Amid boycott imposed by Gulf states, Qatar on Wednesday announced that it has scrapped visa requirements for visitors from 80 countries, including from India. Under the new policy announced by Qatar Airways and authorities on Wednesday, citizens of 33 mostly European countries can enter without a visa for 90 days in single or multiple trips during a 180-day period. Americans, Britons, Canadians, Indians and citizens of 43 other countries can enter visa-free for an initial 30 days on single or multiple trips, and can extend that for a further 30 days.
Citizens of those countries planning to visit Qatar would not need to apply or even pay a fee for a visa and will be issued free-of-charge permit at the port of entry.
The development comes as Qatar is gearing up to host the World Cup in 2022.
Energy-rich Qatar's economy has taken a hit since Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain moved to isolate it two months ago over allegations it supports extremists, a charge Qatar denies.
Meanwhile, the world aviation agency has said that Bahrain and the UAE have agreed to open up some of their airspace for Qatar Airways after it was hit with flight restrictions.
(With AP inputs)
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