Planning a visit to Qatar? The Hayya Visa platform serves as your official gateway for entering the country, particularly during major events and tournaments. Designed to streamline the visa application process, the platform offers various visa types for tourists, residents and event attendees.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the Hayya system, from eligibility and application steps to essential updates and travel requirements. Stay informed and prepared before you travel by understanding how the Hayya Visa platform works and what it has to offer.
Hayya Visa Portal – Overview
The Hayya Portal is Qatar’s official online platform for managing entry permits under the Hayya Visa scheme. Originally introduced during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the portal now supports a range of visa types for tourists, business visitors and those invited by Qatari residents.
It allows users to register, submit applications, upload documents and track visa status entirely online. The Hayya Visa Qatar system simplifies travel planning by offering a centralised service for visa applications, making the process more efficient for international visitors heading to Qatar.
Features of the Hayya Visa Portal
The Hayya Portal is a centralised digital platform that simplifies visa applications and travel arrangements for visitors to Qatar. It comprises the following features:
- Online Visa Application System: Allows users to apply for various visa types, including tourist, business and family visit visas.
- Mobile App Integration: Provides access to Hayya services through a dedicated app, enabling document uploads, status tracking and access to travel information.
- Digital Entry Permit: Approved applicants receive a digital Hayya Entry Permit, which can be presented at immigration for entry into Qatar.
- Land Border Pre-registration: Offers the option to pre-register vehicles for entry through the Abu Samra land border.
- Visitor Support Tools: Includes maps, event listings, transport details and accommodation booking assistance.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Applicants can monitor their application progress, update personal details and manage multiple applications from a single account.
Who Can Use the Hayya Visa Portal
The Hayya Visa Portal is open to a wide range of international visitors planning to travel to Qatar. It caters to tourists, business travellers, family visitors and GCC residents, offering various visa types to suit different travel purposes.
Eligible users include:
- Tourists From Eligible Countries: Visitors from countries that qualify for the A1 (Tourist Entry) Visa can apply via the portal with valid travel documents and confirmed accommodation.
- Residents of GCC Countries: Citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are eligible to apply under the A2 visa category.
- Travellers eligible for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Individuals who hold residence or visit visas from Schengen countries, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand may qualify for the A3 (ETA) visa.
- Visitors Accompanied by Hayya Visa Holders: Family members or personal companions of main visa holders can apply under the A4 category.
- Event Attendees: Those attending official events in Qatar, such as sports tournaments or conferences, may also apply via the Hayya Portal if their event supports Hayya-based entry.
- Business and Medical Visitors: Visitors coming for business meetings, medical treatment, or short-term work visits may use the portal.
How to Register on the Hayya Portal
Registering on the Hayya Qatar portal is a straightforward process. For instance:
1. Download the App
Install the “Hayya to Qatar” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (also accessible via the official Hayya website)
2. Sign Up for a New Account
- Tap the Sign‑Up option.
- Provide your email address, create a secure password and enter your full name as shown in your passport.
- Agree to the platform’s terms and conditions.
3. Verify your Email
- Hayya will send a one-time password (OTP) to the email you supplied.
- Enter the OTP in the app to verify your account and complete registration
4. Log in to Access your Dashboard
After verification, sign in using your email and password. You’ll see your Hayya dashboard from which you can begin a visa application, upload documents and track status.
Once logged in, you can initiate your visa application via the “Apply for Hayya” (or “Start Your Journey”) button. From there, you select your travel method (flying or driving), nationality and answer any eligibility questions. Afterward, the system will recommend your appropriate Hayya visa category.
Eligibility for Applying for the Hayya Visa Qatar
To apply for a visa through the Hayya Portal, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements depending on the type of visa they are applying for.
The applicant:
- Must hold a valid passport (typically valid for at least 3 to 6 months from the date of entry)
- Must provide a passport-style photo
- Must have confirmed accommodation in Qatar (hotel booking, address of a host, or accommodation through Discover Qatar)
- Must submit a return or onward travel ticket
- Must have access to a valid email address to register and receive notifications
- Must provide personal details and supporting documents, depending on the visa type
- Must not have any travel restrictions or bans imposed by Qatari authorities
- May need to show proof of travel insurance (required for some categories)
Hayya Visa Qatar – Validity and Fees
- The Hayya A1 Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days from the date you enter Qatar. The validity countdown begins on your entry date, not when the visa is issued..
- You must enter Qatar within 30 days of receiving the visa. If you fail to enter within that timeframe, the visa expires and you may need to reapply.
Fees
The standard fee for applying for a Hayya A1 Tourist Visa is QAR 100 per person. This fee also applies to most other Hayya visa categories, including visa-on-arrival options where eligible. In cases where the visa is paid in cash at the airport, an additional QAR 25 processing fee may be charged by the bank.
If you wish to extend your Hayya A1 Visa beyond the initial 30-day stay, a one-time extension is available for another 30 days at a fee of QAR 100.
Key Takeaways
- The Hayya Portal is Qatar’s official online system for applying for various visa types, including tourist, GCC resident and companion visas.
- Applicants must have a valid passport, accommodation details and a return or onward ticket to apply through the portal.
- The standard Hayya A1 Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- The application and extension fees are typically QAR 100 each, with additional charges applicable in some cases.
- The Hayya app and website provide comprehensive services, including visa tracking, accommodation support, transportation information and travel guidance.
FAQs
1. How to Apply for Hayya A1 Visa?
To apply for a Hayya A1 Tourist Visa:
- Create an account on the official Hayya Portal or the “Hayya to Qatar” mobile app.
- Complete the registration and select the A1 visa type.
- Enter your personal and travel details, upload the required documents and submit your application for review.
2. What Is a Hayya Entry Visa?
A Hayya Entry Visa is an electronic travel permit issued by the State of Qatar through the Hayya Portal. It allows eligible international travellers to enter Qatar for tourism, business, or event-related visits.
3. How Much Is a Hayya Visa in Qatar?
The standard fee for a Hayya Visa in Qatar is QAR 100. This applies to most visa categories, including the A1 Tourist Visa and visa-on-arrival. An extension of the visa (if applicable) also incurs a fee of QAR 100.
The Hayya Visa Portal offers a streamlined and reliable solution for travellers planning a visit to Qatar. With its user-friendly interface, centralised services and digital entry permits, it simplifies the entire visa process. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or to see family, understanding how the portal works ensures a smoother journey.
