After hosting the best edition of the world’s greatest footballing tournament, the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar has successfully found its permanent spot in the hearts and minds of the people worldwide. The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism has chosen Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, highlighting Qatar’s prominent role in global tourism. Qatar has been attracting tourists worldwide by hosting famous international events ( AFC Asian Cup 2023, Expo 2023 Doha), investing in hospitality services, and expanding into more specialized areas of tourism.
With Qatar’s special offerings like outdoor air-conditioning shopping street (21 High Street in Katara), outdoor air-conditioned parks, an indoor theme park with the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, unmatched Qatari hospitality at cultural hotspots (Souq Waqif), and more, this country promises unique experiences.
Qatar is presently the most welcoming country in the Middle East due to several easy visa initiatives. Depending on the passport, visitors worldwide can now enter Qatar by acquiring a visa on arrival or by completing straightforward online applications.
Below are the two types of visas that you can apply to visit Qatar as an international visitor/tourist:
- Visa on arrival
- E-visa through the Hayya platform
In this article, you will find other ways like the ‘’Hayya with me’’ feature to enter Qatar.
VISA EXEMPTION
Nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) do not require a visa to enter Qatar. The citizens of these 5 GCC countries may enter the country from either the land border (Abu Samra border) or the Hamad International Airport, simply by presenting a valid ID card at a border entry point.
If GCC citizens are entering via the Abu Samra border, one seamless way to avoid long queues is to pre-register for the Abu Samra Border crossing:
- Pre-register at Hayya platform on the website or application.
- Prepare and fill in the required data i.e. vehicle details and dates of arrival & departure
- After completion, you will receive an email to the registered email address with a vehicle entry permit which consists of a QR code that will grant easy access at the Abu Samra border.
- It is free of charge
This service is optional and you can always opt for regular border crossing, which includes 24 passport offices and 36 checkpoints.
VISA ON ARRIVAL
If you are entering via Hamad International Airport:
The State of Qatar grants visas on arrival to citizens of more than 95 countries. Please read below the rules and restrictions that apply since permitted stay lengths vary. If you qualify for a visa on arrival to Qatar you would need:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
- A confirmed onward or return ticket
- Confirmed hotel accommodation
- Valid Health Insurance (Basic health insurance of QAR 50 from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health registered companies) You can click on any company and complete the form to get your health insurance online before traveling.
- Visa fee depends on the passport you have.
When arriving in Qatar, nationals of qualified countries can acquire a visa waiver from the Hamad International Airport (HIA) by showing the above documents.
The waiver will be suitable for 180 days from the date of issuance for nationals of the countries listed below and allow its bearer to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days on a single trip or successive journeys.
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine
For nationals of the countries/regions listed below, the waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar.
Andorra, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Georgia, Guyana, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela
Please be aware that before traveling to Qatar, citizens of India, Iran, Pakistan, Thailand, and Ukraine must have a registration booked through the Discover Qatar website. The Ministry of Interior in Qatar requires travelers with passports issued by these countries to make a Discover Qatar Visa on arrival (VOA) hotel booking before traveling.
JOINT TOURIST VISA Qatar-Oman
The Joint Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival) is valid for 30 days for the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. It allows for multiple entries to both countries and is extendable for an additional 30 days for a fee.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for the joint visa:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City
What is required:
- On arriving in Qatar via Hamad International Airport, ask the immigration official for the Qatar-Oman Joint visa
- Your nationality must be from the 33 States
- You will be required to fill out the visa application form and attach 2 passport size photos
- A valid passport for at least 6 months must be presented.
- The visa duration is one month and can be extended for a similar period.
- Fees required 100 riyals by credit card.
- Extension fees (100) riyals by credit card.
- You will get a stamp on the passport that will allow you entry into Oman also
E-VISA WITH HAYYA PLATFORM
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Qatar, here is another way to obtain a tourist visa using the Hayya platform. You can use it to apply for many of Qatar’s visa types.
Tourist entry
- Valid for a stay of up to 30 days from date of issue
- A fee of 100 QAR is to be paid when submitting an application
- Must show proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
- If you are staying with a host, they need to apply on your behalf
- Health insurance is also required for the duration of your stay
Click here for a video guide and PDF document, to learn more on how to apply for a tourist visa.
GCC resident
- Valid for a stay of up to 30 days from date of issue
- A fee of 100 QAR is to be paid when submitting an application
- Must have a valid residency of at least 3 months from the date of arrival in Qatar
- Must show proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
- If you are staying with a host, they need to apply on your behalf
- An additional fee of 100 QAR is charged for companions of GCC citizens (A4)
- Companions must also be traveling with their sponsors and present a return flight ticket
- Health insurance is also required for the duration of your stay
Click here for a video guide and PDF document, to learn more on how to apply for a GCC entry visa.
Entry with electronic travel authorization ETA
- A fee of 100 QAR is to be paid when submitting an application
- Must have a valid Schengen, US, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand visa or residency
- Must present a return flight ticket
- Must show proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
- If you are staying with a host, they need to apply on your behalf
- Health insurance is also required for the duration of your stay
Click here for a video guide and PDF document, to learn more on how to apply for an ETA entry visa.
