Free stopover in
Doha
Futuristic skyline rising from the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf.
Qatar AirwaysAccepting bookingsVerified 17d ago
Qatar Stopover & STPC
4.4(612 reviews)
What You Get
Free Hotel Stay
1 night at a 3-star hotel
Free Airport Transfers
Complimentary ground transportation between the airport and hotel
Eligibility
Duration:8h - 96h layover (4 days max)
Classes:
EconomyBusinessFirst
Routes:All international flights transiting via DOH
Book by:72 hours before departure (STPC)
Full terms▾
- OPERATIONAL ADVISORY (April 2026): Qatar Airways suspended operations on 1 March 2026 due to regional airspace closures; resumed limited ops 15 March 2026 via QCAA-authorised corridors
- EASA Conflict Zone Bulletin review date 24 April 2026 (rolling — likely further extension)
- Flexible rebooking EXTENDED (Apr 16, 2026): tickets with travel 28 Feb – 15 September 2026 eligible for complimentary date change (rebook through 31 October 2026) or full refund
- Full 150+ destination schedule recovery targeted 16 June 2026
- Two distinct products with different minimum connections: (1) FREE STPC hotel for 8-24h layovers (one-way base fare ≥ $400; award/Avios tickets excluded)
- Economy placed in 3-star, Business in 4/5-star, First in 5-star
- Includes transfers and cabin-differentiated meal vouchers (QAR 100-250)
- Eligible Economy STPC fare classes per tradeportal: Y/B/H/K/M/L/V/S/N/Q; Business J/C/D/I/P; First F/A. (2) PAID Qatar Stopover packages for 12-96h voluntary layovers (minimum transit 12h, NOT 8h), starting from $14/night (Standard tier, room only — breakfast only in Luxury tier $83+)
- Tours (Doha City Tour, Desert Safari, Souq Waqif) and airport transfers are PAID add-ons for the paid packages
- Time-limited promo (travel 1 Apr-30 Jun 2026): complimentary Meryal Waterpark OR Doha Quest pass with booking codes PARK / QUEST — booking deadline EXTENDED to 30 April 2026
- Contact: dqstopover@qatarairways.com.qa for STPC; dqinfo@qatarairways.com.qa for paid program general inquiries (+974 4144 5150)
- Qatar offers visa-free entry for 100+ nationalities; others need visa
- Alcohol import to Qatar is prohibited
How it Works
- 1
Book an eligible Qatar Airways itinerary
Your trip must route through DOH (Doha) with a 8–96 hour layover. Eligible classes: Economy, Business, First.
- 2
Request the stopover
For STPC: request via Qatar Airways reservations when eligible. For Qatar Stopover packages: book at discoverqatar.qa or email dqstopover@qatarairways.com.qa (phone +974 4144 5150).
- 3
Receive your voucher
The airline confirms your hotel and any included tours via email, usually within a few business days.
- 4
Enjoy Doha
Airport transfers are complimentary. Head to your hotel, take the included tours, fly on when you are ready.
Questions? Email dqstopover@qatarairways.com.qa
Things to do in Doha
Museum of Islamic Art
I.M. Pei masterpiece on the Corniche — free entry.
Souq Waqif
Restored old market for shisha, gold, and grilled lamb.
Katara Cultural Village
Amphitheatre, galleries, and beach all in one stretch.
Traveler Reviews
4.4/5.0
612 reviews aggregated
weighted composite
82% positive8% negative
Based on reviews fromFlyerTalk (2)YouTube (1)TripAdvisor (2)Trustpilot (1)
Rating Breakdown
Hotel Quality30%
4.6/5Is the free hotel actually decent or a dump?
Perks Value25%
4.5/5How much is all the free stuff actually worth?
Ease of Claiming20%
4.2/5Will the airline actually respond to my email?
Destination Appeal15%
4.0/5Is this city worth visiting for 1-2 days?
Top Quotes
“Five-star Shaza Doha at 75% off via the VisitQatar stopover.”— TripAdvisor ↗
“About 50% discount on premium hotels.”— FlyerTalk ↗
“15 hours in Doha for PHP 7,000 via Qatar Airways.”— YouTube ↗
“Costs significantly more than the through rate shown on the website.”— TripAdvisor ↗
“Great stopover in Doha on the way back at a very reasonable price.”— Trustpilot ↗
Pro Tips
- -Visit October-April for best weather
- -The Souq Waqif hotels are charming and central
- -Take the metro - it's new, clean, and cheap
- -Book the desert safari through the stopover package for best rates
Recent Reviews
FlyerTalk Qatar Airways forumFlyerTalk ↗
Positive(70%)Stopover hotel prices vary significantly. A standard Hilton ran £60 while a Marriott stopover booking came in at £34, about a 50% discount on premium hotels versus regular retail.
valuehotelpricing
FlyerTalk Qatar Airways forumFlyerTalk ↗
Neutral(30%)Complimentary STPC stopover accommodations don't let you choose the hotel; confirmation may include the hotel name when requested, or it's simply issued on arrival at the transfer desk.
