Qatar Visa For GCC Residents: New Hayya Update (2023)

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 11 May 2023.

Qatar’s Hayya portal has been updated with a special visa category for residents of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). Expatriates who hold valid residency permits in any GCC country can now get a GCC Resident Entry (A2) e-visa through the Hayya portal.

This article explains the step-by-step process to apply, eligibility conditions, list of professions, visa fees, duration of stay and answers frequently asked questions about Qatar Visa For GCC Residents.

Recent Updates

04 MAY 2023 UPDATE

According to the update on the official Visit Qatar website:

India, Iran, Pakistan, Thailand, and Ukraine nationals applying for GCC Resident Entry (A2) must book accommodation with Discover Qatar.

Also if the profession on residence permit is not among listed approved professions, you must book accommodation with Discover Qatar.
Conditions For GCC Resident Visa
Conditions For GCC Resident Entry – Source: Visit Qatar

16 APRIL 2023 UPDATE

As a step towards boosting tourism in Qatar, three new categories of e-visa have been added to the Hayya Platform which will roll-out with immediate effect, Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker announced in a press conference.

Qatar Tourism Visa, which was suspended for several months, is now available through the relaunched Hayya platform. All you have to do is upload your documents, enter the required details and pay the visa fee (if applicable).

Qatar Visa For GCC Residents

As per the new announcement made on 16 April 2023, residents of GCC countries and those accompanying them can obtain a visa for 30 days stay in Qatar.

Qatar Visa For GCC Residents - New Announcement

Eligibility Conditions

Qatar Visa For GCC Residents will only be issued if you meet all the below conditions:

  • The passport should be valid for at least three months from the date of entry. 
  • The visitor should have a valid residence permit card issued by any GCC country (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or UAE). The residence permit should be valid for at least three months from the date of entry. 
  • The visitor should have a return ticket if coming by air.
  • The visitor should have confirmed accommodation. This can be “Family and Friends Hosting” or “Other Accommodation” (hotel booking or rented apartment). India, Iran, Pakistan, Thailand, and Ukraine nationals must book accommodation with Discover Qatar. Also if the profession on residence permit is not among listed approved professions, you must book accommodation with Discover Qatar.
  • The visitor should travel from his country of residence.
  • The visitor should have health insurance (as per MOPH guidelines).

GCC Residents Visa Fees

  • The cost of the GCC Residents Visit Visa is QAR 100 (USD 27).
  • Fee payment should be made using a credit or debit card.
  • The fine for overstaying is QAR 200 (USD 55) per day.

What is the refund policy?

The entry visa fees is paid after your visa is approved. The fees are non-refundable regardless of your travel status or arrangements.

Visa Validity

The visa is valid for 30 days.

How To Apply For GCC Resident Visa Through Hayya Portal

The following are the steps to apply for GCC Resident Visa through the Hayya Portal:

Step 1: Go to Hayya Portal

The website address is: www.hayya.qa

Step 2: Click on “Apply For Hayya”

The button is available in the center of the page.

Hayya Portal Home Page

Step 3: Sign up and login

If this is the first time you are using the Hayya portal, click on “Sign Up” and create an account using your email id. You will have to enter the verification code received in your email.

Once your account has been created, login using your email and password.

Hayya Portal Register User

Step 4: Click on “Apply For Hayya”

Once again you will have to click on the “Apply For Hayya” button in the center of the page.

Step 5: Select Category of Visit

You need to select the “GCC Resident Entry (A2)” category from the drop-down menu.

Apply GCC Resident Visa Hayya

Step 6: Select Purpose of Visit

You can select from leisure, sports event, job seeker, business meeting, wedding party, shopping, medical care, heritage tourism, friend visit, convention participation, event participation etc. You can also select “Others” and specify the purpose.

Hayya Purpose of Visit

Step 7: Upload Your Photo

  • Select “I have reviewed the instructions to upload my Personal Photo and Passport”.
  • Click on “Browse Personal Photo”.
  • Make sure the photo meets specifications such as light background, sharpness etc.
Upload Photo on Hayya Portal

Step 8: Upload Passport

  • Click on “Browse for first page”.
  • Upload only the first page of the passport.
  • Crop it in such a way that the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clear.
  • Click on “Save”.
  • Your data will be extracted automatically. If your 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.

Hayya Upload Passport

The first name and last name are mandatory requirements. Middle name, third Latin name, and fourth Latin name are optional. If you do not have your last name on the passport, you can add your father’s name as your last name and upload the last page of the passport along with the first page (to verify your father’s name).

