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Hotel stay extensions due to travel restrictions

Visitors currently in Qatar who are unable to depart due to travel restrictions may be eligible for a temporary hotel stay extension additional nights while travel arrangements are being resolved. supported by Qatar Tourism.

For visitors a complimentary hotel stay extensions

If you meet the eligibility criteria, your hotel will coordinate the extension directly with Qatar Tourism.

Who is eligible
- Staying in a licensed hotel in Qatar (not a holiday home).
- Checked in on or before 28 February 2026.
- A confirmed departure flight between 28 February and 3 March 2026 that was cancelled or disrupted.
- Entered Qatar for leisure tourism or a business event.

What Qatar Tourism covers
- Room accommodation (same room type).
- Three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Visa and legal status
- Entry visas expiring from 28 February 2026 have been automatically extended for one month and may be renewed subject to official updates.
- Eligible visitors will not be penalised for overstaying during the approved extension period.

What is not covered
Any additional room service or charges and transportation.

For more information call Qatar Tourism hotline: 106
International hotline: +974 44069921
For E-visa related inquiries ( Hayya Portal): +974 44412022

FAQs

Who is eligible for the stay extension?

Visitors are eligible if they:

  • Are at the end of their scheduled stay
  • The initiative applies between 28 February and 5 March
  • Entered Qatar for leisure tourism or business event purposes

Does this apply to all types of visitors?

The extension covers visitors who entered Qatar for leisure tourism or business event purposes. For questions about whether your specific visit purpose qualifies, please defer to Qatar Tourism's team for clarification.

Is this initiative applicable to cruise passengers?

The initiative is primarily designed for visitors staying in licensed accommodation establishments. This initiative covers all hotels and hotel apartments in Qatar.

What is included in the stay extension?

Qatar Tourism will cover:

  • Room accommodation per person (same room type as your original booking)
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

These are provided at no additional charge to the guest, and the hotel extension will be reimbursed by Qatar Tourism.

Is the room rate the same as my original booking?

Yes. The extension uses the same room type per person, rate, terms and conditions as your original reservation. There are no additional charges for your stay.

Can we upgrade rooms or change room types?

No. Extensions must maintain the same room type per person and original rate.

If my room type is no longer available, can I be moved to another room?

Yes, visitors may be moved to an available room in the same category.

Are all meals included?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner per person are all included in the extension. These meals will be provided as part of the covered stay.

Are hotel services like laundry included?

No. The initiative covers room accommodation and meals per person (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) only. Additional services such as laundry are not covered by Qatar Tourism.

What about other hotel services - are they covered?

Only room and meals are covered. For any other services beyond accommodation and the three daily meals, please check directly with your hotel regarding charges or alternative arrangements.

Will mini-bar or additional room service charges be covered?

No. Mini-bar and other incidental services are not covered. Only room and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included in the initiative.

Are spa services covered?

No. The initiative covers per person room accommodation and meals only. Additional services such as spa treatments are not covered. Check with your hotel directly if you have questions about these services.

What about room service?

If room service is in addition to the standard meals provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner), it would not be covered. For clarification on your hotel's meal arrangements, check directly with your hotel.

Are beverages other than those included with meals covered?

The initiative covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner per person. For beverages or extras outside of these meals, please check with your hotel directly.

What about parking or transportation services?

Parking and transportation services are not covered under the Qatar Tourism initiative.

Does this include access to the hotel gym or swimming pool?

The initiative covers room accommodation and meals only. For access to amenities like gym or pool facilities, check directly with your hotel - these may be included as standard hotel amenities or require separate arrangements.

Are phone calls or internet charges covered?

No. Only room and meals per person (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are covered by Qatar Tourism. For questions about internet, phone charges, or other amenities, check directly with your hotel.

What about housekeeping or room cleaning?

Basic housekeeping as part of standard room maintenance would be included with the room accommodation. However, additional housekeeping services or special requests may not be covered. Check with your hotel for details.

Are baby services (crib, high chair, etc.) covered?

For specific requests or additional services like cribs or high-chairs, check directly with your hotel regarding what is included with your room and what may incur additional charges.

Does this cover airport transfers?

No. The initiative covers per person room accommodation and meals only. For airport transfers or transportation services, check directly with your hotel or arrange independently.

If I use a service that's not covered, who will I pay?

Any services outside of room accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be billed to you directly. Ensure you discuss with your hotel upfront what additional services may incur charges during your extended stay.