Companion entry
- A fee of 100 QAR is to be paid when submitting an application
- Must have a valid residency of at least 3 months from the date of arrival in Qatar
- Must show proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
- If you are staying with a host, they need to apply on your behalf
- An additional fee of 100 QAR is charged for companions of GCC citizens (A4)
- Companions must also be traveling with their sponsors and present a return flight ticket.
- Health insurance is also required for the duration of your stay
How to apply for an e-visa through the Hayya platform?
- Register: Go to www.hayya.qa or download the app to register
- Upload the documents listed for your visa
- Submit your application and you will get a notification as soon as your e-visa is approved
- Pay the fee and receive your e-visa on your device
Apply for Hayya online, on Google Play or the App Store.
What are the minimum requirements to enter the State of Qatar with Hayya?
– Minimum three (3) months of passport validity from the time of arrival to the State of Qatar
– Accommodation (Address in Qatar, booking, hosted by family and friends or Discover Qatar)
– Return flight ticket
– Hayya Entry Visa
– Valid Health Insurance (Basic health insurance of QAR 50 from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health registered companies) You can click on any company and complete the form to get your health insurance online before traveling.
Entering Qatar via Abu Samra border (land border)
If you are a GCC resident (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and UAE), then entering Qatar via the land border (Abu Samra border) has been made super easy. Below are the requirements to enter via the Abu Samra Border to Qatar:
- Qatar On Arrival Visa. Please apply for an on-arrival visa through the Hayya platform before traveling.
- Passport with minimum six months validity
- Copy of exit re-entry visa for the countries that require it
- Valid residency card of the GCC country you reside in (Iqamah of the sponsor)
- Visitor Vehicle registration card (Istimara). If you’re using a rental vehicle, obtain a letter of authorization from the traffic department of the country you are coming from.
- Hotel booking is not mandatory, but you will be asked to provide your address of stay.
- Valid Health Insurance (Basic health insurance of QAR 50 from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health registered companies) You can click on any company and complete the form to get your health insurance online before traveling.
HAYYA WITH ME (1+3)
The Hayya with Me is another way for international visitors to enter Qatar. As an international traveler you will be eligible for the Hayya with me feature only if you visited Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2022. With this feature, you will be eligible for the Hayya entry permit to Qatar. With an approved Hayya entry permit, international visitors will enjoy:
- Multiple-entry permit to the State of Qatar until January 2024
- Use of the e-Gate system for entry and exit via Qatar ports (Hamad International Airport & Abu Samra border)
- No fees are required.
Who is eligible for Hayya with me (1+3)?
- If you are currently outside Qatar and not a resident of Qatar.
- You have an approved Hayya card and you have already visited Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2022 (November 2022 – December 2022)
- As an approved Hayya Cardholder, you must have received an updated extended entry permit in PDF format to the e-mail address linked to your Hayya account on 30 January 30, 2023.
Requirements to enter Qatar via Hayya with me (1+3)?
- Proof of hotel booking or accommodation with family or friends approved via the online Hayya Portal.
- Passport valid for no less than three months
- Valid Health Insurance (Basic health insurance of QAR 50 from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health registered companies) You can click on any company and complete the form to get your health insurance online before traveling.
- A return ticket.
What can you do with Hayya with me (1+3)?
- It allows international Hayya Cardholders who came to Qatar during the World Cup to invite up to 3 family members or friends to enter Qatar using Voucher Codes.
- These Voucher Codes need to be used by the invitees while applying for their respective Hayya Entry Permit.
How to send invitation voucher codes to friends or family?
As an international person with an approved Hayya card, you will see your existing ‘’Entry Permit” to Qatar on your Hayya account. To invite people with you to Qatar, here is what you need to do:
- Log in to your existing Hayya account on the Hayya app or website.
- Click on ‘’My Hayya’’, click on ‘’Action’’ and select ‘’Hayya with me’’
- You will find the voucher codes that you share with those you want to invite
Please note that you will be also required to have a valid passport (at least 3 months), valid health insurance, and a return ticket before traveling to Qatar
How can a guest use the Hayya with Me voucher code?
As someone who has never visited Qatar but someone from their family or friends has and now they have applied for your entry through Hayya with me feature, here are easy steps to follow:
- Download the Hayya app and sign up for an account.
- Click on ‘’Apply for Hayya’’ and select ‘’Hayya with me’’ as applicant category
- Enter the Invitation Voucher code and validate
- Add in all the details required, accept the terms, and submit for review.
- If approved, you will receive an email that will have your entry permit to Qatar.
- Before travel please have a valid passport (at least 3 months), valid health insurance, and a return ticket.
Note: The Hayya with Me feature cannot be accessed by Qatar residents (QID holders).
For further inquiries about Hayya platform consider the Hayya Contact Center which provides applicants and visitors with comprehensive information and support about the Hayya experience.
Email: info@hayya.qa
Phone: Toll-free in Qatar 2022
Phone: From Overseas +974 4441 2022
Languages: Arabic, English
Contact Center Operating hours: 24/7
In conclusion, it is worthy to note that all visas are approved and issued at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. All visa rules and policies for international visitors are subject to change without notice and are approved and issued at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.