Qatar Tourist Visa 2024: (Hayya A1) Complete Guide

Qatar Tourist Visa is a popular choice for travelers looking to explore the rich culture and modern wonders of Qatar. Whether you’re planning a stopover in Doha or a longer stay, understanding the visa requirements is crucial. In this article, we’ll cover everything from the different types of visas available to the application process and what you need to know about entering Qatar.

Overview of Hayya A1 Qatar Tourist Visa

The Hayya A1 visa is part of Qatar’s initiative to streamline the visa process for tourists. This visa type allows for multiple entries and extended stays, making it ideal for those who want to explore Qatar for leisure or business.

Requirements for Hayya A1 Qatar Tourist Visa

Valid Passport:
Completed Visa Application Form
Passport-sized Photograph
Proof of Accommodation
Travel Itinerary
Proof of Financial Means
Health Insurance
Purpose of Visit
Visa Fee Payment.
Hayya Platform Registration

How to Apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa ( Hayya A1) Online

If you want to apply for a Qatar tourist visa using the Hayya Portal, please follow these steps:

Go to the Hayya Portal.

Visit their website Hayya Portal.

Select “My Hayya”

This may be found in the top right corner of the website. You can also click on ‘My Hayya’

Register and Login for Qatar Tourist Visa (A1)

If you’re a new user of the Hayya portal, click on ‘Sign Up‘ and enter your email address to create an account. A verification code will be sent to your email, which you need to enter to complete the registration.

Select “Apply for Hayya”

This button is located in the center of the page. Refer to the image below for guidance.

Choose the Tourist Visa (A1) Visa Category

Select “Tourist Visa (A1)” from the drop-down menu.

Select your Visit Purpose.

You can choose from a variety of purposes, such as leisure, sporting activities, job search, business meetings, weddings, shopping, medical care, cultural tourism, visiting friends, attending conventions and events, or ‘Others’ where you can specify your purpose.

Insert Your Photograph

Select ‘I have read the instructions for uploading my Personal Photo and Passport.‘ Then click on ‘Browse Personal Photo’ to upload your image.

Check if the photo satisfies the standards, such as having a bright backdrop and sharpness.

Submit Your Passport

Click on ‘Browse for the first page‘ and upload only the first page of your passport. Make sure to crop the image so the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clearly visible. Once done, click the ‘Save’ button. The system will automatically extract your information; however, if the information is unreadable, you will need to enter it manually. Next, click the ‘Validate User’ button. If the ‘Validate User’ option is still inactive after the automated data extraction, choose ‘Passport Type’ as ‘Normal’.

“The first and last names are mandatory fields. Middle names, the third Latin name, and the fourth Latin name are optional. If your last name is not on your passport, you may use your father’s name instead. In such cases, include the last page of your passport along with the first page to verify your father’s name.”

Provide Your Residency Details

Select your country of birth and your current country of residence. Declare any previous nationalities, if applicable, by choosing the respective country.

Choose Your Type of Accommodation

If you are staying with relatives or friends in Qatar, your information should already be added to the file by your host. Alternatively, you can select ‘Other Accommodation’ and enter the name of your accommodation.

It should be noted that citizens of 90+ countries are exempt from paying for accommodation when applying for a Tourist Visa. The list of countries is provided below.

Fill out your contact information.

Enter your phone number and emergency contact information. Finally, click the ‘Review & Submit’ button.

Pay the Visa Fee

After your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email with a payment link. The visa fee of QR 100 must be paid using a credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted.

Please note that citizens of approximately 90 countries are exempt from visa fees for Tourist Visas. The list of these countries is provided below.

Once your visa application is finalized, your Hayya Entry Permit will be emailed to you. Alternatively, you can also obtain your Entry Permit by downloading the “Hayya To Qatar” smartphone app.

Nationalities Exempt from Visa Fee

I have compiled the list of countries which are exempted from the Qatar Tourist Visa:

Andorra	Antigua & Barbuda	Argentina	Armenia
Australia	Austria	Azerbaijan	Bahamas
Belgium	Bolivia	Bosnia & Herzegovina	Brazil
Brunei	Bulgaria	Germany	Greece
Guyana	Hong Kong	Hungary	Iceland
India	Indonesia	Iran	Ireland
Italy	Japan	Kazakhstan	Latvia
Lebanon	Liechtenstein	Lithuania	Panama
Paraguay	Peru	Poland	Portugal
Romania	Russia	Rwanda	San Marino
Serbla	Seychelles	Singapore	Slovakia
Slovenia	South Africa	South Korea	Spain
Canada	Chile	China	Colombia
Costa Rica	Croatia	Cuba	Cyprús
Czech Republic	Denmark	Dominican Republic	Ecuador
Estonia	Finland	France	Georgia
Luxembourg	Macedonia	Malaysia	Maldives
Malta	Mexico	Moldova	Monaco
Netherlands	New Zealand	Northern Cyprus	Norway
Pakistan	Suriname	Sweden	Switzerland
Thailand	Turkey	Ukraine	United Kingdom
Uruguay	USA	Vatican	Venezuela

