Qatar Transit

[slowjet]

Friend of mine travelling with Qatar Airways will be in transit, Doha, for 7 hours. She asked if she would be allowed to exit the airport & meet up with her friends who live there. She has a UK Passport. I did fall about laughing but don't, truly, know the answer. Thought I would ask the experts. Thanks and safe flying to all in the New Year.

[Gordomac]

Cripes Slow ! Let us pretend that she is a nasty. Brings a nasty in her hold baggage. The baggage is transferred in the transit time. She, ............................long gone....................by the time the nasty suitcase explodes. Er, No. I think I know the answer to this one. Tell her to enjoy the transit facilities in Doha. They are rather good. Seven hours is nothing. Enjoy the leg-stretch, a meal in one of the outlets, bit of a shop..........fabbo...... !

[SOPS]

I disagree. I can see no reason why she can't leave the airport. My mum was in Transit for 8 hours in Dubai a few months ago. I picked her up at the airport, took her home for a shower, out for dinner and then back to the airport.

If you no show on the connecting flight, your bag will be removed.

[ironbutt57]

as long as one's nationality qualifies for entry into the country, there is no issue..

[TOWTEAMBASE]

Surely you are not in transit if you have to go back to check in and central search?

[ManaAdaSistem]

I belive she can.
Qatar Airways arrange city tours for transit passengers with long transit times.
Takes about two hours, but she can find information on the Doha airport website.

[Calmcavok]

Yup. Possible. We did it a couple of years ago through Doha. Took a long 22hr transit. Saved a fortune on the flights, checked the bags through from SA to LHR. Put the essentials in the hand luggage and got a hotel for the night plus had a nice meal out with friends.

[Capetonian]

Slightly confused information on Timatic, but since a GB passport does not require a visa to enter Qatar for a short stay, I see no problem.

TWOV (TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA):
VISA REQUIRED, EXCEPT FOR HOLDERS OF ONWARD TICKETS FOR A MAX.
TIME OF 24 HOURS.
- HOLDERS OF A PREARRANGED STOPOVER PAID BY CARRIER (STPC)
ISSUED TO THOSE IN TRANSIT FOR MIN. 8 HOURS AND MAX. 24
HOURS ARE PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE TRANSIT AREA, IF HOLDING
PASSPORTS VALID FOR AT LEAST 3 MONTHS AND SUBJECT TO
APPROVAL FROM IMMIGRATION.

[casablanca]

Quite a few countries that are allowed visa on arrival....no big deal other than it may cost 100 riyal(17.6£)

[DutchExpat]

SOPS, Thats quite decent you at least bought her dinner after you brought her home for a shower

[slowjet]

Thanks very much chaps. I'll tell her to give it a go.

[SOPS]

Ok DutchExpat...I could have phrased it better

[highflyer40]

you can do it anywhere as long as there are no visa reqorements for that country. when I smoked I used to always arrange a longer transit so I could leave the airport terminal to go out for a smoke.