STPClogisticshotel
Ivan de GuzmanYouTube ↗
Positive(70%)A 15-hour Doha stopover via Qatar Airways done for roughly PHP 7,000, documenting the transit visa process, airport navigation, and a quick city tour.
budgettransit visacity tour
Professor JTripAdvisor ↗
Positive(90%)A 20-hour layover on a flight from Malaysia to Switzerland turned into a stay at the five-star Shaza Doha via the VisitQatar stopover program. The reviewer received a 75% discount versus Booking.com rates.
5-star hoteldiscountvalue
Traveled: Feb 2025
TripAdvisor reviewerTripAdvisor ↗
Negative(70%)Attempted to book the Doha stopover on a flight from Atlanta to the Maldives and found it difficult. Staying a night or two in Doha through the stopover program cost significantly more than the through rate shown on the website.
pricingbooking friction
Trustpilot Qatar Airways reviewerTrustpilot ↗
Neutral(10%)The reviewer had a great stopover in Doha on the way back at a very reasonable price, and check-in was satisfactory.
stopover valuemixed
Compare with other programs
Compare →
Related guides
All Guides →AIRLINE GUIDE
Qatar Airways Doha Stopover: Free 5-Star Hotel
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Ten programs ranked on hotel value, eligibility breadth, and how reliably the airline actually delivers — updated for 2026.
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HOW-TO
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Qatar Airways stopover program really free?
Yes. Qatar Airways covers a 1-night stay at a 3-star hotel in Doha for eligible passengers. You pay only for extras like meals, additional nights, and any tourist taxes.
Who is eligible for the Qatar Stopover & STPC?
Passengers flying Qatar Airways with a qualifying layover in DOH between 8 and 96 hours. Eligible booking classes: Economy, Business, First. OPERATIONAL ADVISORY (April 2026): Qatar Airways suspended operations on 1 March 2026 due to regional airspace closures; resumed limited ops 15 March 2026 via QCAA-authorised corridors. EASA Conflict Zone Bulletin review date 24 April 2026 (rolling — likely further extension). Flexible rebooking EXTENDED (Apr 16, 2026): tickets with travel 28 Feb – 15 September 2026 eligible for complimentary date change (rebook through 31 October 2026) or full refund. Full 150+ destination schedule recovery targeted 16 June 2026. Two distinct products with different minimum connections: (1) FREE STPC hotel for 8-24h layovers (one-way base fare ≥ $400; award/Avios tickets excluded). Economy placed in 3-star, Business in 4/5-star, First in 5-star. Includes transfers and cabin-differentiated meal vouchers (QAR 100-250). Eligible Economy STPC fare classes per tradeportal: Y/B/H/K/M/L/V/S/N/Q; Business J/C/D/I/P; First F/A. (2) PAID Qatar Stopover packages for 12-96h voluntary layovers (minimum transit 12h, NOT 8h), starting from $14/night (Standard tier, room only — breakfast only in Luxury tier $83+). Tours (Doha City Tour, Desert Safari, Souq Waqif) and airport transfers are PAID add-ons for the paid packages. Time-limited promo (travel 1 Apr-30 Jun 2026): complimentary Meryal Waterpark OR Doha Quest pass with booking codes PARK / QUEST — booking deadline EXTENDED to 30 April 2026. Contact: dqstopover@qatarairways.com.qa for STPC; dqinfo@qatarairways.com.qa for paid program general inquiries (+974 4144 5150). Qatar offers visa-free entry for 100+ nationalities; others need visa. Alcohol import to Qatar is prohibited.
How do I claim the stopover in Doha?
For STPC: request via Qatar Airways reservations when eligible. For Qatar Stopover packages: book at discoverqatar.qa or email dqstopover@qatarairways.com.qa (phone +974 4144 5150).
What is the maximum stopover length?
Up to 4 days. You can extend your layover without paying additional airfare, as long as it fits within the program's rules.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport in Doha?
Visa requirements depend on your passport. Many travelers qualify for visa-free transit, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options. Select your nationality on this page to see the specific requirement for Qatar.
Is there a booking deadline?
Yes. You must request the stopover 72 hours before departure (STPC).
Quick Info
- Hub Airport
- DOH
- Layover window
- 8h – 96h
- Booking classes
- Economy, Business, First
- Book by
- 72 hours before departure (STPC)
- Official page
- View →
Visa Info for Doha
Choose your passport to see if you can leave the airport.
Hotels in Doha
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SEARCH HOTELS IN DOHATours in Doha
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Qatar Airways
$80+ free in Doha