The two programs side by side
| Free transit hotel (STPC) | Qatar Stopover package | |
|---|---|---|
| Layover | About 8–24 h, on the next available connection | 12–96 h, up to 4 nights |
| Price | Free if your fare qualifies; paid transit stay otherwise | From ~US$14 pp/night (double room); varies by country and hotel |
| Hotel | Depends on cabin and availability | 4-star (Standard) or 5-star (Luxury) |
| Transfers | Airport–hotel return included | Optional add-on |
| How to book | At least 3 days before arrival, or at the transit desk in Doha | With your flight on qatarairways.com, or later via Discover Qatar |
1. The free transit hotel (STPC)
STPC means "Stopover for the Purpose of Connection". It's for passengers whose itinerary leaves them in Doha for a long connection because no shorter one exists. You can't book a later flight on purpose to get the free night.
- Eligibility depends on your fare class. Cheap and award fares often don't qualify. Families with children on the same booking are treated together.
- New in 2026: STPC is now managed by Discover Qatar. Eligible travellers get a transit voucher, can choose from a list of hotels, add meals or tours, and get return airport transfers. Book at least three days before arriving in Doha; otherwise go to the transit desk at the airport on arrival.
- Not eligible? You can still book a paid transit stay.
2. The Qatar Stopover package
If you have 12 to 96 hours in Doha (or choose a flight that gives you that), you can add up to four nights in a subsidised hotel. It works on the way out or on the way back.
- Standard = 4-star hotels, Luxury = 5-star with breakfast. The starting price depends on the country you book from: for example, a 1-night Standard package was listed from US$24 per person on the Qatar site and US$31 on the Bahrain site when we checked.
- Book it in the same transaction as your flight on qatarairways.com when your market offers it; if you already have your ticket, add it through Discover Qatar.
- One stopover booking per ticket. Unused nights are not refunded.
Visa and entry
- Citizens of GCC countries can enter Qatar freely. More than 100 other nationalities can enter visa-free; others need a visa or a Hayya permit.
- For some passports, a hotel booking with Discover Qatar is required to enter.
- A hotel confirmation never guarantees entry: the decision belongs to Qatar immigration. Check your own case on the official Visit Qatar / Hayya portal before you travel.
Your bags
On a stopover of more than 24 hours you usually collect your checked bags in Doha. On a shorter connection, ask at check-in whether your luggage is checked through to your final destination, and pack a small overnight bag in your cabin bag.
Not leaving the airport?
Hamad International has an airside hotel and lounges. A paid lounge pass gives you food, showers and a quiet place for the kids.
🛋️ Airport lounge access
Check which Hamad International lounges your pass covers before you fly.
See lounge passesWhat to book before you fly
🗺️ A tour that fits your layover
Half-day transit tours with airport pickup, or a desert trip on a longer stopover.
See Doha toursNext: 8–24 hours in Doha with family: what to do and how to get back on time.
Prices and times checked on 10 November 2026 from official and operator sources. They change: confirm before you travel.
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