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
- Qatar Tourist Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Qatar Tourist Visa Cost
- Qatar Tourist Visa Validity
- How To Apply For Qatar Tourist Visa Online
- Hayya Tourist Visa Processing Time
- Additional information
- Documents Needed For Travel Using Tourist Visa
- How to Extend Qatar Tourist Visa (A1)
- FAQ on Qatar Tourist Visa Procedure
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.
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 6: See the eligible visa categories
- On the Hayya journey pop-up, select “Flying to Qatar” or “Driving to Qatar” (if using land border).
- Select your nationality.
- Answer the next questions. Click confirm.
- The system will show you the eligible visa categories based on your answers.
- If it shows Tourist Visa (A1), click on that.
- Read the information and click on “Apply for A1 visa”.
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.
Travelling To Qatar
Make your trip to Qatar unforgettable! Check the latest offers from Qatar Airways, Qatar’s 5-star airline, rated as one of the best in the world. With its reputation for luxury, comfort, and a wide-reaching global network, booking with Qatar Airways ensures an extraordinary travel experience.
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:
FAQ on Qatar Tourist Visa Procedure
How many days is a Qatar Tourist Visa valid for?
Qatar Tourist Visa holders can stay in Qatar for up to 30 days. In some cases, this can be extended for 30 more days.
How much does a Qatar Tourist Visa cost?
Qatar Tourist Visa costs QAR 100 (USD 27).
How much is the fine after the Qatar Tourist Visa expires?
The fine for an expired tourist visa in Qatar is QAR 200 (USD 55) per day.
Should I use only Qatar Airways for my travel?
You can use any airline to Doha. There are no restrictions on travel modes.
Can I bring a dependent along with me?
Yes, you can apply for dependents below 18 years old by adding their information on the Hayya application portal. Note that each visitor should have their own Hayya Entry Permit.
Is there any age limit to apply for a Tourist Visa (A1(?
There is no age limit to apply for a Tourist Visa (A1). As long as you meet the listed requirements, you can apply for the Tourist Visa (A1).
Can I still apply for a regular visit visa or do I have to get a Tourist Visa (A1)?
Yes, several visa options are still available. Whether you should apply for a regular visit visa issued by the Ministry of Interior or a Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) depends on your nationality, travel profile, and the purpose of your visit.
READ NEXT: How To Host Family And Friends On Hayya
Related Articles:
- Qatar Visa For GCC Residents Through Hayya
- Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
- How To Apply Hayya Visa For Children
- Hayya Card Photo Requirements
- Hayya Card Guide & How To Apply
- 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.
Source: Visit Qatar, Hayya
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
Hi,
My brother wants to visit doha, is there any difference for applying the visa as a visit or haya ?
Note that i meet the requirements to sponsor him as visit visa but I have a doubt on which one would be easier !
Hi Abd, If he want to stay less than 30 days, he can apply for Tourist Visa (A1) through Hayya portal. It is free of cost for 90 nationalities. Family visit visa costs QR 200 per month, but can be extended if required. Tourist Visa cannot be extended.
Hi please advise me qatar tourist visa 30 days after can I renewal 1 and 2 months if possible stay in qatar 2 / 3 months
Hi Mouzzam, Currently there is no option to renew Hayya Tourist Visa after 30 days.
Dear Sir,
My family and I will be on a 7 day cruise which starts in Dubai and makes a day’s stop in Doha. Do we need to apply for a Qatar visa if a cruise is making a stop in Doha?
Hi Paul, If you want to visit Doha (leave the cruise ship), you will need a visa. Please check if your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival. Or else you need to apply for a Tourist Visa.
Salem.
En ce qui concerne l’obligation d’hebergement, est-ce que la reservation via la plateforme booking est suffisante?
Merci de me répondre
Oui. Vous pouvez réserver l’hôtel et télécharger les détails de la réservation sur la plateforme Hayya.
Hayya tourist visa can apply for Saudi multiple visa. And visit
Kindly advuse
Hi Mohammad, Yes, they can apply for Saudi Tourist visa.
Good day
Me and my husband are on our way to London from OR Thambo Airport South Africa, with Qatar Airways with a layover of 19 hours( arriving 05:45 on 26 July and departing 01:05 27 July) , i booked a city tour in the morning and a Dhow boat cruise the evening, in the past i applied for a transit visa, how do i go about it now?
Regards Lizl van Tonder
Hi Lizl, Sorry we missed your query. Hope you were able to visit Doha.
Hi good afternoon I have apply for tourist visa (A1)July 17,2023 I visit in qatar on August 28 until September 3, 2023..but the accommodation is pending. But I follow the procedure and I put my hotel booking ..how many day’s the process of application?
Hi Gelay, Hope your issue has been resolved.
I have applied A1 for my father on July 08th and the application is still pending, several times called the 2022 helpdesk but they told me to only wait & nothing to do. we have already booked tickets, please if anyone can advise?
Hi, Hope your issue has been resolved.
Hola muy buenas, Somos Españoles , ¿que necesito para hacer un stopover con Qatar airwais de tres días? Gracias y un saludo.
