Yes! I think the Qatar Airways Stopover is well worth it. If you have a long layover and want a low-effort way to experience Doha, the discounted hotels and simple logistics make it a no-brainer. It’s best for curious travellers who have extra time to go on a side quest. However, there are some cases where it doesn’t make sense, which I’ll cover below. For planning details, see my Qatar stopover guide.
What is the Qatar Airways stopover program?
The Qatar Airways stopover program makes some flights eligible for a 1-4 day layover in Doha. The flights cost the same as usual and you get a super discounted hotel — starting at $14 USD per night per person.
It’s an epic way to break up a long-haul journey and explore a new country! And because Qatar is so geographically small, it’s easy to squeeze a lot into a few short days.
How do I book my Qatar Airways stopover?
You can book your Qatar Airways stopover through Qatar Airways Holidays by selecting the “Qatar Stopover” tab, or via the Qatar Airways website under “Stopover / Packages.”
Both options take you through the same booking flow, even though they sit on separate pages. If you’re booking at least a month in advance, Qatar Airways Holidays also offers a Book Now, Pay Later option that requires 10% upfront, which can be helpful if you want to lock in a good price.
FAQs about booking your Qatar Airways stopover
The Qatar Airways stopover booking process is easy, but a little unusual compared to a regular flight reservation. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your extended layover in Doha, Qatar.
Can you book the Qatar Airways stopover with Avios points?
Yes, you can use Avios to pay for the entire stopover package, or a combination of cash and Avios to cover a portion of the trip with points. However, there is a 2,000-point minimum.
You also earn points when you book and pay for your stopover with cash. If you join the Qatar Airways Privilege Club (free) you earn Avios on the total package value.
Pro tip for Avios collectors: Book through Qatar Airways Holidays to double dip on your points. You’ll collect Avios and Qpoints for your entire holiday package, and again on your Qatar Airways flights.
The National Museum of Qatar
Can I add the Qatar stopover after booking flights?
Yes, you can add a stopover in Qatar after you’ve booked your flights. But it’s more complicated this way! I highly recommend booking the package all in one if it’s not too late.
But if you already have a flight, you can contact Discover Qatar and add a discounted hotel to your booking. You may also be able to adjust your flights with Qatar Airways to extend your layover and make the most of your stop in Doha.
You need a layover of at least 12 hours to qualify for the stopover. If you have less than 12 hours, you can still leave the airport and go for a quick explore — book a Transit Tour with Discover Qatar.
Can I choose my own hotel for the Qatar Airways stopover?
You sure can! That’s one of the best parts.
I made this map of all the hotels available through the program so you can find one in a great location. I stayed in Souq Waqif at the Al Najaada and it was a great experience all around.
I definitely recommend upgrading from a Standard hotel to Premium or even Luxury if you can swing it. Premium is only a little more expensive (24 USD instead of 14 USD) and gives you a much better range of hotels.
Click above for the full interactive Google Map.
Do I need a visa for the Qatar Airways stopover?
People from over 100 nationalities can enjoy the stopover in Qatar visa-free. See if your country is on the list or apply for a visa through Hayya.
When they say “visa-free” they really just mean they’ll give you a 96-hour visa on arrival. But you don’t need to do anything in advance to organize this if your nationality is on the list.
How long can I stay in Qatar?
The visa you get on arrival in Qatar is only good for 96 hours (4 days). The website will let you select four nights, but when you get to the next page you’ll see it caps you at four days. That’s to ensure you don’t overstay the 96-hour visa. (And they even show you how many hours and minutes it is so you don’t have to do time math!)
If you book everything through the platform, you shouldn’t have to worry about overstaying your welcome. And if you want to stay longer, you’ll need to get a completely different visa and you won’t be eligible for the discounted stopover hotels.
Can I leave my luggage somewhere during the stopover?
Yes, you can store luggage during a Qatar Airways stopover, but it’s SO much easier to take it with you to the hotel.
Hamad International Airport doesn’t have official luggage storage service. However, Tawfeeq Travel offers storage just outside the airport’s metro station, about a five-minute walk from the terminal. Keep in mind it’s not an official airport service, has no website, and isn’t open 24/7. Hours are usually 10 AM to 8 PM, closed Fridays. So keep this in mind when booking your flights.
According to Qatar Airways’ baggage policy, “For transits in Doha under 24 hours, checked baggage cannot be collected.” And for stopovers longer than 24 hours, you have to collect your luggage, even if you booked everything on one ticket. So it’s really just easiest to bring it to your stopover hotel.
Heading to the metro station inside Hamad Interntional Airport
Is Qatar an expensive country to visit?
I thought Qatar was going to be super expensive. But I was pleasantly surprised to find it’s budget-friendly!
Hotels are usually one of the biggest expenses. But when your hotel is $14/night per person via the stopover program, that cuts out a significant cost. Make good choices like eating at Souq Waqif and using Doha’s great public transport, and you’ll be able to enjoy your stopover on a budget.