Should I ask my hotel about charges before using services?

Yes. It's recommended to confirm with your hotel before requesting any services beyond room and meals to understand what is and isn't covered by Qatar Tourism's initiative.

How will laundry charges appear on my bill if I use the service?

Laundry and other non-covered services would typically appear as separate charges on your bill. Check with your hotel about their billing process for these additional services.

Can I choose where to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

The meals are provided as part of your stay. For specifics about where meals are served or options available, check directly with your hotel.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Inform your hotel about any dietary restrictions. They can work with you to accommodate your needs within the meal provisions. Check directly with your hotel about options.

What if I miss a meal?

Check with your hotel about their policies regarding missed meals and whether alternatives are available.

Can the hotel change my room type for the extension?

No. The extension must use the same room type, rate, terms and conditions as your original reservation. Please contact your hotel directly if there are any questions about this.

What if I need to stay more than 5 nights?

For specifics about partial extensions or different extension periods, please check availability and discuss directly with your hotel.

What if I manage to depart before the 5-night extension is over?

For questions about adjustments if you depart early, please liaise with your hotel.

What if my flight was originally before 28 February?

The initiative applies between 28 February and 5 March for now. Visitors whose original departure date was before 28 February are not eligible under the circular. Any extension of stay in such cases remains the responsibility of the visitor.

Will Qatar Tourism assist with flight rebooking?

Flight changes and rebooking remain the responsibility of the airline and the traveller. Visitors are advised to contact their airline directly for updated schedules and rebooking options.

What happens after my 5-night extension if I still can't depart?

If the situation continues, visitors will be notified of any further extensions or updated procedures issued by Qatar Tourism.

I'm here for a business event. Do I qualify?

Yes, visitors who entered Qatar for business event purposes are eligible. For verification, contact the Qatar Tourism call centre or your hotel coordinator.

I'm from a country with an embassy in Doha. Can they help?

Your embassy may be able to provide support and guidance. Check availability of assistance directly with your embassy.

What if I need consular assistance?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Doha directly for consular matters and support.

Will I be fined for overstaying my visa due to these travel restrictions?

No. In line with the announcement by the Ministry of Interior, all types of entry visas that have expired or are due to expire from Saturday, 28 February 2026, have been extended for a period of one month. This extension may be renewed in line with developments. Visitors affected by the current travel restrictions will therefore not be penalised for overstaying during the approved extension period. For specific visa enquiries, please contact the relevant authorities directly.

What if I require medical assistance during the extension?

Medical services are not covered under this initiative. Visitors should use their travel insurance or arrange payment directly with the healthcare provider. For emergencies, please contact local emergency services on 999.

Can my family members who are staying with me also extend their stay?

Each visitor’s eligibility is assessed individually based on the criteria provided. For families or groups, contact your hotel or Qatar Tourism to discuss your specific situation.

Do I need to stay in the same hotel?

Yes, the extension applies to your existing reservation with the same hotel, using the same room type and terms.

What about my belongings or luggage during the extension?

For practical matters regarding your stay, including luggage or room arrangements, check directly with your hotel.

Who should I contact for more information?

Check with your hotel initially or call us back at the call centre and we will do our best to help with your enquiry.

What if I have billing or payment questions?

For billing or eligibility questions, reach out to your hotel who can facilitate this communication.

How do I know my extension request was approved?

Your hotel will coordinate the approval process with Qatar Tourism. Check with your hotel directly for confirmation of your extension.

What are the official platforms I should refer to for official updates?

Official Platforms

Official News & Media Platforms

  • Qatar News Agency (QNA) – https://www.qna.org.qa
  • Government Communications Office Media Platforms – @GCOQatar

Television Channels

  • Qatar TV (Arabic)
  • Qatar TV 2 (Arabic)
  • Al Rayyan TV (Arabic)
  • Al Jazeera (Arabic & English)

Official emergency contact details

  • Police, fire and Ambulance Service: 999
  • Internet Services: 111
  • Ministry of Public Health: 44070000
  • Hamad General Hospital: 40114444 / 16000
  • Qatar Tourism Hotline: 106
  • Qatar Tourism Hotline (from abroad): +974 4406 9921
  • For E-visa related inquiries (Hayya Portal): +974 4441 2022
  • Hamad International Airport: 40106666
  • Kahramaa: 991
  • Ooredoo and Vodafone: 111