Qatar announces visa-free entry programme for citizens of 80 countries including India

The Qatar government on Wednesday launched visa-free entry programme for citizens of 80 countries. The decision has been taken to encourage air travel and tourism in the country amid a two-month boycott imposed on the Gulf state by its neighbors.

The country has made provisions to allow people from dozens of countries in Europe including India, Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States to receive tourist visa on arrival.

Qatar is facing boycott from Oil giant Saudi Arabia along with Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The boycott was effected on June 5. It was ordered to cut off all transport links with the country on charges of supporting terrorism and of close ties to Iran.