As the tourism industry flourished in Qatar, the number of international visitors surged in 2024. The number of tourists welcomed by Qatar through Qatar Tourist Visa increased by 58% over last year, bringing the total to 4.05 million.
December 2023 marked a noteworthy peak in visitor arrivals with 519,000 arrivals. The number of room-nights demanded by Qatar’s tourism industry throughout the entire year reached 8.2 million, setting a new record.
Your reliable ally to assist you in obtaining the Hayya A1 tourist visa, also known as the Qatar tourist visa, is this guide.
Qatar Tourist Visa Latest Updates
Qatar has implemented several exciting new visa policies to attract international visitors and enhance tourism. It is possible that Hayya Tourist visas will be delayed by two to three weeks starting in October 2023. Contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or (+974) 4441 2022 to stay informed.
In addition, three new e-visa categories have been added to the Hayya Platform Qatar, further simplifying the visa application process. Visitors can now apply for the Qatar Tourism Visa through the Hayya portal by submitting their documentation, completing the required information, and paying the visa fee.
What is Qatar Tourist Visa?
It allows the holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, or multiple entries during its 30 days of validity. See the Government of Qatar’s website for information about extending the visa for another 30 days.
Eligibility and Requirements for Qatar Tourist Visa (HAYYA A1)
The Qatar tourist visa (A1) is available to nationals of all countries, with the exception of Gulf Cooperation Council citizens who do not need a visa to enter Qatar. You should meet the following requirements if you wish to embark on your journey confidently:
- Valid Passport: After admission, passports must be valid for at least 3 months.
- Hayya Entry Permit: You can obtain this permit through the Hayya website.
- Health Coverage: Qatari travelers must be insured according to the requirements of the Ministry of Public Health.
- Return Flight Tickets: An air ticket must be confirmed for the return or onward flight.
- Accommodation Information: Please provide details of your confirmed accommodation, whether you are staying with family or friends or booking a hotel or apartment. Around 90 countries do not require residents to comply with this requirement.
Traveling to Qatar on a Tourist Visa: Important Documents
Before heading to Qatar on a tourist visa, ensure you have the following key documents prepared:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your Qatar stay.
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph: A recently taken passport-sized photo is required.
- Proof of Accommodation: This can be a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host in Qatar.
- Hayya Entry Permit Application: Make sure you complete this application in advance.
- Return or Onward Travel Ticket: Confirmed return tickets or proof of onward travel are necessary.
- Qatar Travel Health Insurance: You must have valid travel health insurance covering your stay in Qatar.
How to Apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) Online
Applying for a Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) online is a straightforward and efficient process. Follow these steps for a smooth application experience:
Step 1: Access the Hayya Portal
Begin by visiting the official Hayya portal at https://www.hayya.qa.
Step 2: Create or Log into Your Hayya Account
Navigate to the “My Hayya” tab located in the top-right corner of the page, or simply click “My Hayya.” If you’re new to the platform, click “Sign Up” and enter your email address. A verification code will be sent to your email to finalize registration. For existing users, log in using your registered email and password.
Step 3: Start the Application
Select “Apply for Hayya” on the main page. From the visa category drop-down, choose the tourist visa (A1). You’ll also need to briefly state the purpose of your visit, which could include leisure, sports, job hunting, business meetings, weddings, shopping, medical care, cultural tourism, visiting friends, attending conventions, or other activities.
Step 4: Enter Personal and Travel Information
Upload a recent passport-sized photo that meets the specified guidelines, and ensure your passport machine-readable zone (MRZ) is visible during the upload. The portal will automatically extract details, though you may need to enter them manually if the system has difficulty reading them.
Include additional information such as your country of birth, current residence, and any previous nationalities. Choose your accommodation type—either “Family and Friends Hosting” or “Other Accommodation” (e.g., hotel or apartment booking). Provide your contact information, including a phone number and an emergency contact.
Step 5: Submit and Process the Application
Review your application thoroughly before submitting it. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with a payment link. If a QR 100 visa fee applies, you can complete the payment using a credit or debit card.
Step 6: Receive Your Hayya Entry Permit
Once your application is finalized, you’ll receive your Hayya Entry Permit by email. You can also access it through the mobile app “Hayya To Qatar” for added convenience.
Cost of Qatar Tourist Visa
To obtain a Tourist Visa (Hayya A1), you must pay QAR 100 (roughly USD 27). Qatar is more affordable for its citizens since around 90 countries don’t charge visa fees. There is a list of visa-free countries at the end of this guide.
Validity of Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)
Hayya Tourist Visas (A1) obtained through the Hayya platform are valid for 30 days (approximately 4.5 weeks) after entry into Qatar. Tourists can enter the country as soon as they receive their entry permit, which is valid for 30 days.
Visa Processing Time for the Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)
The Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) is typically processed within ten working days. This process may take longer or shorter depending on the time of year and the number of applications received. Qatar Residence Visa processing is also available.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Requirements
PCR testing is not required for travelers to Qatar with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Check for any changes closer to your departure date, however.
Qatar Tourist Visa Extension
You can extend your stay in Qatar if you have a Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) and wish to extend your stay. Follow these steps to extend your tourist visa:
1. Eligibility for Extension
- Most Qatar tourist visas are eligible for extension, though specific requirements vary based on your nationality and visa type. Tourist Visas (Hayya A1) can be extended for up to an additional 30 days from the initial entry period.
2. Log into the Hayya Portal
- Visit the Hayya Portal and log into your account by selecting “My Hayya” in the top right corner. Once logged in, locate your active visa application under the “My Applications” section.
3. Submit Extension Request
- In your active visa application, there will be an option to request an extension. Select this option to begin the extension process. Provide any required additional information and documents, such as an updated travel itinerary or proof of accommodation for your extended stay.
4. Pay Extension Fees
- Upon approval, you may receive a payment link to pay the visa extension fee (if applicable). Fees are usually similar to the original visa fee but may vary, so verify the exact amount during the extension process.
5. Receive Your Extended Visa
- After completing the extension process, your updated visa status will be sent to you via email and updated in the Hayya portal. You may also access and download the extended visa through the “Hayya To Qatar” app for convenience.
Qatar Tourist Visa Application Form PDF
FAQs About Qatar Tourist Visa
Q 1: Is Qatar tourist visa available now?
Ans: A Qatar tourist visa is available to nationals of all countries, except those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); however, citizens of more than 102 countries are eligible for a free visa on arrival (see Visa-free entry).
Q 2: Is Qatar a 3 month tourist visa?
Ans: A 30-day single-entry visa is valid in Qatar with an option to extend it for three more months.
Q 3: How do I get a tourist visa for Qatar?
Ans: You can get your visa on arrival at the airport for a fee of 100 Qatari Riyals (QAR). You can also apply online for your Hayya visa – select the A1 visa option. Pay your Visa fee (QAR 100) at the airport when you check in for your hotel stay (visa-on-arrival eligible). Or apply online in advance for a Hayya A1 visa.
Conclusion
Qatar tourism industry achieved remarkable growth, welcoming 4.05 million international visitors—a 58% increase over the previous year.
With updated visa options and simplified online applications, Qatar has made tourism more accessible, enabling travelers to experience Qatar with ease and convenience.