Hola, verá una opción para la escala en la página de su billete.
Hello DG Team
to apply for one-month tourist visa (A1), for iranian nationals, they still have to book a hotel from DISCOVER QATAR or it can also be done from other platforms ?
Hello DG team, can you guide me how can i re-apply for visit visa for my my 2 kids (from my dependent list). My 2 kids are under my dependent list and my wife have separate hayya account and they all visited here last May without any issue. For my wife there is no issue re-applying as it is already under process with existing details but the issue here for my kids. How can i re-apply visit visa for my kids (For my dependents)? There is abosolutly no option to apply for existing dependents or delete them under my dependent list. I deleted both my kids from my accomodation guest list but once i submit again it says ‘You cannot have both the guest and his/ her application in the same account’
Im in limbo now.
Hi! Once the visa is approved and already in Qatar, can I apply for another tourist visa to extend my stay? Thank you for the informative article.
Hi JP, You cannot apply for another tourist visa while inside the country.
Hi my wife and child is in Qatar hayya tourist visa. She will return to India on next week then how many days after I can apply again tourist visa for my
Hi Mohamed, You can apply again once they leave the country.
Hi,
I applied for a tourist visa(A1) on the 24th of June, instead of an ETA because I hold a valid residence permit.
Do you know how long it may take to be processed?
I have my flight and accommodation booked for the 14th of July 2023 and I am starting to worry because I’ve seen people’s complaints about their visas not getting processed on time.
Thanks.
Hi AY, Most applications get approved within a week. If required, you can contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
Hi! My friend is a Sri Lankan citizen with a Sri Lankan passport. He is planning to visit Qatar from 13th November 2023 to 19th November 2023 and would like to apply for a tourist visa from Sri Lanka. I would really appreciate if you could let us know when does he need to apply for tourist visa? Please let us know whether he needs a confirmed air ticket as well as a confirmed hotel booking? If he books a hotel from booking.com and if the hotel booking is confirmed can he use that. If Hyya platform is used to apply for the tourist visa, what other documents will be needed apart from the confirmed hotel and air ticket.
Thank you.
AJ
Hi Achala, As per the current rule, he should apply after 14 October only, because once the visa gets approved, he needs to enter within 30 days. Return ticket and accommodation is needed. Instead of hotel, he can also use “Host Family and Friends” option if someone is hosting him. He would also need health insurance from MOPH website. Please check back the rules later as these may change.
Hi Team! Please may I know the documents needed by my friend when he applys tourist Visa to Qatar. We are aware after getting the visa , he needs a valid passport, his visa, return air ticket and health insurance is needed to enter the country. Thank you.
Hi Achala, Apart from these he/she may need accommodation details also (depending on nationality).
Hi Team, please may I ask if I can the hotel booking on behalf of my friend.
Hi Achala, if the friend is the visitor, the booking should show his/her name. This may be required for visa.
Hello,
What is the last entry date?
i have applied for my cousin a tourist visa and i got approved but it says the last entry date is 23/08/2023.
does that mean he should come before this date and can stay for 30 days?
like, he is willing to come on 20/08/2023,
then the 30 days will be counted starting from this day? or he will only have 3 days to stay in qatar?
Hi Jiray, 30 days will be from the date of entry. If he comes on 20-08-2023 he can stay till 19-09-2023.
Hi. I applied visa for my sister but unfortunately it was rejected. They ask me to provide an original certificate which I already did. I tried to apply for new application for her again but the system won’t allow me. Where should I download the documents they needed? Or should I apply Hayya card for my sister? Thank you.
Hi Christi, What type of visa did you apply? What was the certificate they asked?
Hi,
What are the requirements if travelling by land for Tourist Visa through Bu Samra border? . Here saying return flight ticket needed, but what if in this case?
Hi Noufal, You don’t need return ticket when travelling by land. Other requirements are the same.
Very good article written by you.
One important point could have been added about how long does it take to process the application (average number of days).
Thanks
Thanks Muhammad, We have added that info. Although officials say 48 hours, some applications are taking up to one week.
I applied A1 for my father on July 8th and today is the 18th, still no response, and the application is pending. but applied for my two czns which got approved within 2 & 24 hours.
Hi,
I applied for a transit visa in Doha, which I chose Visa With ETA (A3). The Hayya requested me to pay 100 QAR. I thought the transit visa is free of charge? Could you please check if I do something wrong?
Best regards,
Tuan Giang Trinh
Hi Tuan, ETA is a special visa for those who have residence permit or visa in some countries (US, UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia or New Zealand). It is valid for 30 days and there is a fee of QR 100 (similar to Tourist Visa).
Online Transit Visa, which was free, is currently suspended. Only Qatar Airways offices can arrange transit visa now.
Hi. I’m a Sri Lankan citizen working in Qatar. I want to bring my mom to visit Qatar , who’s 70 years old now. Can I use this tourist visa to bring her here ? Can I accommodate her at my residence? Also how about the cost for insurance? TIA
Hi Chamilwee, Yes you can apply for Tourist Visa and host her at your residence.