The Hayya platform may amend your application data so that it matches the information on your official identity document. This is to fit the Hayya platform identity document format.

Step 9: Enter Residency Information

  • Select country of birth
  • Select your country of residence (any GCC country)
  • Declare if you have a previous nationality. If you have, select the country.
Hayya Residency Information

Step 10: Select Job Title

Select your job title from the available list of professions (we have given the list of 200+ professions below in this article). If your title is not listed, select “Others” and enter the job title manually.

Note: If the job title does not match the title on your Residency Permit, you will not be allowed entry to Qatar.

Step 11: Upload GCC Resident Permit

Make sure to upload a clear copy of your resident permit with the profession listed. Click on “Save”.

Step 12: Enter Accommodation Details

Next, you have to select an accommodation type.

If you are selecting “Family and Friends hosting”, your details should have already been added by your host in Qatar. Otherwise you will see an error. Here is our guide on how to register guests on Hayya.

If you are staying in a hotel or rented apartment, you can upload the details on the “Upload Other Platform Booking” on Hayya portal. In this case, select “Other Accommodation” and enter the accommodation name.

Hayya Accommodation Information

Step 13: Enter Contact Information

At the last step, enter your phone number and emergency contact details.

Finally, click on “Review & Submit”.

Step 14: 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. Normally Visa or Mastercard are accepted.

Hayya Entry Permit

After the payment is completed, you will receive a Hayya Entry Permit by email. Hayya Entry Permit for GCC Resident Visa is valid for 30 days from issue.

According to the officials, no visa request should take more than 48 hours to receive a response.

Documents Checklist For Travel

During travel, the following documents are required:

  • Passport
  • Hayya Entry Permit
  • GCC Residence card
  • Return Flight Tickets (not required for land border)
  • Accommodation Details (Host invitation & QID or DQ Hotel booking)
  • Health Insurance

Hayya Visa will allow you to use the e-gates at the Hamad International Airport as well as access the fast-track lane entry at the Abu Samra border.

Visa For Accompanying Family

The GCC Residents Visa is also available to accompanying family members. The accompanying person (under GCC Resident’s sponsorship) should make a separate application. They can select Housewife or Son/Daughter as their profession.

Their passport and residence permit should also meet the minimum validity required.

If the dependent is not a GCC resident, a separate Tourist Entry (A1) application must be submitted.

Here is a video explaining the above steps:


List of Professions

The following professions have been listed on the Hayya portal for selection:

