 "Qatar suspends visa on arrival facilities for Pakistani nationals. Facebook: Pakistan Embassy Doha")
Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Qatar has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals. The news was confirmed by the Pakistani Embassy in Doha in an advisory issued on Tuesday.
They noted that Pakistani nationals without a pre-arranged visa may face entry restrictions and potential inconvenience at the immigration counter.
“Pakistani nationals intending to travel to Qatar are advised that the visa-on-arrival facility is currently not available due to the prevailing situation,” the embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.
“All Pakistani travellers to Qatar are advised to obtain appropriate visas prior to travel to avoid inconvenience," the statement further reads.
Security concerns
The Embassy officials stressed that it is mandatory for Pakistanis to secure a visa prior to departure for Qatar, and a new travel advisory has been issued in this regard. It mentioned “the prevailing situation” as the reason behind the temporary halt in the visa-on-arrival facility.
Pakistani travellers to Qatar have been told to stay updated through official channels and consult relevant Qatari officials or visa centres before they make travel arrangements.
The embassy in Doha also reiterated its commitment to help Pakistanis travelling to Qatar. However, they urged them to check all the necessary details before heading to the country.