The Abu Samra border serves as Qatar’s land connection to Saudi Arabia via Salwa Road. To improve the border crossing experience, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior introduced an online vehicle pre-registration service that helps travelers avoid long queues and enjoy a smoother entry process.
Benefits of Vehicle Pre-Registration
Pre-registering your vehicle for the Abu Samra border crossing offers several advantages:
- Access to dedicated fast-track lanes at the border
- Reduced waiting times during peak travel periods
- Streamlined documentation process before arrival
- More efficient border control procedures
- Enhanced travel planning for road trips between Qatar and Saudi Arabia
While pre-registration is optional and not mandatory, it significantly improves the border crossing experience for both residents and visitors.
Pre-Registration Options
Two official platforms offer vehicle pre-registration services:
- Metrash2 Application – For Qatar citizens and residents
- Hayya Portal – For international visitors entering Qatar
How to Pre-Register Using Metrash2 (For Qatar Residents)
Qatar citizens and residents can follow these steps to pre-register their vehicles:
Step 1: Download and Access the App
Download and sign in to the Metrash2 App (iOS | Android)
Step 2: Find the Travel Services
Navigate to the “Travel Services” section
Step 3: Select the Border Crossing Service
Select “Pre-Registration for Abu Samra Border Crossing”
Step 4: Vehicle Registration
Enter complete vehicle information
Step 5: Traveler Information
Add driver and passenger details
Step 6: Submission
Confirm your pre-registration request
Step 7: Confirmation
Wait for the confirmation SMS
Step 8: Border Crossing
Use the designated “pre-registration” lane upon arrival at Abu Samra
How to Pre-Register Through Hayya Portal (For Visitors)
International visitors can pre-register their vehicles through the Hayya Portal by following these steps:
Step 1: Access the Pre-Registration Service
Select “Abu Samra border pre-registration” on the Hayya Portal homepage.
Step 2: Register Your Vehicle
Provide the following vehicle details:
- Car make and model
- Car owner’s full name
- Owner’s mobile number
- Vehicle registration country
- Country code in both Arabic and English
- License plate number
- Vehicle type
- License plate color
Step 3: Add Trip Details
Specify whether you’re planning:
- A one-way trip (provide arrival date only)
- A round trip (provide both start and end dates)
After submitting these details, your request will remain pending until verified. You’ll receive confirmation via email or through the Hayya Portal.
Step 4: Add Traveler Information
Once your vehicle and trip details are verified, you can add information for each passenger:
- Passport details
- Personal information
- Visa status for Qatar entry
Step 5: Receive Your Entry Permit
After all details are approved, you’ll receive an email containing a vehicle entry permit with a QR code. This permit grants you access to the fast-track lane at the Abu Samra border.
Common Issues and Solutions
Incomplete Documentation
Issue: Arriving at the border with missing or expired documents.
Solution: Double-check all required documentation before departure and keep digital copies as backups.
Incorrect Pre-Registration Information
Issue: Discrepancies between pre-registered information and actual travel details.
Solution: Carefully review all information before submission and update if any changes occur.
Technical Difficulties
Issue: Problems with the Metrash2 app or Hayya Portal during registration.
Solution: Complete pre-registration well in advance of your travel date to allow time for troubleshooting.
Important Rules and Limitations
- Each pre-registration is valid for one vehicle only
- Families traveling with multiple vehicles must complete separate applications
- The entry permit remains valid for 30 days from issuance
- Permits are for single-entry use only
- Buses cannot use the pre-registration service and must follow standard procedures
- Maximum passenger capacity depends on the vehicle type
- Once a trip is completed, you cannot edit the basic details (only add/remove travelers)
Understanding Status Messages
When using the Hayya Portal for pre-registration, you may encounter various status messages:
Trip Status
- Accepted: Trip is approved for entry into Qatar
- Rejected: Issues with details or traveler status; corrections needed
- Cancelled: Trip is cancelled; vehicle can be assigned to another trip
- Expired: Trip is no longer valid; entry permit cannot be used
Visitor Status
- Pending: Request under review by authorities
- Rejected: Information needs correction or is incomplete
- Ready to Go: Pre-registration complete; fast track lane available
- Fingerprint Required: Proceed to border where fingerprints will be collected
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add the same vehicle for two different trips?
No, a vehicle cannot be registered for multiple active trips simultaneously. You must cancel one trip before registering the vehicle for another.
How long do I have to enter Qatar?
The permit expires 30 days after the trip end date if unused.
Can I extend my trip duration?
If you’ve purchased insurance and need to extend your stay, contact the insurance provider (QIC) directly to extend your policy. No action is required on the Hayya Portal.
What happens if I cancel my trip?
You can cancel your trip at any time, but all fees are non-refundable. For one-way trips, cancellation is possible any time before exiting Qatar. For round trips, the fast-track permit expires once the vehicle leaves Qatar.
Do visitors need a Qatar visa to use this service?
Yes, all travelers must have a valid Qatar visa or visa-free entry eligibility. Any type of valid Qatari visa (including Hayya visas) will allow approval of the traveler for border crossing.
Conclusion
Pre-registering your vehicle for the Abu Samra border crossing offers a convenient way to streamline your travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. While not mandatory, this service provides significant time-saving benefits through access to fast-track lanes and reduced processing time.
For Qatar residents, the Metrash2 app provides a straightforward registration process, while international visitors can use the Hayya Portal to complete their pre-registration. By following the guidelines and preparing your documentation in advance, you can enjoy a smoother border crossing experience at Abu Samra.
Amir Amin is a blogger from Qatar. With a background in computer sciences, he founded “Qatar Visa Check” to provide essential information and support to expats navigating visa processes and settling in Qatar.