Planning to visit Qatar? The Hayya A1 Visa is your easiest option. This is Qatar's official tourist visa. You apply online and get approved quickly. This guide explains everything in simple words. We cover who can apply, what documents you need, how to apply, costs, and important tips for your trip.
The Hayya A1 Visa is Qatar's official tourist visa for international visitors. It allows you to visit Qatar for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and events. You apply online through the Hayya Portal (hayya.qa) and get approval via email. No embassy visits are needed.
This visa is designed for short trips. You can stay in Qatar for up to 30 days with one visit. If you need to stay longer, you can extend your visa for another 30 days. The whole process is digital and modern. It was created to make travel to Qatar simple and convenient.
The Hayya A1 Visa is different from other Qatar visas. It is strictly for tourism and leisure. It is not for work or business employment. Understanding what this visa offers helps you decide if it's right for your trip.
Important: Qatar Hayya A1 visa is only for tourism purposes. You cannot work in Qatar on this visa. If you plan to work, you need a work visa instead. Always check the Hayya website for the latest updates about your trip.
Not all nationalities need this visa. Eligibility depends on your country of residence or citizenship.
Check Your Eligibility: Visit hayya.qa and click "Start Your Journey." The portal will tell you if you need a visa or can enter without one. This takes only 30 seconds.
Qatar offers several visa types. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayya A1 | Tourism and leisure | 30 days (extendable) | Online through Hayya Portal |
| Visa-on-Arrival | Tourism for eligible nationalities | 30 days | At Hamad International Airport |
| Work Visa | Employment in Qatar | 1 year or more | Through employer sponsorship |
| Family Visit Visa | Visit family in Qatar | 30 days to 6 months | Through Metrash2 app |
You need specific documents to apply. Having everything ready makes the process faster.
Important: Your passport must be machine-readable (MRZ zone at the bottom is clear). Airport scanners read this zone. Damaged passports may cause problems at entry.
The application process is simple and takes about 15-20 minutes. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website Go to www.hayya.qa in your web browser. You can also download the Hayya mobile app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Both work equally well.
Step 2: Click Start Your Journey On the homepage, you will see "Start Your Journey" or "Start Here" button. Click it to begin the process.
Step 3: Answer Initial Questions Tell the system your means of travel (flight, car, boat), your nationality, and where you currently live. This helps determine which visa you can apply for.
Step 4: Create Your Account If you are a new user, click "Sign Up." Enter your email address, full name, and create a strong password. The system will send you a verification code via email. Enter this code to confirm your email.
Step 5: Select Visa Type Choose "Tourist Visa (A1)" from the list of available visas. This is the standard tourist visa option.
Step 6: Choose Your Travel Purpose Select why you are visiting Qatar. Options include leisure, cultural tourism, business meetings, visiting friends or family, sports events, or other purposes. Be honest about your purpose.
Step 7: Upload Your Photo Upload a recent passport-sized photo. The photo should be clear, colored, and have a plain light background. File size should not exceed 2 MB. Make sure your face is clearly visible and centered.
Step 8: Upload Your Passport Scan or photograph the first page of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details). Upload this image as a PDF or JPG file. Make sure the machine-readable zone (numbers at the bottom) is clearly visible. The system will automatically extract your information. If it fails, you can enter details manually.
Step 9: Enter Personal Details Fill in your full name, date of birth, nationality, and current country of residence. If you have held other nationalities, mention them. Double-check all spelling is correct and matches your passport.
Step 10: Provide Accommodation Details Select where you will stay in Qatar. Options are: (1) Hotel booking - enter your hotel name and upload your booking confirmation, (2) Family or friends - have your Qatari host add you to their account first. Citizens of over 90 countries are exempt from providing accommodation proof.
Step 11: Enter Contact Information Provide your phone number and an emergency contact number. Make sure these numbers are correct. Qatar immigration may call you if needed.
Step 12: Review Your Application Carefully review all information you have entered. Check that names are spelled correctly and all dates match your passport. Look for any typos or errors.
Step 13: Submit Your Application Click the "Submit" or "Apply" button. You will see a confirmation message if submission is successful.