Nationalities Exempt from Accommodation for Qatar Tourist Visa

Andorra	Antigua & Barbuda	Argentina	Armenia
Australia	Austria	Azerbaijan	Bahamas
Belarus	Belgium	Bolivia	Bosnia & Herzegovina
Brazil	Brunei	Bulgaria	Canada
Chile	China	Colombia	Costa Rica
Croatia	Cuba	Cyprus	Czech Republic
Denmark	Dominican Republic	Ecuador	Estonia
Falkland Islands	Finland	France	French Guyana
Georgia	Germany	Greece	Guyana
Hong Kong	Hungary	Iceland	Indonesia
Ireland	Italy	Japan	Kazakhstan
Lativia	Lebanon	Lichtenstein	Lithuania
Luxemburg	Macao	Macedonia	Malaysia
Maldives	Malta	Mauritius	Mexico
Moldova	Monaco	Montenegro	New Zealand
Northern Cyprus	Norway	Netherlands	Panama
Paraguay	Peru	Poland	Portugal
Romania	Russia	Rwanda	San Marino
Serbia	Seychelles	Singapore	Slovakia
Slovenia	South Africa	South Korea	Spain
Suriname	Sweden	Switzerland	Taiwan
Turkey	United Kingdom	Uruguay	USA
Vatican	Venezuela

What is Hayya A1 visa Processing time?

The processing time for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) typically takes 10 working days. However, processing times may vary depending on the season and the volume of applications received.

Types of Qatar Visas

Qatar offers several visa options for travelers. Here are the main ones:

Qatar Tourist Visa: Ideal for visitors looking to explore the country for leisure.
Qatar Transit Visa: Perfect for travelers transiting through Doha who wish to spend up to 96 hours in Qatar.
Doha Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of eligible countries, allowing visa-free entry for a specified period.

Qatar Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa, you typically need:

A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
A completed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of accommodation or hotel booking in Qatar.
A return or onward ticket.

Specific requirements may vary based on your nationality and the visa type.

Application Process for Qatar Tourist Visa

You can apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa through the following methods:

Online Application (E-Visa): Many travelers prefer the convenience of applying for a Qatar visa online. The process involves filling out an application form and uploading the required documents on the official Qatar Visa website.
Embassy Application: Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at the Qatar Embassy in your home country, such as the Qatar Embassy in Kenya for Kenyan citizens.

Qatar Tourist Visa for US Citizens

For US citizens, Qatar offers a straightforward visa process. US travelers can often obtain a Qatar visa on arrival, making it easier to plan spontaneous trips. However, it’s always advisable to check the latest requirements before traveling.

Visa on Arrival for Qatar

Citizens from several countries are eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival. This includes a hassle-free entry without prior visa application. Countries eligible for visa on arrival include:

Qatar Visa on Arrival Countries: Explore the list of countries whose citizens can obtain a visa on arrival.
Doha Transit Visa Requirements: For those transiting through Doha, a Doha transit visa allows for a short stay.

Checking Your Qatar Visa Status

Once you’ve applied for your visa, you can easily check your visa for Qatar online:

Visit the official State of Qatar Visa Check website.
Enter your application details to check the status.

Planning Your Stay in Qatar

When visiting Qatar, plan your stay to make the most of your trip:

Accommodation: Qatar offers a range of options from luxury hotels in Qatar to budget-friendly stays.
Tourist Attractions: Don’t miss iconic sites like the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and the Corniche.
Events: If you’re visiting for an event, you might need a Hayya Card, especially for major sports and cultural events.

Conclusion

Applying for a Qatar Tourist Visa is a straightforward process with various options to suit different travel needs. Whether you’re a US citizen exploring Qatar visa on arrival options or checking the Qatar visa requirements, this guide provides all the necessary information for a seamless journey.

FAQs

Do US citizens need a visa for Qatar?

US citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days.

Can I check my Qatar visa status online?

Yes, you can use the State of Qatar visa check online tool to verify your visa status.

What are the requirements for a Doha transit visa?

A transit visa allows you to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours during a layover.

How do I apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)?

A: To apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1), you can use the Hayya Portal. Create an account, fill out the application form, upload required documents (including passport details and personal photo), pay the visa fee, and submit your application. You can also apply through a Qatari embassy or consulate.

How long does it take to get a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)?

A: The processing time for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) is typically 10 working days. However, this may vary based on the time of year and the number of applications received.

What are the visa fees for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)?

A: The visa fee for a Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) is QR 100. Payment is typically made online using a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).

What are the prohibited items for bringing into Qatar?

A: Prohibited items for bringing into Qatar include narcotics, weapons, alcohol (without a permit), religiously offensive materials, and certain medications. It’s essential to check Qatar’s customs regulations before traveling.

What are the customs regulations for Qatar?

A: Qatar has strict customs regulations. Travelers should declare any valuable items, electronics, or currency over a specified limit upon arrival. Certain items, such as alcohol and pork products, are heavily regulated or prohibited.

Who needs a Qatar Tourist Visa?

A: Anyone not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival must obtain a Qatar Tourist Visa to enter the country. This includes citizens of countries not listed under the visa exemption or visa on arrival categories.