Read more: How I Spent Under $60 USD/Day in Qatar
FAQs about flying with Qatar Airways
One of the highlights of the Qatar Airways stopover program, besides exploring Doha, is the flight itself. It’s hands down the best airline I’ve ever flown with. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about what you can expect onboard.
Is Qatar Airways a good airline?
Qatar Airways is consistently ranked among the best airlines in the world. In fact, according to Skytrax, it was World’s Best Airline in 2025 — and several years in a row prior to that.
It’s especially famous for its QSuite business class. (But if you get an offer to upgrade before your flight, make sure you know what is and isn’t included.)
Where does Qatar Airways fly?
Qatar Airways is an incredibly well-connected airline and flies to every continent. You can find the full list of destinations on their website. But keep in mind not all routes are eligible for the stopover program.
Is Qatar Airways part of Star Alliance?
Unfortunately, no. But Qatar Airways is part of oneworld instead, which means you can collect Avios. The points are good for flights with British Airways, Finnair, American Airlines, and tons more.
I’m a Star Alliance gal myself (with Air Canada and Air New Zealand as my main hubs). But I joined the Qatar Airways Privilege Club to collect Qpoints and Avios anyway.
Does Qatar Airways serve alcohol onboard?
Yes, even though alcohol is illegal in Qatar, the airline serves in on board — it’s complimentary! And in business class, they had an insane wine list and cocktail menu.
Read more: What It’s Like to Fly Qatar Business Class
Can I carry alcohol through Doha's airport?
No, you can’t bring any alcohol through the Doha airport if you’re doing the Qatar Airways stopover program. It used to be possible — I did it successfully — but I’ve since learned the rules have changed.
However, if you’re just on a regular layover and not leaving the airport, bringing alcohol is totally fine.
Do you need internet in Qatar?
While you don’t need internet for a 1 to 4-day layover in Qatar, it’s the prime time for an eSIM. It gives you access to the local data network as soon as you land. And then you’ll have an easy time using Google Maps, calling an Uber, and sharing pics from your morning at the National Museum of Qatar.
I always use Holafly and it has never let me down. Better yet, they offer 5% off to my readers.
FAQs about visiting Qatar
Ok, now that we have all the logistics out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s what you need to know about exploring Doha with the Qatar Airways stopover program.
Is Qatar safe?
Yes, Qatar is a safe destination for travellers. Crime rates are incredibly low, and Vision of Humanity ranks Qatar at #27 on the 2025 Global Peace Index. Other metrics, including a ranking by Numbeo, rank it in the top 5 safest countries.
In my own experience, I felt very safe in Doha. And I think I would have felt the same as a solo female traveller, but I was with my partner at the time, which obviously added an extra layer of security.
Make sure you respect the local culture with the way you dress and behave. But everyone was truly so friendly and we felt very at ease day and night.
Do we have to be married to share a hotel room in Qatar?
Technically, yes. But while it’s illegal for Qatari citizens, the rule is more relaxed for tourists, especially if you’re doing the stopover program.
We’re not married, so I checked directly with Discover Qatar and the hotel (Al Najada) and both confirmed it wasn’t an issue. The Discover Qatar agent explained that because stopover travellers are effectively on a transit visa, the rule doesn’t apply — and no one asked for a marriage certificate.
That said, it’s still best not to flaunt that you’re not married. And you should avoid PDA while visiting out of respect for the local culture.
Our room at the Al Najada near Souq Waqif.
What is the weather like in Qatar?
The best time to visit Qatar for comfortable weather is from November to April. But if whale shark spotting is on your radar, remember the peak season is from April to September. So sacrifices must be made.
But back to the weather: summers in Qatar are absolutely sweltering and muggy. It hit 40 (“feels like 48”) degrees while we were there in August and we were melting! The winters are comfortable, but any desert excursions might be surprisingly chilly at night, down to about 15 degrees.
Is 1-4 days enough time to explore Qatar?
Yes, the 1 to 4 days you get with the Qatar Airways stopover program gives you enough time to see the highlights.
You could easily spend more, but use the extended layover as an opportunity to get a taste of what Qatar has to offer. The country is so small (a bit smaller than Northern Ireland) that it’s easy to get around.
What is there to do on my Qatar Airways stopover?
There’s so much stuff to do in Doha and beyond the city. You don’t have to worry about running out of things to do during your Qatar Airways stopover, even if you go for the full four days. Here’s what not to miss:
- Visit the National Museum of Qatar or Museum of Islamic Art.
- Get lost in Souq Waqif — Doha’s best market.
- Join a whale shark–watching tour. (April to September)
- Take a traditional dhow boat ride at sunset.
- Ride a camel or drive a dune buggy in the desert.
- Explore Doha’s unusual Villaggio Mall.
- Walk around the unique, artificial Pearl Island.
I’ve put together the best itineraries for a one or two-day stopover and a three or four-day stopover to help you start planning.