Step 14: Make Payment The system will provide a payment link. Pay the visa fee of QAR 100 (approximately USD 27). You can use debit or credit card. Payment is online and secure. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is rejected.
Step 15: Receive Your Visa After payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Check your email (including spam folder) for your Hayya Entry Permit. This email usually arrives within 5-10 working days. Print this email or save it on your phone. You will need it when arriving in Qatar.
The visa fee is affordable and fixed for all nationalities (except visa-exempt countries).
| Fee Type | Cost in QAR | Cost in USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application | QAR 100 | USD 27 | One-time fee for 30-day stay |
| Visa Extension | QAR 100 | USD 27 | For additional 30 days |
| No Refund Policy | - | - | Fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome |
Fee Exemptions: Citizens of over 90 countries pay no visa fee. If you are from these countries, the visa is completely free. The Hayya system will tell you if you qualify for exemption.
Processing time depends on several factors. Knowing typical timelines helps you plan better.
Understanding visa validity is important to avoid problems at the airport.
Your visa is approved on January 10. The entry permit is valid until April 10 (90 days). You can enter Qatar anytime before April 10. Once you enter, say on March 1, you must leave by March 30 (30 days stay) unless you extend.
If you want to stay in Qatar longer than 30 days, you can extend your visa once for another 30 days.
Important: Always apply for extension BEFORE your visa expires. If you overstay, you will face fines of QAR 200 per day (approximately USD 55 per day). This adds up quickly.
Make sure you bring these documents when you travel. Missing documents will cause problems at immigration.
Pro Tip: Keep both printed and digital copies of your Hayya Entry Permit. Save it to your phone as well. If you lose the printed copy, you still have it on your phone.
Overstaying has serious consequences. Always leave Qatar before your visa expires.
A: Usually 5 to 10 working days. Fast-track approval can happen in 3-5 days if all documents are perfect. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
A: No. Each family member must apply separately. Each person pays the QAR 100 fee and has their own visa. However, you can all apply on the same day.
A: The Hayya system will tell you the reason for rejection. Common reasons are incomplete documents or information mismatches. You can correct the issues and reapply. The fee is non-refundable.
A: No. The Hayya A1 visa is single-entry only. You can enter Qatar once per visa. If you leave Qatar, you cannot re-enter on the same visa. You must apply for a new visa.
A: For stays up to 30 days, it's not mandatory but strongly recommended. For visa extensions beyond 30 days, health insurance is mandatory. Always have coverage for medical emergencies.
A: No. This visa is strictly for tourism only. You cannot work, freelance, or conduct business. Working illegally can result in deportation and future visa problems.
A: Log in to your Hayya account at hayya.qa. Go to "My Applications" section. You will see your application status (Approved, Under Review, Rejected, or Action Required).
A: Hayya A1 requires online application and approval before travel. Visa-on-Arrival is obtained directly at the airport upon arrival. Not all nationalities are eligible for Visa-on-Arrival. Check Hayya.qa to see which applies to you.
A: Yes. If you're staying with family or friends in Qatar, they must have a Qatar ID and add you to their Hayya account. You then select "Family and Friends Hosting" during your application.
A: You don't need to formally cancel. The visa will automatically expire 30 days after entry or 90 days from approval without entry. No refund is issued for unused visas.
Qatar continues to improve the visa system. Here are the latest changes for 2025:
The Qatar Hayya A1 Visa is your simplest way to visit Qatar for tourism. The online application is quick, easy, and modern. Most approvals take 5-10 days. The fee is affordable at QAR 100.
Prepare all your documents before applying. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months. Have your accommodation and return flight confirmed. Upload clear photos and documents to avoid delays.
Remember that this visa is for tourism only. Do not work while on this visa. Do not overstay your 30 days or face hefty fines. If you need to stay longer, apply for extension before your visa expires.
Qatar is a wonderful destination with modern attractions, rich culture, and warm hospitality. The Hayya A1 Visa makes planning your visit easy. Apply today and start your Qatar adventure. For any government services during your stay, visit MOI Service Centers. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Qatar!