Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 23 August 2024.
Are you planning to visit Qatar for leisure or tourism? In that case, you may need a tourist visa before entering the country. Fortunately, applying for a Qatar tourist visa has become easier than ever with the Hayya platform relaunch in April 2023.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Qatar tourist visa online using the Hayya platform. We will also explain the eligibility requirements, application procedure, visa cost, and other frequently asked questions about the Qatar Tourist Visa.
Table Of ContentsPlease note that nationals of more than 90 countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar.
Qatar Tourist Visa costs QAR 100 (USD 27) per visitor. Some nationalities are exempt from this requirement.
The Tourist Visa you receive through the Hayya platform is valid for 30 days from entry date. Many visitors were able to renew it for 30 more days after entering Qatar.
Entry Permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issue so visitors must enter Qatar within those days.
If you are interested in applying for a Tourist Visa through the Hayya Portal, follow these steps:
Go to the website address: www.hayya.qa
This is located on the top right of the page. Alternatively, you can click on “Apply for Hayya” in the centre of the page.
If you are a first-time user of the Hayya portal, click on “Sign Up” and create an account using your email address. You will be required to enter a verification code sent to your email.
Once you have created an account, login using your email and password. If you are a registered user, you may have to verify your email using the OTP sent to your email.
You can find this on the top right (near your name). You can also click on “Start Here” button on the right.
Choose the “Tourist Visa (A1)” category from the drop-down menu.
You can choose from a range of purposes including leisure, sports events, business meetings, weddings, shopping, medical care, cultural tourism, visiting friends, Expo 2023 Doha, participating in conventions and events, or select “Others” and specify the purpose.
Select “I have reviewed the instructions to upload my Personal Photo and Passport”. Then, click on “Browse Personal Photo”.
Ensure that the photo meets the requirements such as a light background and sharpness.
Click on “Browse for first page” and upload only the first page of your passport. Crop it so that the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clear. Finally, click on “Save”.
Your data will be extracted automatically. If the data is unreadable, you can enter it manually.
Click on “Validate User”. If the “Validate User” option is inactive after automatic data extraction, select “Passport Type” as “Normal”.
The first and last names are mandatory requirements. Middle names, third Latin names, and fourth Latin names are optional. If your last name is not on your passport, you can add your father’s name as your last name. In that case, you should upload the last page of the passport along with the first page (to verify your father’s name).
Select your country of birth and your country of residence. Declare if you have a previous nationality. If you have, select the country.
If you are staying with family or friends, your details should have already been added by your host in Qatar. Here is how Qatar residents can invite to host Hayya visitors.
Otherwise, you can select “Other Accommodation” and enter the accommodation name.
Enter your phone number and emergency contact details. Finally, click on “Review & Submit”.
Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an email with a payment link. The visa fee of QR 100 should be paid using a credit/debit card. Visa or Mastercard are usually accepted. If your nationality is exempt you will not receive the payment request.
Once the visa application is processed, the Hayya Entry Permit will be sent to your email. You can also access your Entry Permit by downloading the “Hayya To Qatar” mobile app.
As of 2024, the average approval time is less than a week. However there may be delays in some cases.
While travelling using the Hayya Tourist Visa, you will need the following:
Currently, COVID-19 vaccination and PCR testing are not required for visitors to Qatar.
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Many travellers have successfully extended their Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) for an extra 30 days. Here is how you can do it online. Note that since June 2024, this is not working for most visitors.
This is available under Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension.
You can find the visa number on the sticker on your passport.
If you are eligible, the visa will be renewed for another 30 days.
NOTE: If you face an error that “health insurance data is not found” you will have to purchase the insurance from an MOPH-approved provider.
Here is a step-by-step video guide about applying for a Qatar Tourist Visa:
Qatar Tourist Visa holders can stay in Qatar for up to 30 days. In some cases, this can be extended for 30 more days.
Qatar Tourist Visa costs QAR 100 (USD 27).
The fine for an expired tourist visa in Qatar is QAR 200 (USD 55) per day.
You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on travel modes.
Yes, you can apply for dependents below 18 years old by adding their information on the Hayya application portal. Note that each visitor should have their own Hayya Entry Permit.
There is no age limit to apply for a Tourist Entry Visa. As long as you meet the listed requirements, you can apply for the Tourist Entry Visa
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
