Qatar Visa Options for GCC Residents in 2024

To make travel easier, Qatar has introduced new visa options specifically for GCC residents. These changes aim to strengthen ties with neighboring countries and make visiting Qatar a smooth experience. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer stay, understanding these visa options is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the different types of visas available for GCC residents, including the new Unified GCC Tourist Visa, and help you choose the best option for your visit to Qatar.

Visit our homepage at Qatar Visa Check to easily track the status of your visa.

What is The Unified GCC Tourist Visa?

The Unified GCC Tourist Visa is an exciting new development in regional travel. Announced at the 40th Meeting of GCC Interior Ministers, this visa will allow tourists to visit all six GCC countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – with just one visa. Set to launch between 2024 and 2025, this visa will make exploring the Gulf region much easier.

Instead of applying for separate visas for each country, travelers will be able to use one visa to move freely across these nations. This change will make it simpler to experience the diverse cultures, traditions, and attractions of the Gulf. It’s a big step towards making the GCC a more unified tourist destination.

Types of Visas for GCC Residents

Qatar offers three main types of visas for GCC residents in 2024:

Visa On Arrival

GCC residents who meet certain criteria can get a 30-day visa when they arrive in Qatar. This visa costs 100 Qatari Riyals (about $27 USD).

Hayya Visa (GCC Resident Visa A2)

This is an online visa that GCC residents can apply for before their trip. It’s also valid for 30 days and offers more certainty for your travel plans.

Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen (A4)

This visa is for people traveling with a GCC citizen who is sponsoring their visit.

Each of these visas has its own rules and benefits. Let’s look at each one in more detail.

Option 1: Qatar Visa On Arrival For GCC Residents

The Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for many GCC residents. You can get this visa when you arrive in Qatar, without having to apply beforehand. It’s quick and easy, but there are some important things you need to have.

Requirements For GCC Residents Visa On Arrival

To get a Visa on Arrival in Qatar, you need:

1. A valid passport that won’t expire for at least six months
2. A valid GCC residence card that won’t expire for at least three months
3. A job that’s on Qatar’s list of approved professions
4. A round-trip ticket (you might not need this if you’re entering Qatar by land)
5. Proof of where you’ll be staying in Qatar (like a hotel booking)
6. Health insurance from a company approved by Qatar

Make sure you have all these things ready when you arrive in Qatar to avoid any problems.

List of Professions Eligible for Visa on Arrival

Qatar has a list of 206 jobs that can get a Visa on Arrival. Some of these jobs include:

• Accountants
• Advisors
• Air traffic controllers
• Financial analysts
• Archaeologists
• Astronomers
• Auditors
• Writers
• Pilots
• Bank managers
• TV directors
• Ship captains
• CEOs
• Judges
• Chemists
• Consultants
• Diplomats
• Engineers
• Geologists
• Hotel managers
• IT experts
• Lawyers
• Doctors
• Professors
• Scientists
• Veterinarians

If your job isn’t on this list, don’t worry. You can still apply for the Hayya Visa.

Option 2: Hayya Visa For GCC Residents (Hayya A2 Visa)

The Hayya Visa, also called the GCC Resident Visa A2, is another good option for GCC residents. You apply for this visa online before your trip, which can give you more peace of mind.

Eligibility Criteria for Hayya A2 Visa

To get a Hayya Visa, you need:

1. A passport that won’t expire for at least three months after you arrive in Qatar
2. A valid GCC residence permit that won’t expire for at least three months after you arrive in Qatar
3. A return ticket if you’re flying (you might not need this if you’re entering Qatar by land)
4. Proof of where you’ll be staying in Qatar (like a hotel booking or a letter from friends or family)
5. To travel directly from the GCC country where you live
6. Health insurance that meets Qatar’s rules

Hayya Visa Fees

The Hayya Visa costs 100 Qatari Riyals (about $27 USD). You need to pay this with a credit or debit card. Remember, you can’t get this money back even if you cancel your trip. If you stay longer than your visa allows, you’ll have to pay a fine of 200 Qatari Riyals (about $55 USD) for each extra day.

Visa Validity

The Hayya Visa lets you stay in Qatar for 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your visa for up to two more months. Each extra month costs 200 Qatari Riyals (about $55 USD).

How To Apply For GCC Resident Visa Through Hayya Portal?

Here’s how to apply for the Hayya Visa:

Step 1: Access the Portal

Go to the Hayya Portal website (www.hayya.qa)

Step 2: Initiate Application

Click “Apply For Hayya” and sign in

Step 3: Select Visa Type

Choose “GCC Resident Visa (A2)” and say why you’re visiting

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload a photo of yourself and your passport

Step 5: Provide Residency Details

Enter information about where you live

Step 6: Specify Occupation

Choose your job from the list (or type it in if it’s not there)

Step 7: Confirm GCC Residency

Upload a copy of your GCC resident permit

Step 8: Declare Accommodation

Enter details about where you’ll be staying in Qatar

Step 9: Add Contact Information

Provide your contact information

Step 10: Review and Submit

Check all your information and submit your application

Step 11: Complete Payment

Pay the visa fee

After you pay, you’ll get your Hayya Entry Permit by email. This permit is good for 90 days from when it’s issued.

Option 3: Visa for Companions of GCC Citizens (A4)

If you’re traveling with a GCC citizen who is sponsoring your visit, you can apply for the Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen (A4).

Requirements for Companions of GCC Citizens Visa

Here’s what you need:

1. A passport that won’t expire for at least three months
2. 100 Qatari Riyals for the visa fee
3. A copy of your GCC citizen sponsor’s residence permit or a document showing their job and how long they can stay
4. A recent photo of yourself with a white background

Usually, you need to travel with your GCC citizen sponsor, but sometimes the authorities might make exceptions.

Visa for Non-GCC Resident Dependents (Tourist Entry A1)

If you have family members who aren’t GCC residents, they can apply for a Tourist Entry (A1) visa. This visa is available for people from over 90 countries and lets them visit Qatar for tourism.

Visa On Arrival or Hayya Visa for GCC Residents?

Choosing between the Visa on Arrival and the Hayya Visa depends on your situation:

• If your job is on the approved list and you’re comfortable with the chance that you might be refused entry, the Visa on Arrival could work for you.
• If you want to be sure your visa is approved before you travel, or if your job isn’t on the approved list, it’s better to apply for the Hayya Visa online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Qatar visas for GCC residents:

Do GCC citizens need a visa for Qatar?

No, GCC citizens can enter Qatar using just their national ID cards.

What if my job isn’t on the approved list for Visa on Arrival?

You can still apply for the Hayya Visa online.

Can I stay in Qatar longer than my visa allows?

Yes, you can extend a Hayya Visa for up to two more months, but you’ll need to pay a fee.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

You’ll have to pay a fine of 200 Qatari Riyals for each extra day.

Can I apply for a Qatar visa while I’m already in the country?

No, you need to get your visa before you arrive in Qatar.

Do I need a return ticket if I’m entering Qatar by land?

If you’re entering by land, you might not need a return ticket.

What if my accommodation plans change while I’m in Qatar?

You should update your details on the Hayya portal to stay within the visa rules.