The Indian Embassy in Doha on Friday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals in Qatar to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities as the country continues to face security threats and its airspace remains closed following missile and drone interceptions.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the Embassy urged Indians residing in Qatar to comply with instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior and other security agencies, while also advising travellers to remain in contact with their respective airlines as flight operations remain temporarily suspended.
The advisory comes amid an evolving security situation in West Asia, with Qatar reporting multiple interceptions of drones and missiles in recent days.
“In view of the current security situation, all Indians in Qatar are requested to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular the Ministry of Interior,” the Embassy stated. It added that residents have been advised by the authorities to remain in safe locations, avoid venturing outside except in cases of extreme necessity, and stay away from windows or exposed areas.
With Qatar’s airspace still shut and flights suspended, the Embassy asked Indian travellers to closely coordinate with their airlines for updates on flight operations and travel arrangements.
In a related development, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior announced that all categories of entry visas that have either expired or are close to expiry will be extended for a period of one month. The extension, effective February 28, may be further prolonged depending on developments in the security situation.
The Indian Embassy also informed citizens about alternative travel arrangements in case of emergencies. It stated that the Salwa land border crossing between Qatar and Saudi Arabia remains open for exit.
Indian nationals who hold valid visas for the United States, United Kingdom or the Schengen region, and have used them at least once, are eligible to obtain visa-on-arrival in Saudi Arabia. Others seeking to exit Qatar through Saudi Arabia must apply for Saudi visas through the standard procedures.
To assist those stranded while transiting through Qatar, the Embassy said it has opened a registration link to facilitate the issuance of temporary transit visas for Saudi Arabia. The facility is limited to Indian nationals who are currently in transit in Qatar and possess confirmed onward travel tickets from Saudi Arabia.
Helpline numbers have also been released by the Embassy for Indians requiring assistance or clarification during the ongoing situation.
The advisory follows a series of security incidents reported by Qatari authorities. Earlier on Friday, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence stated that the Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces intercepted a drone attack targeting Al-Udeid Air Base.
On Thursday, the Ministry reported that the country had faced a missile and drone assault, including 14 ballistic missiles and four drones launched from Iran starting at 11:51 a.m. local time. According to the statement, 13 missiles were intercepted by Qatari defence systems while the remaining missile fell into the territorial waters of Qatar. All four drones were successfully intercepted and no casualties were reported.
Earlier, on March 4, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence had reported another attack involving 10 drones and two cruise missiles originating from Iran. Qatari defence forces intercepted all incoming threats through coordinated action by the Air Defence Forces, Air Force and Navy.
Qatar’s authorities have urged residents to remain calm, follow official instructions and rely only on verified information issued through official channels while avoiding rumours during the ongoing security developments.
