Hamad International Airport represents a new era: for aviation in Qatar and for the nation. While we’re just 4 km from Doha International – the airport that has admirably served the country since the 1960s – this is effectively a total change in size, scope and standards. Here’s the story of how this transition was planned and achieved.
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
Documents & Procedures for Travelling to/from Qatar
All visitors to Qatar require a visa, and certain passengers are eligible for visas on arrival. When travelling from Qatar, all expatriate residents, as well as some visitors, must have exit permits. For your own convenience and comfort, it’s best to confirm these requirements before starting your journey.
Arrivals
Important information for passengers arriving at Hamad International Airport.
Using your e-gate card
If you have a valid e-gate card, then please proceed directly to the e-gate area. This is located towards your right-hand side as you approach the passport control area (map).
Visa on arrival
For detailed information regarding entry visas, please see this page.
If your passport is from one of the countries on this list then you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. This is valid for a one-month stay in Qatar. Please approach an immigration counter, present your passport and pay your visa fee.
If you’re a resident of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council) then you’re eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival. The visa will only be issued if your residence permit is valid for at least six months and if your profession (as mentioned on your residence permit) appears on this list. Please approach an immigration counter, present your passport and pay your visa fee. Your visa will be valid for a one-month stay in Qatar and it can be renewed for a further two months.
Paying your visa fee
The easiest way to pay your visa fee is with your credit card or debit card, directly at a passport control counter.directly at an immigration counter. The visa fee depends on your nationality and type of visa.
If you’d like to pay your visa fee with cash, then you need to visit the designated bank counter (map) before you approach a passport control counter. The bank will charge a fee (QAR 25/USD 7) for processing your cash payment. All major currencies are accepted.
Getting a visa before you travel
If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival (please see eligibility criteria above), then you need to arrange a visa before you travel to Qatar. This can be done at Qatari embassies around the world, or by enquiring with a hotel you have a booking with in Qatar. The visa fee depends on your nationality and type of visa (click here for more details on visa fees). Please ensure you plan enough time for the visa to be processed.
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways, then you may be able to arrange a visa on arrival by booking a hotel stay for the duration of your visit. Please visit the Qatar Airways Holidays website for more information and assistance. Please note that the normal visa processing time is about two weeks, while the fast-track service takes about five to six days.
Priority processing
All Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing on arrival at Hamad International Airport.
Things to avoid
Please don’t approach a passport control counter if you’d like to pay your visa fee in cash. The passport control counters can only accept credit cards and debit cards. Please use the designated bank counter for cash payment (map).
Please don’t commence your journey before confirming visa requirements. This will help minimise any inconvenience or delays during travel.
Solving problems
If for any reason you’re denied entry into Qatar, then the Ministry of Interior and your airline will provide guidance and assistance.
Departures
Important information for passengers departing from Hamad International Airport.
Exit permits
All expatriate residents of Qatar are required to obtain an exit permit from their sponsor when exiting the country. If you don’t have an exit permit, then you won’t be allowed to leave Qatar.
If members of your family are visiting you in Qatar, then any male visitors whose stay in Qatar exceeds one month are required to obtain an exit permit when exiting the country (female family members are exempt).
Clearing passport control
Present your boarding card to our staff standing just before the passport control area. They will scan your boarding pass, and fast-track you (through passport control and security check) if your flight is nearing its departure time.
Keep your travel documents (passport, exit permit, boarding pass and ticket) ready to present to the immigration officer.
Dedicated lanes are available for First Class and Business Class passengers.
Priority processing
All Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers and unaccompanied minor receive priority processing when departing from Hamad International Airport.
Things to avoid
If you’re travelling to a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), then your passport must be valid for at least six months (three months for GCC citizens). Please make sure your passport meets this requirement, otherwise your airline won’t be able to accept you for travel.
If you have any unpaid fines in Qatar, then you won’t be allowed to leave the country. Please make sure any unpaid fines are settled before you travel. You can also pay your fines at the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport (map).
Solving problems
If you’re not allowed to leave the country because of unpaid fines, you can pay them at the Ministry of Interior fees and fines office at Hamad International Airport. It is located at the end of check-in Row 8 (map).
If you’re not allowed to leave the country because you don’t have an exit permit, please approach the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport.
Getting an e-gate card
If you’re a Qatari national, an expatriate resident in Qatar, or a citizen of a GCC country (Gulf Cooperation Council), then you can apply for an e-gate card by visiting the Ministry of Interior office in Al Gharafa (Doha). Please click here for more details.
