Hayya Platform to Become a Portal for All Visas to Qatar

A revamped version of the Hayya Platform was unveiled at a press conference on Sunday, April 16th, which will provide access to all tourist and business visas to Qatar. 

The press conference took place at the Hamad International Airport (HIA). The Hayya application was introduced in 2022 to act as a fan identification and entry permit for ticket holders of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 

The new developments will streamline the visa process for visitors, GCC residents, and companions travelling with GCC residents. 

Furthermore, the move will increase the number of tourists and other visitors travelling to Qatar, which will reinforce Qatar's status as a top tourist destination aligning with the country's tourism strategy for 2030. 

Tourists who want to visit Qatar can apply for a visa through the Hayya platform or through the Hayya application on their smartphones in four easy steps:

• Register on the Hayya platform.
• Upload the necessary documents.
• Submit the visa fees, if required.
• Receive the Hayya permit approval.

The new e-visa to Qatar is issued in 3 categories based on nationality, residency, and other international visas the traveller already has. The categories are: 

• A1: international visitors from all countries who are not eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry.
• A2: GCC residents working in all kinds of professions. 
• A3: international visitors who have residency or visa for Schengen, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They will receive an accelerated approval and they do not need to have an accommodation booking through the Visit Qatar platform for their visit to the country.

Travellers who have to enter Qatar through the Abu Samra border will get a pre-registration option through the Hayya platform for quicker entry for their vehicles. 

The new Hayya will not affect the old Hayya and the period for the visa is the same as before, valid till January 24th, 2024. 

The applicant is guaranteed a reply to their visa application through the portal within 48 hours. 

Visitors who fail to leave Qatar before the end of their visa validity are obliged to pay a fine.