On 16 April 2023, Qatar Tourism announced that the Hayya Portal, which was primarily used during the World Cup 2022, has been revamped into a single streamlined portal for tourist visa applications for all those wishing to visit Qatar. How to apply for tourist visas to Qatar available via the Hayya Portal.
Categories of tourist visas to Qatar available are as follows:
- A1 – Tourist Entry Visa: The A1 category Tourist Entry visa is applicable to general tourists and can be applied for via the new Hayya Portal.
- A2 – GCC Resident Entry Visa: GCC residents can now enter can now visit Qatar easily with a dedicated GCC Resident Entry Visa regardless of profession.
- A3 – Entry Visa with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is applicable to visa and residency holders of the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and/or Schengen.
- A4 – Entry Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen: This visa type is applicable to GCC Citizens who would like to bring companions during their travel.
- C – Hayya with Me: International Hayya Cardholders who came to Qatar during the World Cup can invite up to 3 family members/ friends via Voucher Codes to visit Qatar.
A1 – Tourist Entry Visa
The A1 category Tourist Entry Visa is applicable to general tourists and can be applied for via the new Hayya Portal.
Steps to apply for A1 – Tourist Entry Visa
- Sign up for Hayya or use your existing Hayya account
- Select the entry visa type as “Tourist Entry Visa (A1)”
- Add in personal details along with a passport copy and photo
- Validate information
- Submit proof of your accommodation (can be with host friends & family or other accommodation bookings)
- Complete payment of QR 100
- Receive your entry visa by email or retrieve it through the Hayya app
A1 – Tourist Entry Visa FAQ’s
1. Can dependents be brought or added to an A1 – Tourist Entry Visa?
Yes, dependents under the age of 18 years old can be applied for by adding their information on the application and completing the requirements.
2. Is proof of accommodation mandatory for a Tourist Entry Visa?
Yes, the provisioning of accommodation details will be mandatory. Bookings could be hotel addresses/bookings hosted by family and friends.
Note: Some may only be able to book accommodation via the Discover Qatar website.
A2 – GCC Resident Entry Visa
GCC residents can now enter can now visit Qatar easily with a dedicated GCC Resident Entry Visa regardless of profession.
Steps to apply for A2 – GCC Resident Entry Visa
- Sign up for Hayya or use your existing Hayya account
- Choose the category of Hayya Visit as “GCC Resident Entry Visa (A2)”
- Add in personal details along with a passport copy and photo
- Validate information
- Upload your GCC Residency copy & choose profession
- Proof of your accommodation confirmation
- Complete your payment of QR 100
- Receive your entry visa by email or retrieve it through the Hayya app
Note: You must be travelling to Qatar from your country of residency.
A2 – GCC Resident Entry Visa FAQ’s
1. Who is eligible for GCC Resident Entry Visa?
All GCC residents with an approved profession can apply. It is important that you must be travelling from your country of residence.
2. How to know if the profession is eligible for GCC Resident Entry Visa?
Once the application process begins, you will be able to select the profession from the drop-down menu. The job title selected needs to identically match that of your residency.
3. Can I bring along dependents with GCC Resident Entry?
Dependents can be added to the application; however, they must be GCC residents. If they are not GCC residents, then a separate tourist visa must be applied for them.
4. Is an on-arrival visa still available for GCC residents?
On-arrival visas are still available for GCC residents.
5. Can spouses be brought with GCC Resident Entry Visa?
Each GCC resident will have to have an individual GCC Resident Entry Visa application.
Note: Nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.
A3 – Entry Visa with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is applicable to visa and residency holders of the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and/or Schengen.
Steps to apply for A3 – Entry Visa with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- Sign up for Hayya or use your existing Hayya account
- Select the entry visa type “Entry Visa with ETA (A3)”
- Upload a copy of your valid visa/residence for any of the following: US, Canada, UK, Schengen, Australia & New Zealand
- Add in personal details along with a passport copy and photo
- Validate information
- Complete your payment of QR 100
- Receive your entry visa by email or retrieve it through the Hayya app
A3 – Entry Visa with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) FAQ’s
1. What are the requirements to apply for an Entry with ETA?
- A valid visa or residency for the US, UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia or New Zealand at the time of application
- Minimum three (3) months of passport validity from the time of arrival to the State of Qatar
- Accommodation proof (Hotel booking or Hosted by family and friends)
- Return flight ticket
- Health Insurance for the duration of your stay
Note: In certain cases, you might only be eligible for booked accommodation via the Discover Qatar website.
2. Can I bring along dependents with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
Dependents below the age of 18 years old can be added to the application; however, they must also hold a valid visa/residency in any of the applicable countries.
A4 – Entry Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen
This visa type is applicable to GCC Citizens who would like to bring companions during their travel.
Steps to apply for A4 – Entry Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen
- Sign up for Hayya or use your existing Hayya account
- Select the entry visa type “Companion of GCC Citizen (A4)”
- Add in personal details along with a passport copy and photo
- Validate the information and upload the applicant’s GCC residency copy
- Complete your payment of QR 100
- Receive entry visa by email or retrieve through the Hayya app
A4 – Entry Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen FAQ’s
1. What are the requirements to apply for an Entry Visa for a Companion of a GCC Citizen?
- A valid 3 months passport at the time of application of the companion – Minimum three (3) months of passport validity from the time of arrival to the State of Qatar.
- Return flight ticket (for immigration)
- As a GCC citizen applying for GCC Companion Entry Visa, please note that your companion must travel to Qatar along with you The Sponsor), they will not be allowed entry into Qatar alone.
2. Does the companion require proof of accommodation?
Proof of accommodation will not be required for companions.
3. Can I bring more than one companion with me?
There is no limitation on the number of companions; however, individual applications with supporting documents will be required.
Details:
- Hayya Portal: www.hayya.qa
- Hayya App: iOS | Android
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact:
- Toll-free in Qatar: 2022
- From Overseas: +974 4441 2022
- Note: Contact services are available in Arabic & English, 24 hours a day
How. “How to Apply for Tourist Visas to Qatar Available via the Hayya Portal.” ILoveQatar.net, 2022. https://www.iloveqatar.net/guide/visiting/how-to-apply-entry-permit-tourist-visa-hayya-portal-qatar.
