Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update was on 9 September 2023.
Are you planning to visit Qatar for leisure or tourism? In that case, you may need a tourist visa before entering the country. Fortunately, applying for a Qatar tourist visa has become easier than ever with the Hayya platform relaunch in April 2023.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Qatar tourist visa online using the Hayya platform. We will also explain the eligibility requirements, application procedure, visa cost, and other frequently asked questions about Qatar Tourist Visa.
- Qatar Tourist Visa Updates
- Qatar Tourist Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Qatar Tourist Visa Cost
- Qatar Tourist Validity
- How To Apply For Qatar Tourist Visa Online
- Hayya Tourist Visa Processing Time
- Additional information
- Nationalities Exempt From Visa Fee
- Nationalities Exempt From Accommodation
- Documents Needed For Travel Using Tourist Visa
- How to Extend Qatar Tourist Visa (A1)
- FAQ on Qatar Tourist Visa Procedure
Qatar Tourist Visa Updates
02 SEPTEMBER 2023 UPDATE
Qatar Tourist Visa Eligibility Requirements
Qatar Tourist Visa is available to nationals of all countries, except GCC citizens, who can avail visa-free entry to Qatar.
- The visitor’s passport should be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.
- If arriving by air, the visitor should have a return ticket.
- The visitor should have confirmed accommodation. This can be “Family and Friends Hosting” or “Other Accommodation” (hotel booking or rented apartment). Citizens of around 90 countries are exempt from accommodation requirement (see the list below).
- The visitor should have health insurance (as per MOPH guidelines).
Please note that nationals of more than 90 countries are eligible for a free visa on arrival in Qatar. Even if you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you can still apply for a tourist visa through Hayya portal.
Qatar Tourist Visa Cost
Qatar Tourist Visa costs QAR 100 (USD 27). Citizens of 90 countries are exempt from visa payment (see the list below).
Qatar Tourist Validity
The Tourist Visa you receive through 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 30-90 days from date of issue (most applicant are getting 90 days now), so visitors must enter within those days.
How To Apply For Qatar Tourist Visa Online
If you are interested in applying for a Tourist Visa through the Hayya Portal, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit Hayya Portal
Go to the website address: www.hayya.qa
Step 2: Click on “My Hayya”
This is located on the top right of the page. Alternatively you can click on “Apply for Hayya” in the center 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.
Step 4: Click on “Apply for Hayya”
You can find this button in the center of the page.
Step 5: Select Hayya Visit Category
Choose the “Tourist Visa (A1)” category from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Select Visit Purpose
You can choose from a range of purposes including leisure, sports events, business meetings, weddings, shopping, medical care, cultural tourism, visiting friends, participating in conventions and events, or select “Others” and specify the purpose.
Step 7: Upload Your Photo
Select “I have reviewed the instructions to upload my Personal Photo and Passport”. Then, click on “Browse Personal Photo”.
Ensure that the photo meets the requirements such as a light background and sharpness.
Step 8: Upload Your Passport
Click on “Browse for first page” and upload only the first page of your passport. Crop it so that the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clear. Finally, click on “Save”.
Your data will be extracted automatically. If the data is unreadable, you can enter it manually.
Click on “Validate User”. If the “Validate User” option is inactive after automatic data extraction, select “Passport Type” as “Normal”.
The first and last names are mandatory requirements. Middle names, third Latin name, and fourth Latin name are optional. If your last name is not on your passport, you can add your father’s name as your last name. In that case, you should upload the last page of the passport along with the first page (to verify your father’s name).
Step 9: 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 10: 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.
Note that for Tourist Visa, citizens of 90+ countries are exempted from accommodation. You can find list of countries below.
Step 11: Enter Your Contact Information
Enter your phone number and emergency contact details. Finally, click on “Review & Submit”.
Step 12: 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.
Note that for Tourist Visa, citizens of around 90 countries are exempted from visa fees. You can find list of countries below.
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 Hayya To Qatar mobile app.
Hayya Tourist Visa Processing Time
As per Hayya officials the processing time is 48 hours when all of the applicant’s documents have been received. However in some rare cases, the approval may take up to one week.
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 for a period within those 30 days, even if you plan to extend your stay. You can book a ticket with minimal or zero change fees.
- For each adult family member, a separate application is required.
- You can add children as dependents to your Hayya account, but all details should be filled. You can also apply separately for children.
- Visa holders are not allowed to work in Qatar during their stay.
