The Japanese government has introduced a relaxation on its visa regime for nationals of Qatar, enabling the latter to enjoy visa-free travel for stays of up to 30 consecutive days.
According to the US-based corporate Fragomen, the new measure will enter force on April 2, 2023, and will benefit Qatari nationals that no longer will have to go through the hassles of visa processes, VisaGuide.World reports.
“It is expected that this entry exemption will be restricted to visitors, while nationals of Qatar visiting Japan for other purposes, such as business and work, would still need to apply for the appropriate pre-arranged visa,” Fragomen said also noting that the Qatar government has not published similar rules for Japanese nationals.
This measure will show the commitment of both countries to strengthen their diplomatic ties, which is also expected to boost tourism from the Gulf countries, also including Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Improved bilateral relations were discussed last month between the Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and the President of the Japanese Parliamentary Association for Friendship with Qatar State, Toshihiro Nikai.
During this meeting, the Japanese Representative stressed how important Qatar’s role is as a partner in the energy field and stressed his country’s relations with the Gulf country in all fields. In addition, Nikai praised Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as well as for its hospitality to Japanese fans during the tournament.
Qatari government also applies the 30-day visa-free regime for Japanese nationals, and as VisaGuide.World explains, nationals of countries under this regime can enter Qatar multiple times within this period.
In addition to Japan, the same rule applies to nationals from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as China.
On the other hand, nationals of India and Pakistan have to provide additional documents in order to enter Qatar without a visa for a 30-day stay, such as a confirmed return ticket, hotel reservation proof, valid debit or credit card, as well as vaccination proof against polio – applicable for those travelling directly from Pakistan.
Furthermore, nationals of the following countries are permitted to visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days; Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Macau, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, South Korea, Singapore, Slovakia, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.
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