Hayya expanded, application for visa to Qatar in 4 easy steps

Doha: Travellers planning to visit Qatar for vacation or business will find it easier to secure a visa thanks to the revamped Hayya platform unveiled yesterday.

Hayya will now serve as a single portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar, streamlining the visa application process for visitors, GCC residents, and companions travelling with GCC nationals.

It was first introduced last year to act as fan identification and an entry permit into the country for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket holders.

The announcement was made yesterday in a press conference at Hamad International Airport (HIA) led by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman, H E Akbar Al Baker; HIA Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, and Hayya Platform CEO, Saeed Ali Al Kuwari.

According to Al Baker, the recent initiatives further solidify Qatar’s status as a top tourism destination and will allow even more visitors to enjoy the country’s truly distinctive tourism offerings.

He said the move will facilitate and welcome thousands of additional tourists to Qatar and help the country solidify its status as a major tourism destination in the Middle East, in line with the tourism strategy 2030. “With the recent recognition of Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, we are confident that these measures, which are set to take immediate effect, will further build on this recognition and will offer new visitors a chance to experience what makes Qatar a one-of-a-kind destination.”

Qatar aims to welcome six million tourists a year by 2030.

Al Baker said the Hayya platform had been proven to be efficient and essential when the country hosted the biggest sporting event last year, welcoming more than 1.4 million visitors.

“Qatar’s Hayya will become even more important for all visitors who require a visa to enter Qatar. Qatar already welcomed many visitors from around the world through visa on arrival policy which is granted to more than 95 nationalities. We are the most open country in terms of visa facilitation in the Middle East and eighth most open globally.

"Combined with our five GCC nationalities, this means that 100 nationalities can visit Qatar either visa free or with visa on arrival.” 

Tourists who require a visa to enter Qatar can apply through the Hayya platform at www.hayya.qa, or via application on their smartphones in four easy steps: register on the Hayya platform, upload the required documents, pay the visa fee if required, and receive the Hayya permit approval.

Hayya’s functionality has been expanded to invite new guests who require a visa to visit Qatar, meaning that the new development will unify and streamline visitor visa processes.

The new e-visa to Qatar comes in three categories based on nationality, residency, or other international visas that a traveller already possesses: A1, international visitors of all nationalities that currently do not qualify for visa on arrival or visa free entry; A2, GCC residents, now includes all professions; and A3, international visitors with visa or residency from Schengen, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand who will enjoy an accelerated approval process and do not require an accommodation booking through Discover Qatar for their visit to Qatar.

Meanwhile, for individuals entering Qatar by land via Abu Samra border, the Hayya platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles.

Al Baker highlighted that Hayya holder “can enjoy seamless travel and connectivity in Qatar” as the Hayya permit allows visitors to use e-gate infrastructure and have a fast-track experience. “We are certain that the new visitors to Qatar will be charmed by our country’s abundant natural beauty, exquisite hotels, premium shopping and dining venues, stunning museums, and public art and the endless array of leisure experience on offer throughout our country.”

Hayya Platform CEO, Saeed Ali Al Kuwari said the launch represents a means by which the country will truly sustain the legacy of the World Cup. “Previously, the Hayya card allowed fans from around the world to enter Qatar to watch their favourite teams during the world’s biggest football event. Today, the Hayya platform is the legacy which we build upon, inviting visitors from all corners of the earth to visit our country and enjoy its authenticity, history, culture, hospitality, natural beauty and much more.”

Al Kuwari said the new Hayya won’t impact the old Hayya and the period of visa is the same as before, valid until January 24, 2024.

He noted that once an applicant complies with the necessary requirements to acquire the visa, a reply is guaranteed within 48 hours.

He noted that the Hayya portal is live and operational and those who fail to leave before the visa validity end date, must pay the fine accordingly.