Expatriate residents in Qatar can now apply for visit visas for their family members in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as these countries have been added back to the relevant section of the Ministry of Interior's Metrash2 app.

The additions come after the inclusion of these countries in the list of countries enabled for family resident visa application on the app.

To apply, head to the ‘Visa’ page on Metrash2, then to ‘Family Visit’ and select ‘Family Visa Application’. Then, click ‘New Application’ and follow the instructions.

Qatar announced the resumption of issuing family and tourist entry visas starting on July 12, in line with new travel and return policies and based on the Ministry of Public Health's COVID-19 recommendations.

The health ministry said in a statement on Thursday the new entry policies include providing a COVID-19 PCR test and classifying countries into three categories — green, yellow and red — that would determine the quarantine policies.

Entry for visitors from red-list countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka is limited to fully-vaccinated (with a Qatar-approved vaccine) and recovered.

Such visitors are required to pre-register on the Ehteraz website and obtain an approval before travel.