  1. Accountant / Auditor
  2. Accounts Manager
  3. Administration Coordinator
  4. Administrative Manager
  5. Administrative Researcher
  6. Agricultural Specialist
  7. Air Controller
  8. Air Hostess
  9. Air Transport Manager
  10. Aircraft Landing Conttroller
  11. Aircraft Maintenance Technician
  12. Aircraft Pilot
  13. Aircraft Takeoff Controller
  14. Aircraft Technician
  15. All Types of Consultant
  16. Aquatic Specialist
  17. Archeological Director
  18. Archeological Prospector
  19. Archeological Researcher
  20. Architectural Draftsman
  21. Army Officer
  22. Artist (Actor, Musician, Composer, Poet, Painter, Singer, etc.)
  23. Assistant Engineer (All specializations)
  24. Assistant General Manager
  25. Assistant Pharmacist
  26. Astronomer
  27. Author
  28. Aviation Guide
  29. Aviation Tehnician
  30. Aviation Trainer
  31. Bank Manager
  32. Bank Official
  33. Banker
  34. Banking Business Manager
  35. Breeding Specialist (Animals/ Birds/ Bees)
  36. Broadcasting Manager
  37. Busines man
  38. Business lady
  39. Captain
  40. Captain of Ship/Cruise/Carrier/Steamship
  41. Career Counsellor
  42. Chemist (All Specializations)
  43. Chief Justice
  44. Cinema / Television Producer
  45. Cinema Cameraman
  46. Cinema Director
  47. Co-Pilot
  48. College Dean
  49. Commercial Broker
  50. Commercial Manager
  51. Company/Factor Manager
  52. Computer Programmer
  53. Consultant
  54. Control Equipments Technician
  55. Cooperative Socierty Manager
  56. Correspondent (Newspaper /Radio/TV)
  57. Cruise Ship Guide
  58. Customs Clearer
  59. Customs Specialist
  60. Decoration Designer
  61. Dental Technician
  62. Diplomat (Members of diplomatic corps)
  63. Director
  64. Earthquakes Expert
  65. ECG Technician
  66. Economic Analyst
  67. Electrical Manager
  68. Engineer (All specializations)
  69. Executive Manager / Director
  70. Executive Secretary
  71. Finance / Economics Expert
  72. Finance Audit
  73. Finance Manager
  74. Food Controller
  75. Foodstuff Technician
  76. Gardening Specialist
  77. General Professional Trainer (Industrial, Agricultural, Commercial)
  78. General Specialist
  79. General Supervisor
  80. Geologist Quantity Enumerator
  81. Geology Technician
  82. Golden Residency Holder
  83. Head (various)
  84. Head of Prosecution
  85. Horse Breeding Technician
  86. Hospital Manager
  87. Hotel Manager
  88. Housewife
  89. Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, Mother, Father (GCC Citizen)
  90. Information Systems Expert
  91. Institute Manager
  92. Insurance Manager
  93. Investment Manager
  94. Investor
  95. Jeweler
  96. Journalist
  97. Judge
  98. Lab Specialist
  99. Lab Technician
  100. Laboratory Manager
  101. Land Hostess
  102. Land Transport Manager
  103. Law Expert
  104. Lawyer/ Advocate
  105. Lecturer
  106. Legal Researcher
  107. Library Manager
  108. Maintenance Manager
  109. Male or Female Nurse
  110. Manager (Variety)
  111. Manager / Director of any Government Departments / Companies
  112. Marine Traffic Controller
  113. Marine Transport Manager
  114. Maritime Cotroller
  115. Marketing Outlet
  116. Marketing Representative
  117. Marketing Manager
  118. Media Controller
  119. Media Manager
  120. Media Person
  121. Medical Analysis Specialist
  122. Medical Equipments Technician
  123. Medical Specialist
  124. Medical X-ray Specialist
  125. Microscopic Technician
  126. Mining Technician
  127. Ministry Undersecretary
  128. Museum Manager
  129. Nutrition Specialist
  130. Operations Analyst
  131. Optical Technician
  132. Others
  133. Partner
  134. Permanent Residency Holder
  135. Pharmaceutical Technician
  136. Pharmacist
  137. Physician (All specializations)
  138. Physicist
  139. Pilot
  140. Plant Manager
  141. Player (All sports items in a sports club)
  142. Police Officer
  143. President / CEO
  144. President / Director of a Club
  145. President / Director of a University
  146. Press Photographer
  147. Printing and Publishing Manager
  148. Procurement Representative
  149. Production Director
  150. Professional Security & Safety Technician
  151. Professor
  152. Program Producer
  153. Proofreader
  154. Prosecutor
  155. Quality Controller
  156. Quantitative Calculator
  157. Radio / TV transmission Technician
  158. Referee (sports)
  159. Regional Director
  160. Religious person
  161. Research & Studies Director
  162. Road Controller
  163. Sales Executive
  164. Sales Manager
  165. Sales Representative
  166. School Manager
  167. Scientist
  168. Secretary / Director of Library
  169. Ship Captain
  170. Ship Maintenance Technician
  171. Ships Supervisor
  172. Sociologist
  173. Software Designer
  174. Son / Daughter
  175. Special Needs Teacher
  176. Speech Specialist
  177. Sports Medicine Specialist
  178. Sports Representative
  179. Sports Trainer
  180. Staffs at Embassies in GCC (except Support Services Jobs)
  181. Statistics Speciaist
  182. Student
  183. Surgeon (All Specialization)
  184. Surveyor
  185. Systems Analyst
  186. Teacher / Instructor
  187. Telecom Technician
  188. Television Manager
  189. Theatre Manager
  190. Tourism Agency Manager
  191. Tourist Guide
  192. Trader
  193. Train Mantenance Technicina
  194. Translator
  195. Travel / Tourism Agent
  196. TV / Radio Programs Presenter
  197. TV Cameraman
  198. University Profesor
  199. University Student
  200. Veterinary Doctor
  201. Weather Expert
  202. Well Drilling Technician
  203. Writer
  204. X-ray Specialist
  205. X-ray Technician
  206. Zoology Specialist

If your profession is not listed on the portal, you can select “Others” from the options and enter your job title as per the Residency Permit.


Vaccination & Quarantine Requirement

As per the new travel policy, effective from 1 November 2022:

In addition, Qatar has a free visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of more than 90 countries. You can read more about it here: Qatar Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide.

