Q Life Magazine Q Magazine June 2019 | Page 43

Qatar in Colour | by the Visa Entry Department. The office works to overcome travellers’ struggles, including the renewal and cancellation of residency, the amendment of visa entry, and the extension of visas. In an effort to speed the overall process and to ensure passengers make their flights, Qatar now issues ‘On Arrival’ and ‘In Advance’ visas for citizens from 92 countries. This visa system promotes tourism and further positions Qatar as a holiday destination, in collaboration with Qatar Airways and the Qatar National Tourism Council. Now, this openness is being celebrated globally. The United Nations World Tourism Organization last year announced that Qatar has become the most open country in the Middle East and the 8 th most open in the world in terms of visa facilitation. Colonel Al Mazrouei says that this contributes significantly to the promotion of tourism in Qatar, making the country a truly modern destination on the global tourism map. With the increase in passengers from around the world, the Airport Passports Department has worked hard to ensure it can accommodate this growth. Logistically, Colonel Al Mazrouei explains that the electronic gates – known as e-gates – facilitate movement for citizens and residents alike. The e-gates are one of the most important updates in the new border system provided by the Ministry of Interior through Hamad International Airport. In total, 2.3 million people used the new gates in 2018. Colonel Al Mazrouei explains that the Airport Passports Department has adopted several new systems that contribute to making the facilities at Hamad among the most advanced in the world, offering Qatari citizens, residents and tourists a seamless experience as they embark on their next journey. | Qatar’s Ministry of Interior in Doha 43