The project
Construction began in 2006. The undertaking was immense. For example 60% of the site is land reclaimed from the Arabian Gulf. This involved moving and desalinating 6.5 million cubic meters of waste material for landfill – the largest environmental project the region has ever seen. The first two phases opened in 2014. The third and final phase is now underway
The design
Spacious and stunning Hamad International Airport is all about flow. The flow of passengers, smooth and seamless. For that reason the airport has an aquatic theme. Many buildings feature a water motif, such as the passenger terminal’s wave-styled roof. The surrounding landscaping uses desert plants irrigated with recycled water. And the private Amiri terminal resembles a billowing sail.
Other landmarks are the Islamic crescent-shaped control tower, visible from Doha; and the mosque, with its towering minaret and awe-inspiring glass dome that resembles a water droplet.
The main terminal is designed in an oval shape to minimize the distance passengers need to travel – to connect, to board, to disembark, to shop, dine or indeed use any facilities. Despite the huge scale – for example, check-in and retail areas are both around 12 times the size of Doha International Airport – everything is under one roof and cleverly designed to be accessible. Space and light are maximized through skylights and arched columns. There are multiple levels, three concourses and – throughout – a standard of outstanding finish commensurate with Qataris’ love of perfection and quality.
Next to the airport 100 hectares have been set aside for an Airport City – with future commercial development opportunities available such as a free trade zone, office and business park, hotels and a retail mall.
The need
As Qatar has grown so has its airline – and demand at its airport. Ten years ago just over 5 million people a year passed through. Now that’s closer to 25 million and likely to continue rising rapidly. Even with frequent expansion and refurbishment it has long been evident that Doha International Airport couldn't be the answer the nation needed.
This is also because Qatar has a spirit of not just delivering but of exceeding. While a new airport with more capacity was the obvious answer it wasn't the chosen one. Instead a plan was created for a new airport that could do more: that could define the future.
Driven by the combined vision of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of the airport, an ambitious and exciting blueprint was drawn up: for a vast airport on a site a third the size of Doha itself, that would be purpose-built for the world’s largest aircraft, that would be designed to provide the ultimate passenger experience, and that would serve the nation and region for generations to come.
FACILITIES
Smoking Rooms
To maintain a smoke-free environment for our passengers and staff, Hamad International Airport is strictly a non-smoking facility. The smoking of e-cigarettes are also not permitted within the terminal. For our passengers’ convenience, there are designated smoking rooms available throughout the passenger terminal, which are fitted with smoke extractors and comfortable seating. Follow the signs, approach an information desk or use our airport map to locate the nearest one.
ATMs
There are multiple ATMs located throughout the passenger terminal, several of which dispense cash in multiple currencies. They can be accessed at the departures level, both prior and post immigration as well as at the arrivals level, before or after the customs check point. Approach an information desk or use our airport map to locate the nearest one.
Foreign Exchange
There are four foreign exchange kiosks located across the passenger terminal. They offer currency conversion and money transfer services.
Departures check-in area – at the end of check-in Row 9
Departures– towards Concourse B (near Marché restaurant)
Arrivals baggage claim area – towards the end of Belt 3
Arrivals hall –meet & greet area (adjacent to Al Maha Lounge)
PRAYER ROOMS
Peaceful, welcoming and conveniently located
Spacious prayer rooms can be found throughout the passenger terminal. They offer separate areas for men and women, and include dedicated ablution facilities.
If you’re exiting Hamad International Airport you could also pray at the public mosque that is located just outside the passenger terminal, within walking distance from the Departures hall. The shape of a water droplet inspires the mosque’s architecture, and it offers spectacular views of the lagoon and Amiri Terminal.
CHILDREN & INFANTS
We've made it easier to entertain and look after your little ones
Travelling with children and infants is a lot smoother thanks to our interactive play areas and dedicated family-oriented facilities.
Activity Nodes
Our activity nodes keep young travellers entertained with lots of fun things to do and families comfortable. Each activity node offers televisions, Mac stations and internet browsing, interactive art pieces and family rooms that offer privacy and relaxation. There are five activity nodes inside the passenger terminal: one each in Concourse A and Concourse B, and three in Concourse C. Follow the signs, approach an information desk or use our airport map to locate the nearest one.
Parent’s Rooms
Our parents’ rooms allow you to attend to your infant in privacy and comfort. Facilities include water/milk warmers and diaper changing stations. Parents’ rooms are located at various points across the passenger terminal. Follow the signs, approach an information desk or use our airport map to locate the nearest one.