Hayya Customer Support

Hayya Contact Center can be contacted by calling 2022 from within Qatar, and +974 4441 2022 from outside of Qatar, or by sending an email to [email protected]

READ NEXT: How To Host Family and Friends on Hayya Portal


FAQ on Qatar GCC Residents’ Visa


Can GCC residents get a Qatar visa?

Yes, If you are a resident of any GCC country (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or UAE), you can apply for a GCC Resident Entry Visa.

What are the conditions for getting GCC Residents Visa in Qatar?

The visa will only be issued if your residence permit and passport are valid for at least six months and if your profession appears on the eligible list.

How much is the cost of a GCC Residents Visa to Qatar?

A single-entry visa to Qatar can be obtained for a fee of QAR 100. The fee is payable by credit or debit card.

How long is the GCC Residents Visa issued?

GCC Residents Visa to Qatar is a single entry visa valid for 30 days.

Do GCC citizens need visas to enter Qatar?

Citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar.

Is my profession eligible to apply for GCC Entry Visa?

Once you start the application process, you will be able to select your profession from the menu. The job title you will select from the menu, must be identical to Job title on your Residency.

Can I bring along dependents with GCC Resident Entry?

Yes, you can add your dependent in your application. They must also be GCC residents. If the dependent is not GCC resident, then a separate Tourist Entry (A1) application must be submitted.

Is on-arrival visa still applicable for me if I am a GCC resident?

Yes. On-arrival visas are still available for GCC residents.

Can I bring along my spouse with GCC Resident Entry?

Each GCC Resident applicant needs to have their separate visa. If you wish to bring along your spouse, please have them apply as well.


Related Articles:

  1. Photo Requirements For Hayya Visa Application
  2. How To Apply for Vehicle Entry Permit to Qatar
  3. Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
  4. Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
  5. Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know
  6. Qatar Visit Visa Types, Duration, and Cost

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  1. Dear,
    I’m Bangladeshi Nationality stay in Saudi Arabia. My profession is Travel Consultant. I have valid Iqama above 1 year validity. If i make hotel booking by discover qatar & make insurence online can i travel by abu samra border, can i get on arrival visa on border? I did not make Hayya card, is it necessary? Normally we are travel to Bahrain on arraival visa on Bordar.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Reaz, It is better to apply for GCC Entry Permit through Hayya (as explained above). There is no guarantee that you will get visa on arrival because it is limited to some professions. If you have Hayya Entry Permit, you don’t have to worry.

      1. Dear, i applyed many time in Hayya portal they rejected application very silly metter. When again i make it correction then again they rejected. almost 4 time i apply they rejected. If that much consistent error on that portal who will visit qatar. Too much complicated getting visa Qatar.

        Rejected Bangladesh – Fill name as page one of passport then the father name from second page

        Rejected Occupation chosen is not matching the ID

        Rejected Bangladesh – Fill name as page one of passport then the father name from second page

        Rejected Bangladesh – Fill name as page one of passport then the father name from second page,Occupation chosen is not matching the ID,Upload first and second passport/document pages in one image

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi Reaz, Sorry to hear that. Please contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022. This time do exactly as they say because you have already done 4 times.

  2. I want to know whether its allowed to perform Umrah by road, same as of hayya with me for those who visits on Hayya tourist visa.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Ahmed, Hayya Tourist Visa is single entry (while Hayya With Me is multiple entry). So if you are leaving to Saudi Arabia you cannot come back to Qatar on the same visa.

  3. hello ,

    i’m moroccain passport holder living in uae and my job title is sales demonstrator can i get the visa on arrival or i need to apply for visa ,

    thx

  4. Assalamualaikum,
    I’m an Indian National and a resident of Saudi Arabia, and my profession on the residence permit is عامل انشاءات (Construction Worker). Am I eligible for a GCC Resident Visa, because I’ve heard that all professions are now eligible for the GCC Resident Visa. Please clarify.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Muzammil, All professions can now apply for this type of visa. However if your profession is not listed (there are 200+ listed professions), there may be additional requirements for accommodation (such as Discover Qatar hotel booking). So please confirm with Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.

    1. I am a uae resident
      I have a 24 hrs layover in qatar going to philippines
      Can i go out qatar airport to visit my friend?
      Can i use this hayya app to obtain visa?

      1. Doha Guides Team

        Hi LG, Yes, you can apply for this type of visa. Please follow the instructions.
        If you are travelling by Qatar Airways, another option is transit visa. For this you need to contact Qatar Airways office.

  5. Hi,
    My son has no occupation in his residency id given that he is my dependent, shall I put others and none if so?

