Hayya is Qatar’s official entry-visa platform, used by tourists, GCC residents, and companions of GCC nationals to apply online before travelling to Doha.
This guide covers Hayya’s visa types, eligibility, document requirements, fees, and the step-by-step application process.
What Is the Hayya Visa?
The Hayya platform is Qatar’s centralised digital portal for visitor visas. It handles tourist, GCC, and companion entry visas in one place — through the website or the Hayya mobile app.
You can apply on the Hayya web portal or download the Hayya app on iOS or Android. Approved Hayya entry visas are linked to your passport and used for clearance on arrival at Hamad International Airport (DOH). E-gate access depends on your nationality and visa type — check the official Hayya portal for current eligibility.
Hayya replaces the World Cup-era printed Hayya Card, which is no longer issued. The Hayya entry visa is now the only Hayya document accepted for entry into Qatar.
Travellers heading to Doha (DOH) should also check whether their nationality qualifies for visa-free entry or visa on arrival before applying through Hayya. The official Visit Qatar visa page shows your category by passport.
Most international flights into Qatar arrive on Qatar Airways, the country’s flag carrier, alongside other GCC and international operators serving DOH.
Hayya Visa Types
Hayya lists five tourist visa categories on the official Hamad International Airport Hayya Services page, plus a separate invitation-based option called Hayya With Me. Each category is designed for a different type of traveller.
- A1 — Tourist Entry Visa: for general tourists from countries that aren’t visa-exempt or eligible for visa on arrival.
- A2 — GCC Resident Entry Visa: for expatriates legally residing in any GCC country.
- A3 — Entry Visa with ETA: for valid visa or residence-permit holders of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or any Schengen country.
- A4 — Companion of GCC Citizen: for travellers accompanying a GCC national to Qatar.
- F1 — Visa-Free for US Citizens: a Hayya category for holders of a US nationality or citizenship.
Hayya With Me (C): a separate invitation-based visa that lets eligible Qatar residents sponsor friends or family. Availability is limited to selected nationalities, so check the Hayya portal before relying on it.
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Tourist Entry Visa | General tourists not eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival | QAR 100 |
| A2 GCC Resident Entry Visa | Expatriate residents of GCC countries | QAR 100 |
| A3 Entry Visa with ETA | Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, or Schengen visa/residence | QAR 100 |
| A4 Companion of GCC Citizen | Travellers accompanying a GCC national | QAR 100 |
| F1 Visa-Free for US Citizens | US nationals/citizens | Check Hayya portal |
Eligibility and Document Requirements
Per Visit Qatar, every Hayya applicant needs to meet the same baseline before applying online.
Core Documents
- Passport validity: at least three months from the date of arrival in Qatar.
- Confirmed return or onward ticket: commonly requested during the application — confirm the exact requirement for your visa type on the Hayya portal before applying.
- Accommodation proof: a confirmed hotel booking, host details (family or friends in Qatar), or a Discover Qatar booking. A Discover Qatar booking is mandatory only for certain nationalities under specific entry routes — most Hayya applicants can use a regular hotel booking or host details.
- Recent photo: a clear, passport-style colour photo with a plain background.
Type-Specific Requirements
- A2 (GCC Resident): a valid GCC residence permit and your declared profession.
- A3 (ETA): a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen.
- A4 (Companion): a copy of the accompanying GCC citizen’s ID or passport.
If you don’t have an accommodation booking yet, browse hotels in Doha on Wego and lock in a confirmed reservation before starting the Hayya application.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The Hayya application flow is the same across all four entry-visa categories. The only difference is which document you upload alongside your passport and photo.
- Open the Hayya portal or the Hayya mobile app and create an account.
- Select your visa type — A1, A2, A3, or A4.
- Upload your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo.
- Add the type-specific document — GCC residence (A2), eligible visa or residence (A3), or companion’s GCC ID (A4).
- Enter your accommodation details and a confirmed return ticket reference.
- Validate the information and submit the application.
- Pay the QAR 100 fee through the Hayya portal when prompted (the exact stage at which payment is taken is shown on screen).
- Receive the entry visa by email, or retrieve it through the Hayya app.
Processing Time
Approval is usually issued within a few working days, though some nationalities or incomplete applications take longer. Apply at least two weeks before booking flights to Doha to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-on-arrival travellers don’t go through Hayya. Booking through one of Discover Qatar’s approved hotels is mandatory only for specific nationalities under visa-on-arrival rules — check the Visit Qatar visa page for your nationality. Other travellers can use any Doha hotel.
Fees, Validity, and Contact
Hayya charges nothing for using the platform itself. The fee applies only once your entry visa is approved.
Fees
- Entry-visa fee: QAR 100, paid through the Hayya portal at the stage shown on screen during application.
- Refunds: review the refund terms on the Hayya payment screen and confirmation before paying — refund availability can vary by visa type and circumstance.
Validity
Validity varies by visa type. Always check the exact stay duration and entry window shown on your Hayya approval notice before booking flights to Doha.
From 30 November 2025, the A2 GCC Residents Visa allows a stay of up to two months with multiple-entry access, per Qatar Tourism. Other Hayya categories (A1, A3, A4, F1) have their own validity rules — confirm yours on the Hayya portal.
Contact
- Inside Qatar: dial 2022.
- Outside Qatar: +974 4441 2022.
- Email: [email protected].
Sources
- Hayya Platform — Official Portal
- Visit Qatar — Visas
- Discover Qatar — Approved Hotels for Visa on Arrival
- Hamad International Airport — Hayya Services
- Qatar Tourism — Hayya GCC Residents Visa Update (30 Nov 2025)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
