Expats will soon be able to use egate in Qatar by simply presenting their ID cards at the airport, a senior Ministry of Interior (MOI) official has reportedly said.

Authorities are also working to make the service free to foreign residents, added Col. Mohamed Rashid Al Mazroui, Director of the Airport Passports department, Qatar Tribune reports.

The e-gate system is available to both expats and Qataris at arrival and departures, allowing travelers to skip long immigration queues.

However, you must be over 16 years of age to use it.

Changes afoot

According to the Qatar Tribune, the service is now free for Qataris.

And though Al Mazroui said changes for foreign residents are still in process, they already appear to have taken effect for many expats.

Since at least October, dozens of people have noted being able to use e-gate by showing their IDs and having their fingerprints and eyes scanned at the airport.

Previously, residents needed to apply for the service by taking their ID cards and passports to the immigration department.

The cost is QR200.

Have you noticed any changes to the system? Thoughts?