Qatar will allow visa-free entry to citizens of 15 countries in Central and South America, with immediate effect, the Qatari authorities announced today.

The countries are: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Panama, Costa Rica and Cuba.

Citizens of those countries wishing to visit Qatar do not need to compete or pay for a visa; Instead, a free concession will be issued at the port of entry on presentation of a valid passport with a minimum expiration date of six months and a confirmed departure or return ticket.

The concession will be valid for 30 days and will entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in Qatar (multiple entries), with the possibility of requesting an extension of the concession for another 30 days *.

65 nationalities have already received similar concessions in Qatar in an effort to attract more visitors to the country, hub of the award-winning airline Qatar Airways. The national carrier is rapidly expanding internationally as well as in Latin America, and will bring direct flights to Rio de Janeiro next year.

Hassan Al Ibrahim, interim president of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said: “With 80 nationalities eligible for a free visa upon arrival, Qatar becomes the most open country in the region and we are glad to invite visitors to discover Our recognized hospitality, cultural heritage and national treasures. ”

In November 2016, Qatar presented a transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities to transit in Qatar for at least five hours up to 96 hours (four days). In May 2017, QTA and Qatar Airways launched + Qatar, a package that includes a one night free stay at a 4 or 5 star hotel in Doha along with a transit visa.

* Entry into Qatar is approved at the sole discretion of the Qatari Interior Ministry.

Photo: Reproduction