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) signed an agreement with VFS Global ” a provider of visa processing services ” on Wednesday which will pave the way for an efficient and transparent visa application system that caters to travelers from around the world looking to visit Qatar.
"Qatar is also finalising agreements to allow citizens of Russia, China and India to get visas on arrival like other over 30 nations that already have this facility. We are simply expanding the number of options to visitors," Baker said, adding that the step will help increase visitor arrivals to Qatar.
He said visitors can now be able to apply online in minutes, track the application status and receive their visas in just 48 hours.
In addition, Qatar Airways passengers will be able to apply directly in select international Qatar Airways offices.
"This agreement will significantly help Qatar grow its visitor arrivals from 2.9 million last year to over 5 million in just three years. This new service will be an addition to visas on arrival for nationals of over 30 countries."
Baker said this new online service will be available from the beginning of next year and can be availed of by those travelling on carriers other than Qatar Airways.
"Every single individual is most welcome to come and sample the Qatari hospitality and culture," he added.
QTA Chief Tourism Development Officer Hassan al Ibrahim said there is no doubt that facilitating the visa process is an important step in QTA's drive to increase the number of visitor arrivals to Qatar, and in raising inbound spending as shown in the study that QTA conducted in collaboration with UNWTO.
"Visa facilitation will enhance our visitors' experience of Qatar from the moment they begin planning their trip, and give them a taste of our hospitality before they have boarded a plane to Doha."
Ibrahim said the agreement will come into effect between the first quarter and second quarter of next year.
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