How Does Qatar Airport Services Deal With Unaccompanied Minors

INTRODUCTION

The Unaccompanied Minor Service (UMS) is a program operated by the Qatar airport authority that provides support and assistance to unaccompanied minors who are residing in or travelling to Qatar. The service is available to both citizens and visitors to Qatar and includes accommodation, food, health care, education, and social activities.

The UMS was launched in 2006 in response to the increasing number of unaccompanied minors travelling to Qatar. At present, the UMS provides support to around 1700 children annually.

The UMS is based at the Qatari Airways Museum near the Doha International Airport. It is staffed by social workers and volunteers from various organizations involved in child welfare. 

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WHEN CAN I USE THE UNACCOMPANIED MINOR SERVICE ON QATAR AIRWAYS?

Qatar’s Unaccompanied Minor Service is designed to provide unaccompanied minors with a safe and secure travel experience. The service is available to passengers travelling on Qatar Airways flights departing from Doha International Airport.

To use the service, passengers must meet the following requirements:

• Be travelling alone or with one parent or guardian.
• The age should be 12 to 17.
• Have a valid passport and a ticket to Qatar.
• Reside in Qatar or have valid residence permits in Qatar.
• Not be carrying any weapons or explosives.
• Not any infectious diseases that may require treatment in a hospital.
• Not be pregnant.

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WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL WHILE USING THE UNACCOMPANIED MINOR SERVICE?

The Qatar airport services given to unaccompanied minors are designed to make their travel experience easier and more comfortable. The Qatar airport services given to unaccompanied minors include:

• accommodation in a safe and secure setting;  
• 24-hour care and support from staff who are specially trained in child welfare;  
• access to educational and recreational activities;  
• nutritious meals;  
• transportation to and from the airport and the facility where the child will be staying.

Qatar Airways provides two types of services for children travelling alone, depending on whether there is an adult to accompany them. If not, they can choose the Unaccompanied Minors service and be picked up at the boarding gate and escorted to their destination.

Qatar Airways does not allow any unaccompanied minors to travel who are over 16 years old. They offer a service for unaccompanied minors, escorting them all the way to their destination. To attain this service, you first need to get a request approved at the Qatar Airways office and then at least 48 hours before the departure date, if you already booked the Unaccompanied Minor service. You also need to fill out the request 72 hours in advance for the Escort service.

Qatar Airways will not allow children younger than 18, unaccompanied by an adult, to make a reservation online. You must get written permission from the child’s legal guardian before accompanying them on the trip. They also need approval from a carrier prior to the flight.

If you are flying without a grownup, make sure to bring them with you and meet them at the destination.

If a child is travelling alone and has special requirements, the parent should tell the airline before booking.

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Before Flight

The full baggage allowance is made available to unaccompanied minors, no matter what their class of travel may be. Unaccompanied minors need to carry their passport and be eligible for at least six more months in the country they want to travel to.

You should have all the required documents.  

• Valid visa 
• Passport
• Re-entry permit 
• Health documents, etc.

Your child’s guardian should be more than 16 years old. And should be checked in before your child’s arrival. A Qatar Airways representative will escort him/her through security, immigration and until the flight departs.

Boarding

Qatar Airways staff will escort unaccompanied minors to their seats on the flight. A staff member will be staying with the kid till the arrival of the connecting flight. Qatar Airways will check in with your child during their flight. Your child should follow the flight attendant's instructions, get their identification lanyard, listen to the safety instructions, and wait for a crew member to escort them off the plane after landing.

When you’re picking up your child at Qatar Airways, be sure to arrive at the airport before the flight is scheduled, and have a valid ID.

How Will I Know If My Child Has Arrived At The Destination?

When your child arrives at the destination, make sure to check in with them using the Qatar Airways app or website. The app will let you know when your child has arrived at their destination and the website will provide live updates on their journey.

APPLY FOR VISA

If you are travelling to Qatar with an unaccompanied minor, there are some services available to help make your stay as comfortable and safe as possible. Apply for a visa online at Qatar E-visa Online, and be prepared for all your documentation needs.

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CONCLUSION

Qatar airport services have been extended to unaccompanied minors who are travelling without their parents or guardians. The service provides food, transport and accommodation for the children while they are in Qatar. This is in addition to the Qatari government’s existing welfare schemes that provide assistance to these children.

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