Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1) Requirements & Steps

The Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 17 November 2025.

Planning a trip to Qatar for leisure or sightseeing? Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a tourist visa before arriving. The good news is that the process has become much simpler since the relaunch of the Hayya platform in April 2023.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for a Qatar Tourist Visa (A1) online using the Hayya platform. We’ll cover eligibility criteria, the step-by-step application process, visa fees, and answers to common questions—so you can prepare for your visit with confidence.

Qatar Tourist Visa (A1) Updates

• Tourist Visa (A1) Entry Permit is now valid for 90 days from the date of issue (earlier it was 30 days). This means once your visa is approved, you have 90 days to enter Qatar. If you are planning to travel in the next 3 months it is a good idea to apply now (especially considering the delay in approvals).

Qatar Tourist Visa Eligibility Requirements

The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is for anyone who wishes to travel to Qatar for tourism or visit friends and family. It is available to nationals of all countries, except GCC citizens, who can avail of visa-free entry to Qatar.

These are the requirements to apply for Hayya Tourist Visa (A1):

• The visitor’s passport should be valid for at least three months from the date of entry to Qatar. 
• The visitor should have proof of accommodation. This can be “Hosted by Family and Friends” or “Other Accommodation” (hotel booking or rented apartment). In some cases, you may be exempted from providing a proof of accommodation or requested to have your booked accommodation through Discover Qatar.
• If arriving by air, the visitor should have a return ticket.

Please note that nationals of more than 100 countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. If your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry, you don’t have to apply for a tourist visa.

Qatar Tourist Visa Cost

Qatar Tourist Visa (A1) costs QAR 100 (USD 27) per visitor. Some nationalities are exempt from this requirement.

Qatar Tourist Visa Validity

The Tourist Visa you receive through the Hayya platform is valid for 30 days from entry date. Many visitors were able to renew it for 30 more days after entering Qatar.

Entry Permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issue so visitors must enter Qatar within those days.

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How To Apply For Qatar Tourist Visa Online

If you are interested in applying for a Tourist Visa (A1) through the Hayya Portal, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Hayya Portal

Go to the website address: www.hayya.qa

Step 2: Click on “Login”

This is located on the top right of the page.

Step 3: Sign Up and Login

If you are a first-time user of the Hayya portal, click on “Sign Up” and create an account using your email address. You will be required to enter a verification code sent to your email.

Once you have created an account, login using your email and password. If you are a registered user, you may have to verify your email using the OTP sent to your email.

Step 4: Click on “My Hayya”

You can find this on the top right (click on your name for the drop-down).

Step 5: Click on “Apply for Hayya”

You can see this button in the centre of the page, under My Hayya.

Step 7: Click on “Start the Application”

Read the information on the next page. The application autosaves as you enter your details, so any completed sections will be stored automatically. You can finish the form in one sitting or return to it later. However, each section must be completed in the order shown — you cannot skip ahead to the next part until the previous one is finished.

You will need the following:

• Copy of your personal photo, ID or passport
• Hotel booking or Host information

Once these are ready, click on “Start the Application”.

Step 8: Select Your Purpose of Visit

You can choose from a range of purposes including business meetings, convention participation, event participation, friend visit, heritage tourism, leisure, shopping, sports event, wedding party, etc. or select “Others” and specify the purpose.

Before proceeding to next step, please keep this information at hand:

• Digital photograph of yourself
• Valid ID (passport or Qatar ID). For passport holder the validity should be at least 3 months
• Details of your onward travel
• Hotel booking for the duration of your stay*

in case someone is hosting you, please be sure they register it on the portal. Then click “Next”.

Step 9: Upload Personal Photo

Click on “Browse for picture”. You can see a PDF guide showing the guidelines for your photo. Read the guide and select “I acknowledge the instructions for uploading my personal photo.” check box. Then upload your photo from your device. If it is accepted, you can see a message “The image is OK”.

Ensure that the photo meets the requirements such as a light background and sharpness. Only image file (.jpg or .jpeg) is allowed. Maximum file size is 2MB.

Step 10: Upload Your Passport

Click on “Browse for passport picture”. You can see a PDF guide showing the guidelines for your country. Read them and select “Continue” check box. Select the Passport type. For most people this will be “Normal”.

