The Embassy of India in Doha on Friday issued a safety advisory asking Indians in Qatar to remain indoors and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities as security concerns persist and the country’s airspace remains closed.
In an advisory issued at 11:00 am Doha time on March 6, the embassy urged Indians to comply with guidelines issued by the Qatar Ministry of Interior. Authorities have advised residents to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas.
The embassy said updates issued by Qatari authorities are being shared regularly through its official social media platforms to keep the Indian community informed.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Meanwhile, Qatari authorities have announced a temporary extension of entry visas that have expired or are due to expire. According to the advisory, all categories of entry visas will be extended for one month starting February 28, with the possibility of further extensions depending on the evolving situation.
The embassy also informed Indian nationals that the option of exiting Qatar through the Salwa Border Crossing into Saudi Arabia remains open in case of emergencies.
Indian travellers holding valid visas for the United States, United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area, provided these visas have been used at least once, can obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other travellers wishing to exit via Saudi Arabia will need to apply for a Saudi visa through the usual process.
To assist passengers stranded in transit, the embassy has opened a registration link to facilitate temporary Saudi transit visas for those who have confirmed onward tickets from Saudi Arabia. Applicants are required to upload copies of their inbound tickets to Qatar and confirmed departure tickets from Saudi Arabia.
The embassy said it may require at least 48 hours to process such facilitation and added that travellers will need to make their own logistical arrangements to reach the border crossing and onward departure airports.
The embassy also said it remains available round the clock for the welfare of the Indian community and has issued 24×7 helpline numbers and an emergency email contact for assistance.
In an advisory issued at 11:00 am Doha time on March 6, the embassy urged Indians to comply with guidelines issued by the Qatar Ministry of Interior. Authorities have advised residents to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas.
The embassy said updates issued by Qatari authorities are being shared regularly through its official social media platforms to keep the Indian community informed.
Flights suspended; visa extensions announced
Flight operations in the country remain suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace. The embassy said Qatar Airways will provide the next update on flight operations at 9:00 am Doha time on March 7. Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest information.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Meanwhile, Qatari authorities have announced a temporary extension of entry visas that have expired or are due to expire. According to the advisory, all categories of entry visas will be extended for one month starting February 28, with the possibility of further extensions depending on the evolving situation.
The embassy also informed Indian nationals that the option of exiting Qatar through the Salwa Border Crossing into Saudi Arabia remains open in case of emergencies.
Indian travellers holding valid visas for the United States, United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area, provided these visas have been used at least once, can obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other travellers wishing to exit via Saudi Arabia will need to apply for a Saudi visa through the usual process.
To assist passengers stranded in transit, the embassy has opened a registration link to facilitate temporary Saudi transit visas for those who have confirmed onward tickets from Saudi Arabia. Applicants are required to upload copies of their inbound tickets to Qatar and confirmed departure tickets from Saudi Arabia.
The embassy said it may require at least 48 hours to process such facilitation and added that travellers will need to make their own logistical arrangements to reach the border crossing and onward departure airports.
The embassy also said it remains available round the clock for the welfare of the Indian community and has issued 24×7 helpline numbers and an emergency email contact for assistance.