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Nationalities Exempt From Visa Fee
The following nationalities are exempt from visa fee requirement for Qatar Tourist Visa:
- Andorra
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guyana
- Hong Kong SAR
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Northern Cyprus
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- USA
- Vatican
- Venezuela
Source: Visit Qatar
Nationalities Exempt From Accommodation
The following nationalities are exempt from accommodation requirement 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
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Northern Cyprus
- Norway
- 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
Source: Visit Qatar
Documents Needed For Travel Using Tourist Visa
While travelling using the Hayya Tourist Visa, you will need the following:
- Passport
- Hayya Entry Permit
- Return Flight Tickets
- Health Insurance
- Accommodation Details
Currently COVID-19 vaccination and PCR testing are not required for visitors to Qatar.
How to Extend Qatar Tourist Visa (A1)
Recently, numerous travelers have successfully extended their Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) for an extra 30 days. Here is how you can do it online:
Step 1: Go to the Visit Visa Extension Service page on the MOI website
This is available under Visa Services –> Visit Visa Extension.
Step 2: Enter the visa number or passport number
You can find the visa number on the sticker on your passport.
Step 3: Select nationality from the drop-down list
Step 4: Enter the verification code from the picture or audio
Step 5: Click on the “Extend” button
The visa will be renewed for another 30 days.
Here is a step-by-step video guide about applying for Qatar Tourist Visa:
FAQ on Qatar Tourist Visa Procedure
How many days is Qatar Tourist Visa valid for?
Qatar Tourist Visa holders can stay in Qatar for up to 30 days in
How much does Qatar Tourist Visa cost?
Qatar Tourist Visa costs QAR 100 (USD 27). Citizens of 90+ countries are exempted from this.
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 dependent along with me?
Yes, you can apply for dependents below 18 year 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 Tourist Entry Visa?
There is no age limit to apply for Tourist Entry Visa. As long as you meet the listed requirements, you can apply for the Tourist Entry Visa
READ NEXT: How To Host Family And Friends On Hayya
Related Articles:
- How To Apply Hayya Visa For Children
- Hayya Card Photo Requirements
- Qatar Visa For GCC Residents Through Hayya
- Hayya With Me 2023: Complete Guide
- Hayya Card Guide & How To Apply
- Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
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Hello
For haya Tourist Visa(A1) for Indian National should take accommodation through Discovery Qatar is mandatory? or else any other site Hotel booking is ok
Hi Prasad, Normal hotel booking or “Host Family And Friends” is also accepted for Tourist Visa. Indians who applied recently have got approvals.
Hi Ahmad,
Did you get the visa for your wife?
Hello,
Can Indian Nationals travel with A1 visa and having only host accommodation.
Thank you.
Hi Ruby, Yes, those who applied recently were approved.
Hi,
The guide states the processing time is usually within 48 hrs and in rare cases up to a week. I applied for my A1 tourist visa and it came within 48hrs but for my wife it is still outstanding since 26Aug…is this normal? Can someone help please?
Hi Ahmed, 48 hours is the average (as per Hayya officials). We have seen that for most people it gets approved within this period. It seems your wife’s case is taking much longer than usual (already two weeks). Perhaps you should contact the Hayya Helpline at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
Hello DG Team.
To Extend the Tourist Visa (A1) for Iranian citizens, is it necessary to rebook the Discover Qatar Hotel?
Hi Hadi, You can try to extend on the MOI portal (Visa Extension Service page). Sometimes it works without any additional requirement.
Myanmar citizen can come with hayya??
Hi Maung, Yes, you can apply for Hayya Tourist Visa.
My father’s Hayya Tourist Entry Permit is expiring on 22nd Sep. He is supposed to enter before this date but can’t due to some reasons.
Can we renew it after Hayya Tourist Permit Entry date surpasses.
Hi Wiki, You need to contact Hayya Customer Service [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
Hi i have applied for my mother’s A1 tourist visa and got approved. She got the confirmation email in PDF format. Now the issue is that I forgot my HAYYA app login information, but she has the pdf copy. so is there any issue?
Hi Abdur Rehman, If she has the Entry Permit, that is enough to travel. If you want you can try resetting Hayya password or contacting helpline.
Hi, I got A1 Visa for my father yesterday(3/9/23) and its shown last entry date by 2/12/2023,so that means he can entry before 2/12/2023 right ? ,because I read somewhere that A1 validity is for 1 month to enter ,
Whether they changed now to 3 months ?
Hi Vishnu, Most applicants are getting 3 months now (we have updated the article).
Hi Vishnu,
When did you apply for the Hayya A1 tourist Visit. how many days did it take for the approval. Is the accommodation Hosted by family and friends accepted for Indian nationals.
