Exit & Re-Entry in Qatar
Exit permits are largely abolished - most workers can leave Qatar freely with their QID and an active RP.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Until 2018, all expat workers needed a sponsor-issued exit permit to leave Qatar. Following Law No. 13 of 2018 and the 2020 reforms, exit permits were abolished for most expatriate workers. Today, the vast majority of expats can travel in and out of Qatar freely using a valid QID.
Employers may still require advance notification from a small percentage of essential workers (capped by law at 5%), and certain categories such as domestic workers retain a notification requirement. There is no general 're-entry visa' for residents with a valid QID, but residents who remain abroad for more than 6 months risk RP cancellation.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Valid QID with current RP
- Cleared fines and pending court cases
Eligibility
- RP is active at the time of exit
- No travel ban in place
- Not part of the limited essential-worker exception
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard travel | 0 QAR | No exit fee for most expat workers. |
| Travel ban inquiry | 0 QAR | Free service through Metrash. |
| Domestic worker exit notification | 0 QAR | Filed by sponsor via MOI portal; no government fee. |
Step by step
- 1
Check travel ban
Open Metrash > General Services > Inquiry about Travel Ban to confirm there are no court or police holds.
online
- 2
Clear fines
Pay outstanding traffic, immigration, and municipal fines through Metrash.
online
- 3
Confirm RP validity
Ensure your QID is not expiring while abroad; if it expires, renew before leaving or risk RP cancellation.
online
- 4
Travel and return
Exit with QID and passport. Re-enter directly with the same documents as long as the RP remains valid and you return within 6 months.
Same day · center
Processing time: Travel is immediate; checks take minutes through Metrash.
Renewal
If you stay outside Qatar for more than 6 months continuously, the RP may be cancelled and a new entry visa will be required.
Fines & penalties
- Unpaid fines may trigger a travel ban at the airport
- Court cases can result in a travel ban without prior notice
- Returning after 6 months abroad without exception may invalidate RP
Common pitfalls
- Assuming an exit permit is still needed - it usually isn't
- Missing a quiet travel ban from an unresolved cheque or court case
- Letting QID expire while abroad and losing RP
- Forgetting that domestic workers may still need sponsor notification
FAQs
Most expat workers no longer need an exit permit since the 2018-2020 reforms. Travel is free with a valid passport and QID. A small percentage of essential workers and some domestic workers still require employer notification.
Generally up to 6 months. Beyond that, the RP may be cancelled and a new entry visa required, unless a specific extension is approved by MOI.
Use Metrash > General Services > Inquiry about Travel Ban. The check is free and shows immigration, court, and police holds.
Generally no. Employers can only delay travel for the small percentage of essential workers approved under the law; otherwise expats can travel freely.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
Get help with Exit & Re-Entry