Are you planning a trip to Qatar in 2024? You’re not alone! Qatar’s tourism is booming, with over 4 million visitors in 2023. This guide will help you understand everything about the Qatar Tourist Visa, also known as the Hayya A1 Visa.
Check the status of your Qatar visa using our Qatar Visa Check Tool.
What’s New with Qatar Tourist Visas?
Qatar is always trying to make things easier for visitors. Here are some recent changes:
- As of October 2023, Hayya Tourist visa applications might take 2-3 weeks to be approved.
- There are three new e-visa types on the Hayya Platform.
- The Qatar Tourism Visa is back, and you can now apply through the Hayya portal.
If you have questions, you can contact Hayya Support at info@hayya.qa or call (+974) 4441 2022.
Who Can Get a Qatar Tourist Visa?
Anyone can apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa (A1), except for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. GCC citizens don’t need a visa to enter Qatar.
Requirements for a Qatar Tourist Visa
To get your Hayya A1 Visa, make sure you have:
- A valid passport: It should be good for at least 3 months after you plan to enter Qatar.
- Return flight tickets: If you’re flying, you need a ticket to leave Qatar too.
- Hayya Entry Permit: This is your electronic visa. You get it through the Hayya website.
- Where you’re staying: You need to show where you’ll be in Qatar, whether it’s a hotel or with friends.
- Health insurance: Make sure it meets Qatar’s rules.
How to Apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa Online?
Getting your Qatar Tourist Visa is pretty easy. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to the Hayya Website
Visit https://www.hayya.qa to start.
Step 2: Make an Account
Click “My Hayya” and then “Sign Up” if you’re new. Use your email to create an account.
Step 3: Start Your Application
Choose “Apply for Hayya” and pick “Tourist Visa (A1)” from the list.
Step 4: Tell Them About Your Trip
Say why you’re visiting Qatar. It could be for fun, sports, business, or other reasons.
Step 5: Give Your Details
- Upload a recent photo of yourself.
- Upload a clear picture of your passport’s main page.
- Tell them where you’re from and where you live now.
- Say where you’ll be staying in Qatar.
- Give your phone number and an emergency contact.
Step 6: Send Your Application
Check everything and submit. If they approve it, you’ll get an email to pay the visa fee (if you need to pay).
Step 7: Get Your Visa
After you pay, they’ll email you your Hayya Entry Permit. You can also see it in the “Hayya To Qatar” app on your phone.
How Much Does a Qatar Tourist Visa Cost?
A Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) costs 100 Qatari Riyals, which is about 27 US Dollars. But if you’re from one of about 90 countries, you might not have to pay at all.
How Long Can You Stay with a Qatar Tourist Visa?
With a Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), you can stay in Qatar for 30 days (about 4.5 weeks). You have to enter Qatar within 30 days of getting your visa.
Important Documents for Your Trip
When you travel to Qatar, bring:
- Your passport (make sure it won’t expire for at least six months)
- Your Hayya Entry Permit
- Your return ticket
- Proof of where you’re staying
- Your health insurance information
COVID-19 Rules for Visiting Qatar in 2024
Right now, you don’t need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a PCR test to enter Qatar. But it’s a good idea to check if this changes before your trip.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Qatar Tourist Visa?
Usually, it takes about 10 working days to get your Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1). But sometimes it might take longer, especially if a lot of people are applying at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions people often ask:
Q: Can I apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa at the airport?
A: No, you need to apply online before you travel.
Q: Can I extend my Qatar Tourist Visa?
A: Yes, but you need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.
Q: Do children need a Qatar Tourist Visa?
A: Yes, everyone needs a visa, but children under 18 pay less.
Q: Can I work with a Qatar Tourist Visa?
A: No, you can’t work on a tourist visa. You need a different kind of visa for that.
Q: What can’t I bring into Qatar?
A: Don’t bring alcohol, pork, weapons, drugs, or anything that might offend Islamic values.
Q: How much cash can I bring to Qatar?
A: You can bring up to 5,000 Qatari Riyals in cash without declaring it.
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.