Planning a trip to Qatar and seeing the word “Hayya” everywhere on official sites? The Qatar Hayya visa system is now the country’s main digital entry-visa gateway, and understanding its categories can save you from last-minute trouble at the airport. This guide explains the latest updates in plain English.
What Is the Hayya Platform?
Hayya (meaning “let’s go” in Arabic) is Qatar’s unified digital platform for entry visas, available through the official Hayya portal. It was first introduced around the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is now the standard channel for most visitor visas to Qatar.
Travellers create an account, choose a category, upload documents, and receive their entry permit electronically.
New to visa paperwork? Our document file preparation checklist covers every paper most embassies ask for.
Qatar Hayya Visa Categories: A1, A2, A3, A4, F1
Hayya’s main categories at a glance:
| Category | Who it is for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Tourists | The standard tourist entry visa |
| A2 | GCC residents | For expatriates living in Gulf countries |
| A3 | Holders of valid US/UK/Schengen/Canada/Australia/NZ visas or residence permits | Entry visa with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) |
| A4 | Companions of GCC citizens | For those travelling with a Gulf citizen |
| F1 | Eligible nationalities | Visa-free entry for citizens of approved countries |
Choose carefully — the wrong category can delay approval.
A1 Tourist Visa: Fee and Validity
The A1 category is what most Indian tourists use. The fee is generally reported as around QAR 100 with roughly 30-day validity — confirm the exact current fee and validity on the official Hayya platform before applying.
Processing is generally reported to take a few working days, so apply well before your travel date. Health insurance can often be purchased through the platform, generally reported around QAR 50–100 — confirm on the official platform rather than relying on second-hand figures.
Regional entry rules keep shifting — Thailand’s too: see our Thailand entry policy update.
A2 Upgrade: What the GCC-Resident Rule Means
As reported (Business Standard, December 2025, quoting Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior, effective 30 November 2025), eligible GCC residents — including Indian expatriates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain or Kuwait with a valid residency permit — can now stay in Qatar for up to 60 days per visit with multiple entry under the upgraded A2 visa, arriving by air, land or sea.
Important: Indians living IN INDIA are NOT covered by this upgrade — they must use the regular Hayya A1 tourist route. Do not confuse the two.
Who Is Visa-Exempt for Qatar
- GCC citizens are visa-exempt for Qatar, as reported by Qatar’s official tourism authority. F1 visa-free entry applies only to approved nationalities, and the A3 ETA route suits holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia or New Zealand visas or residence permits.
European rules are also evolving — see our ETIAS rules for Indian travellers explainer.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official Hayya platform and create an account.
- Select the category matching your profile (A1 for most Indian tourists in India).
- Upload your passport copy and photograph per the stated specifications.
- Provide travel details, including accommodation bookings where asked.
- Pay the applicable fee online and submit.
- Track your status and download your entry permit when approved.
Practical tips: Apply early, keep your passport valid for six months, have hotel bookings and a return ticket ready, and re-check the official Hayya platform.
Sunlight Holidays se apply karein — Payment After Reach model, bhaari advance nahi, pehle bharosa.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Qatar Hayya Visa
Q1. What is the Hayya visa for Qatar?
Hayya is Qatar’s official digital platform for entry visas, launched around the 2022 FIFA World Cup and now the main channel for most visitor visas.
Q2. Which Hayya category should an Indian tourist in India choose?
The A1 tourist entry visa. The A2 category is only for residents of GCC countries.
Q3. How much does the Hayya A1 tourist visa cost?
It is generally reported as around QAR 100 with roughly 30-day validity. Confirm the exact current fee and validity on the official Hayya platform.
Q4. Can Indians living in Dubai or Saudi Arabia use the new A2 upgrade?
As reported, yes — Indian expatriates with a valid GCC residency permit can stay up to 60 days per visit with multiple entry under the upgraded A2 visa.
Q5. How long does Hayya visa processing take?
Generally a few working days, as reported — apply well in advance of your travel date.
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