The Indian Embassy in Doha issued a safety advisory on 6 March 2026, urging all Indians in Qatar to “strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular, the Ministry of Interior.” The advisory comes as Qatar’s airspace remains closed and flight operations are suspended.
Indian Embassy Safety Instructions
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has directed all residents to:
- Remain in safe locations and avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity
- Keep away from windows and exposed areas
- Stay in contact with airlines for flight operation updates
The Embassy stated: “All Indians in Qatar are urged to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities in the current security situation.”
Qatar Visa Extensions for Stranded Travelers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Extension | All entry visa categories extended by one month |
| Effective Date | 28 February 2026 |
| Further Extensions | Possible based on developments |
| Airspace Status | Closed; Qatar Airways updates daily at 0900 hrs Doha time |
| Emergency Helpline | +974 55647502 or +974 55362508 |
| [email protected] |
Qatar has extended all entry visa categories for one month effective 28 February 2026. Foreign nationals, including Indian passport holders, do not need to take separate action for the extension — it applies automatically across all visa types.
Exit Option: Salwa Land Border to Saudi Arabia
For Indians who need to leave Qatar, the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia remains open. Two categories of travelers can use this route:
- Indians holding previously used US, UK, or Schengen visas — eligible for Saudi arrival visas at the border
- All other Indian nationals — can register with the Embassy for temporary Saudi transit visa facilitation, which requires at least 48 hours of processing time
Registration Requirements for Saudi Transit Visa
Indians registering with the Embassy for transit visa facilitation must provide:
- Copies of inbound flight tickets to Qatar
- Confirmed outbound departure tickets from Saudi Arabia
- Travelers must arrange their own transport to the Salwa border crossing and to their departure airport in Saudi Arabia
Emergency Contact Information
The Indian Embassy in Doha has activated a 24/7 helpline for all Indians in Qatar:
- Phone: +974 55647502 or +974 55362508
- Email: [email protected]
Qatar Airways is scheduled to provide its next update on flight operations on 7 March 2026 at 0900 hrs Doha time. All passengers with bookings are advised to stay in contact with their airlines directly.
For Indians planning future travel to Qatar, our Dubai/UAE Visa Guide covers visa requirements for the broader Gulf region. Travelers managing multiple documents during disruptions can use our Document Checklist to stay organized.
FAQ
Q: What safety instructions has the Indian Embassy in Doha issued? A: The Embassy urges all Indians in Qatar to strictly follow Qatar’s Ministry of Interior guidelines: remain in safe locations, avoid going out except in extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas.
Q: How can stranded Indian transit travelers exit Qatar? A: The Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia remains open. Indians holding previously used US, UK, or Schengen visas can obtain Saudi arrival visas at the border. Others can register with the Embassy for temporary Saudi transit visa facilitation, which takes at least 48 hours.
Q: What documents do stranded transit travelers need for Saudi transit visa registration? A: Applicants must provide copies of their inbound flight tickets to Qatar and confirmed outbound departure tickets from Saudi Arabia. Travelers must arrange their own transport to the Salwa border and to their departure airport in Saudi Arabia.
Q: Are Qatar visas being extended during the crisis? A: Yes. Qatar has extended all entry visa categories for one month, effective 28 February 2026, with the possibility of further extensions based on developments. This covers all foreign nationals including Indian passport holders.
Source: Indian Embassy in Doha — safety advisory issued 6 March 2026; Qatar Ministry of Interior guidelines; The Peninsula Qatar