Hi,
I have two queries.
1) Whether my parents of age above 65 can come in Hayya A1 Visit visa to Qatar and can be extended for one more month?
2) Is there any other Qatar Visa category in which I can bring my parents whose age is above 65?
Hi JeyJay, (1) Yes, you can apply for Tourist Visa and nowadays 30 days extension is possible.
(2) No, Family Visit Visa will not be approved for those above 60 and Hayya With Me is suspended for Indians.
Any update for Hayya With Me for Indians. Any chance of restarting this again for Indians
Hi Syed, No update. Hayya Tourist Visa is possible (30+30 days extension).
Hi, I have two queries.
1) I am planning to bring my parents of age above 65 in Hayya A1 Tourist visa. will it be approved? Can their visa can be extended for extra month?
2) Is there any other visa in which the guest of age above 65 can visit Qatar and stay for more than 2 months?
Hi JeyJay, (1) Yes, you can apply for Tourist Visa and nowadays 30 days extension is possible.
(2) No, Family Visit Visa will not be approved for those above 60 and Hayya With Me is suspended for Indians.
Good day, i am currently working in the united kingdom with a working visa and i am planning to visit doha qatar. What are those requirements!
Hi Jenny, If you are a UK citizen, you can get visa on arrival. If you are not UK citizen, you can apply for Tourist Visa (A1) as explained here. Since you have a UK work permit you can can also apply for ETA Visa (A3): https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
Within 10 minutes approval after submission. and validity is 30 days.
I entered the wrong email address for the guest in the guest invitation, Now the guest didn’t accommodation approval copy or email. A1 visa is approved.
is it mandatory to have an accommodation copy/email to Traval?
Hi Prakash, Confirmation of accommodation is a requirement to travel. There is a chance that the airline may deny boarding during check-in. Please contact Hayya helpline or try to invite the guest again (as a new guest).
Is a1 tourist visa is multiple entry?
Hi Florinda, It is single entry.
Hi ,DG team
my guest arrived in tourist a1 visa (India) and got 30 days visa stamped in passport .
also when in tried to extend visit visa in MOI website it gives further 30 days more validity. (Usually tourist visa single entry with 30 days only)
will it be reliable and shall I revise the travel plan as per extension.(2 months )
Hi Ragul, Nowadays A1 Tourist Visa extension is possible for 30 more days (we have seen many cases and updated our article). If in doubt you can confirm this with Qatar Government Helpline at 109 or [email protected].
Hi team, yesterday I got approval tourist visa A1. unfortunately I didn’t received PDF copy through mail since their is issue to receive attachment in mails. Approval is showing on hayya app and received mail also for approval.
Is it okay to board flight with haya digital app approved entry visa or need to bring pdf copy only which suppose to receive through mail.
Thanks.
Hi prashant, how many days did it take to get the Visa A1 approval. And what is the validy for the tourist visa to enter Qatar.
Hi Prashant, This will depend upon your airline. Sometimes the airline staff will insist on the Hayya Entry Permit with QR code. You can request Hayya helpline to resend the Entry Permit. If there is no way to get it you can try with the app.
Hi team,
My parent’s Hayya A1 visa is approved, but my mother holds ECR passport. Will there be any issue at immigration while entering Qatar?
Thanks
Hi Syed, ECR restriction is only for work visa. Hayya A1 is tourist visa. So no issues.
Hi Syed,
When did you apply for A1 Tourist visa and how many days it take to get the approval.
It got approved in less than few hours.
Hi Syed, Thanks for the update.
Hi Syed, Thank you for your info. Are you an Indian national
Yes, Indian national @VJY
Hi DG,
Haya tourist visa A1, accomodations booking will be through regular hotel or discover booking??
Thanks
Hi Syed, If the visitor is from India or Pakistan, please check with Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022. Sometimes they are asking DQ hotel booking.
If my sister living in qatar i will come for visiting do i still need to provide accommodation details? Does Address details document from
Metrash is acceptable? How long is the duration to stay if i’m malaysia resident ? Is better to enter via hayya or voa?
Hi Hani, If you are citizen of Malaysia you can get visa on arrival by providing accommodation details. If you are applying Tourist Visa in advance, your sister can invite you to stay with her. She can do this by downloading National Address from Metrash and uploading this to her Hayya account.
Hello, how do I get family visit visa for my father in law who is 70 years old? How long is the duration of stay in Qatar if he gets the visa?
Hi Shital, Currently they don’t issue family visit visa for those above 60 years.