How to get a Smart Card for Residents in Qatar in 2024
The Qatari government has provided multiple e-services to its citizens. The smart card is one of them. Residents of Qatar (GCC, Qatari, and expatriate) can easily bypass the immigration formalities, exit, and enter the country with the help of a Smart Card or an E-gate card. The residents can easily get it from the office of the Ministry of Interior, Al Gharafa (Doha).
Procedure to Apply for a Smart Card or E-Gate Card.
You can easily obtain a smart card in Qatar by submitting a request to the Ministry of Interior. The MOI Qatar is responsible for the whole process. They will guide you accordingly. The smart card is issued to those who have a valid Qatar ID.
Follow these steps to apply for a Smart Card;
- Visit the MOI Qatar office and apply.
- Visit any office associated with the General Directorate of Border Passports and Expatriates Affairs.
- They will provide you with an application form, fill that and submit.
Attach the following documents with your form to apply for a Smart Card.
- A copy of your Qatari ID card.
- GCC passport.
The authorities will take some actions to proceed with the process of the Smart Card, which is as follows:
- Your fingerprints will be taken.
- Your photographs will be taken
- The government officer will validate your residence ID or passport.
- He will also validate the period of the card you require.
- You have to pay the fees.
- After payment, the officer will swap your residence ID and finally, your card will be activated and issued immediately.
Now the whole process will be explained with the help of images.
Go to the official website of MOI Qatar.
Locate MOI Services on the official page of the MOI website.
Search for ”Inquiries” in the dropdown of MOI Services.
Click on ”Other Inquiries”.
After clicking on ”Other Inquiries”, search for ”Smart Card Application Form”
When we click on ”Smart Cart Application Form”. we land on this form.
Read the form carefully and complete all the requirements.
Fee to Apply for Smart Card or E-Gate Card.
Applicable fees are as follows:
- QR100 for the ID Card issuance.
- QR100 for e-Gate services for one year.
- QR150 for e-Gate services for two years.
- QR200 for e-Gate services for three years.
- QR250 for e-government services for three years.
What is a Smart Card or E-gate Card?
The Qatari government has provided an e-service to its users named Smart Card or E-gate Card. It stores biometric data about citizens on a chip. The data includes fingerprints and eye scans. This card helps its users to enter and exit the country easily, and they can bypass passport queues at immigration.
What are the benefits of a Smart Card or E-gate card?
The smart cardholder can easily bypass the immigration formalities at the airport. They just need to punch the card at the gate and press their fingers on the electronic scanner.
Final Words
A Smart or E-Gate Card in Qatar helps travellers bypass immigration. These cards store the biometric data of citizens, allowing quick entry and exit from the country without waiting in long queues. The application steps to get this card are very easy and simple. Its validity period is also very flexible. This card system is beneficial for both citizens and residents.