  6. Hi sir,
    Do you know how many times i can resubmit an application? Because i’ve seen online that you can only resubmit 5 times but after my 5th try i can still resubmit, i’m just worrying that i wouldn’t be able to resubmit again if it gets rejected

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Zane, Usually the re-submit option will show “exceeded maximum limit” after 5 times. Try to understand the reason for rejection and call Hayya helpline if it is not clear. Only submit after you resolve the issue.

  7. Dear sir

    I have Applied 3 times but my Application rejected says Occupation chosen is not matching the ID
    But it is same it matchs, i dont know what is the Reason

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Ali, Please contact Hayya helpline on +974-4401 2022 as it is automatically rejected by the system.

    2. I am a uae resident
      I have a 24 hrs layover in qatar going to philippines
      Can i go out qatar airport to visit my friend?
      Can i use this hayya app to obtain visa?

  8. Hi,
    i’ve been trying to get my (son) dependent to get his application approved by hayya. although, it always gets rejected because of the reason that the occupation doesn’t match with his residency id but in his iqama, whenever i translate it it says son so that’s what i’ve been trying to put in the occupation 1) son/wife/daughter/husband (GCC citizen) 2) son/daughter 3) others: son but it always ends up getting rejected. i don’t know what to put now.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Lucas, Please contact Hayya helpline on +974-4401 2022 as it is automatically rejected by the system.

  9. Hi,
    I am an Indian national, Saudi resident. Have applied Hayya for GCC Resident visa, but it was rejected stating resident permit is less than 3 months validity. I have DQ hotel booking. Travelling by road from Saudi to Qatar, will I get visa on arrival in Abu Samra border if I show passport and DQ booking and my iqama profession is computer programmer.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Mohamed, Regular visa on arrival for Indians with Discover Qatar was allowed until recently. However, please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm this as there are many changes this week. Tell them clearly that you are coming by land border.

  10. Hello. I am applying to a Hayya card. I am a resident of a GCC country. If the card not issued or rejected before the date of traveling. Can i obtain a visa on arrival. And can i have the health insurance on arrival. Thank you

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Jimmy, If you are eligible for VOA, you should be able to get it. However, please confirm with Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022 as this is a new type of visa and things are not yet clear. Health insurance can be taken on your mobile, just before travel.

  11. Dear Sir
    I applied for Haya card but there was no option tu upload accommodation Proof, only mentioned name of Hotel.
    I will need to send hotel and ticket prove letter ?
    Bcz there is not option to submit and Application has already submitted
    Thanks

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Hazrat, You will not find that on the application page. Go to the Hayya home page and you can see the “Accommodation” option on top right. There is “Upload Other Platform Booking” below that. You can upload booking confirmation on that page.

  12. Good morning
    I apply Hayya during FIFA-2022 & it was rejected, now I am trying to apply through GCC resident but showing error that you already apply for FIFA event. That rejected application I can not modify.

  13. Hi,
    I am GCC resident and I do have hayya card. Now I have applied hayya with me for my wife and daughter and I have received their hayya approved. I was planning to visit Qatar during eid holidays for 2 days only. Shall I buy insurance for one month or I do need to buy insurance till 24 th Jan 2024.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Rezwan, Although the rule says you need full duration, even those with one month is being allowed. You can buy for one month and try. If they insist that you need full duration insurance, you can buy another one from your mobile phone.

  14. My relatives wants from GCC already have hayya permit and wants to enter via land border. Do they need any vehicle pre approval or permit ? Or they arrive at border and register vehicle to get permit.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Riaz, They can register at the land border. Soon there will be a vehicle pre-registration service on Hayya portal. It is optional (to pass through a separate queue).

      1. It means they can come directly and register at land border .

        Hayya vehile registration service (optional )will start soon which makes easier to avoid the queue and use e gates service at land border right?

  15. Dear Sir madam
    My Designation is General manager, in new list assistant General manager is available but General manager is not available, what should I select
    Need ur help plz

  16. Hello,
    We are planning to come from Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) by road. We (Family) are GCC residents. I already have Hayya Card which was taken during world cup and is still active. I have added my three children as dependents and applied separately from my wife. Still the Hayya application form for my kids and my wife are in process. Now coming to hotel booking, can we book our hotels using booking.com or other booking website??
    Hotels listed in Discoverqatar.qa doesn’t have more information and very few hotels.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Kamarutheen, If the accommodation type in your Hayya Entry Permit is hotel stay, you can book using any platform. For more details including your dependent’s approval, please contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.

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