Your data will be extracted automatically. If the data is unreadable, you can enter it manually. If there is any missing field, ensure you fill them.

Re-check to make sure the auto-filled fields before proceeding, otherwise it might get rejected.

Enter your contact information – such as your phone number, emergency contact name and their phone number.

Click on “Validate your ID”. If the “Validate your ID” option is inactive after automatic data extraction, select. the “Passport Type” as “Normal”.

The first and last names are mandatory requirements. Middle names, third Latin names, and fourth Latin names are optional. If your last name is not on your passport, you can add your father’s name as your last name. If you are not sure, refer to the PDF that was shown during passport upload.

Now you can see a message that says “Your ID has been validated!”. Click “Next”.

Step 11: Provide Your Residency Information

Select your country of birth and your country of residence. Declare if you have a previous nationality. If you have, select the country.

Step 12: Select Your Accommodation Type

If you are staying with family or friends, your details should have already been added by your host in Qatar. Here is how Qatar residents can invite to host Hayya visitors.

Otherwise, you can select “Other Accommodation” and enter the accommodation name. Finally review and submit.

Step 13: Pay the Visa Fee

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an email with a payment link. The visa fee of QR 100 should be paid using a credit/debit card. Visa or Mastercard are usually accepted. If your nationality is exempt you will not receive the payment request.

Once the visa application is processed, the Hayya Entry Permit will be sent to your email. You can also access your Entry Permit by downloading the “Hayya To Qatar” mobile app.

Hayya Tourist Visa Processing Time

As of 2025, the average approval time is less than a week. However there may be delays in some cases. It is recommended that you do not book your flight tickets until your visa is fully approved.

Additional information

• The passport should be valid for at least three (3) months from the date of entry in Qatar.
• Since the initial visa is issued for 30 days, your return flight ticket should be within 30 days of entry, even if you plan to extend your stay. As the visa extension is conditional, your airline may not allow you to board. You can book a ticket with minimal or zero change fees.
• For each adult family member, a separate application is required. So, if you are travelling as a family, your spouse should apply through their own Hayya account.
• You can add children below 18 years as dependents to your Hayya account, but all details should be filled in. You can also apply separately for children.
• Visa holders are not allowed to work in Qatar during their stay.

Documents Needed For Travel Using Tourist Visa

While travelling using the Hayya Tourist Visa, you will need the following:

1	Passport	Valid for a minimum of 3 months from entry.
2	Hayya Entry Permit	You will receive this once your visa is approved.
3	Return Flight Tickets	Airlines require that return tickets should be within 30 days.
4	Accommodation Details	Clear address in Qatar. Invitation email and host details if “host family and friends” option. Booking details if hotel.
5	Visitor’s Health Insurance	Recommended. Only mandatory if planning to stay for more than 30 days.

Currently, COVID-19 vaccination and PCR testing are not required for visitors to Qatar.

How to Extend Qatar Tourist Visa (A1)

Step 1: Purchase a health insurance via MOPH website

To extend your Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) beyond the first 30 days, you should purchase a mandatory health insurance from any MOPH registered insurance company. You can find the list of approved insurance companies here.

Click on your preferred company and buy the insurance from the company website. The insurance fee is QR 50 for 30 days – for all companies. Once the purchase is completed it will be updated in the syetem (through passport number). Note that in some cases updation can take up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page on the MOI website

This is available under Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension.

Step 3: Enter the visa number or passport number

You can find the visa number on the sticker on your passport.

Step 4: Select nationality from the drop-down list

Step 5: Enter the verification code from the picture or audio

Step 6: Click on the “Extend” button

If you are eligible, the visa will be renewed for another 30 days.

Here is a step-by-step video guide about applying for a Qatar Tourist Visa:

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FAQ on Qatar Tourist Visa Procedure

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READ NEXT: How To Host Family And Friends On Hayya

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Related Articles:

1. Qatar Visa For GCC Residents Through Hayya
2. Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
3. How To Apply Hayya Visa For Children
4. Hayya Card Photo Requirements
5. Hayya Card Guide & How To Apply
6. Hayya With Me: Complete Guide

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.

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Source: Visit Qatar, Hayya