Family Toilets
We appreciate it can be uncomfortable accompanying an older child to a toilet of the opposite gender. To help with this, we’ve provided family toilets that make it easier to look after your child’s needs. These are located at various points across the passenger terminal. Follow the signs, approach an information desk or use our airport map to locate the nearest one.
MEDICAL & EMERGENCIES
Expert medical assistance in case of an emergency
Our fully-equipped and well-staffed medical centres are operational 24 hours a day and swiftly respond whenever required.
There are two medical centres serving the passenger terminal. One is located in the Arrivals hall just before the Passport Control area, while the other is in the Departures hall near the Check-in area. Just follow the signs, ask at an information desk or use our airport map to find your way.
In case of an emergency you can also call (+974) 4010 9222 to directly contact our medical team.
LOUNGES
A world-class duty-free shopping experience
Oryx Lounge
The Oryx lounge offers a comfortable atmosphere to sit, relax and enjoy the superior hospitality provided by the Oryx lounge staff. The lounge offers food and beverage services, a smoking room, business centre, lockers, a quiet zone, internet facility and a gaming room for kids. Airline's premium passengers and select card holders are eligible for complimentary access to the Oryx lounge. Economy passengers will be able to gain access to the lounge for a nominal fee of QAR 200 (USD 55). For more information, kindly visit the Oryx lounge located at the departures area after clearing immigrations and security.
Al Mourjan Business Lounge
Offering a luxurious experience rivalling any five-star boutique hotel, Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge promises to redefine the world standard in airport lounge experiences. From the moment you enter, your senses will be treated to a beautiful portrayal of Arabian heritage, a refreshing resort-like ambience, tantalizing a la carte and buffet dining and the signature hospitality that Qatar Airways takes pride in. The Lounge access is for Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers and is located on Level 3 of the airport.
Find out more
Al Safwa Lounge
Every inch, every feature, and every facet is specially designed to create the most luxurious lounge experience ever imagined. The focus is on perfecting every moment with meticulous detail so that you can enjoy a seamless journey from start to departure. The Al Safwa First Lounge is a gleaming example of Arabian grandeur and elite exclusivity in a refined setting. It is designed for those who enjoy the finer things in life and want to make the most out of every moment. It is truly a first-class experience that’s exclusively yours. The Al Safwa First Lounge is located on Level 3 with a dedicated entrance immediately after the Security Check/Immigration area.
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Al Maha Lounges
Customers of Al Maha Meet and Assist Services can access Al Maha Lounges which are spread across the terminal and offer premium lounge services for passengers arriving to, transferring through or departing from our airport. Facilities include unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery.
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First Class Lounge
The First Class Lounge is located on Concourse A, Level 2 at the airport and offers facilities which include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery. First Class ticketed passengers as well as select QR Privilege Club and oneworld alliance members may access this facility.
Business Class Lounge
This lounge, catered to First or Business class ticketed passengers as well as select QR Privilege Club and oneworld alliance members, is located on Concourse A, Level 2 at the airport, and offers facilities which include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery.
First and Business Class Arrivals Lounges
First and Business class ticketed passengers of Qatar Airways can access these lounges upon arrival to the airport. They are located both before and after immigration. Facilities include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a business centre, shower facilities and smoking rooms.
Unaccompanied Minors Lounge
Our exclusive unaccompanied minors lounge (map) provides a safe and welcoming environment for children of all ages. It offers a variety of facilities, including:
Televisions and video games
Play areas, toys and puzzles
Snacks and refreshments
Child-friendly washrooms and amenities
Unaccompanied minors are escorted to the lounge while they wait for their transfer or departing flights. When flight boarding begins, they are escorted from the lounge to the aircraft. Only designated airline personnel can enter the lounge
Unaccompanied Minors Lounge
Our exclusive unaccompanied minors lounge (map) provides a safe and welcoming environment for children of all ages. It offers a variety of facilities, including:
Televisions and video games
Play areas, toys and puzzles
Snacks and refreshments
Child-friendly washrooms and amenities
Unaccompanied minors are escorted to the lounge while they wait for their transfer or departing flights. When flight boarding begins, they are escorted from the lounge to the aircraft. Only designated airline personnel can enter the lounge; no other staff or passengers are allowed access.
Inside the lounge, our own team of trained attendants looks after the children, ensuring they’re comfortable and happy.
