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 10 October 2023.
Qatar has a visa scheme that offers a 30-day visa-on-arrival for residents of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) subject to certain eligibility conditions.
In addition to this, recently Qatar’s Hayya portal has been updated with a special visa category for GCC residents. Expatriates who hold valid residency permits in any GCC country can now apply for a GCC Resident Visa (A2) 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. We will explain in detail both visa on arrival as well as GCC Resident Visa (A2)
Visa On Arrival or Hayya Visa?
If you are a GCC resident who meets the eligibility conditions for a visa on arrival to Qatar, you can travel without a pre-approved visa. The eligibility conditions are explained in this article.
If you are not sure about your eligibility or do not want to take the risk of entry refusal, you can apply for a GCC Resident Visa (A2) through the Hayya portal. The application process is explained in this article.
The visa fee is the same in both cases. However note that online applications may take a few days for approval, especially during events such as Expo 2023 Doha.
Part 1: Qatar Visa On Arrival For GCC Residents
GCC Residents can obtain a 30-day single entry on-arrival visa to Qatar. The visa costs QR 100 and can be extended if needed, allowing for flexibility in travel plans.
Requirements For GCC Residents Visa On Arrival
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Valid Passport: Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the date of your intended arrival in the country.
Valid Residence Card: Your GCC residence card should have a minimum validity of three months from the date of your intended arrival in the country.
Approved Profession: To be eligible for this visa, your profession on the residence card must be one of the approved professions listed, which includes 206 different professions (the list is given below).
Confirmed Round-Trip Ticket: You will need to provide evidence of a confirmed round-trip airline ticket. This ensures that you have a clear plan for your arrival and departure from the country. This requirement can be waived off in case of coming by land border.
Accommodation Confirmation: You should either show proof of a hotel reservation within the country for the entire duration of your visit or provide a valid address of a friend or relative where you will be staying during your visit. This requirement ensures that you have a place to stay during your trip.
Health Insurance: It is mandatory to have a visitor’s health insurance from one of the insurance companies accredited by the Ministry of Public Health. This is important to ensure that you have access to medical care in case of unexpected health issues during your stay.
If travelling by air, your airline may require that you travel from your country of residence (the GCC country where you are based).
List of Professions Eligible
Below is the list of professions that are eligible for GCC Residents Visa On Arrival.
| Accountant/Auditor | Accounts Manager | Administration Coordinator |
| Administrative Manager | Administrative Researcher | Agriculture Specialist |
| Air Controller | Air Host | Air Transport Manager |
| Aircraft Landing Controller | Aircraft Maintenance Technician | All Types of Consultants |
| Aircraft Takeoff Controller | Aircraft Technician | Diplomats (Members of Diplomatic Corps) |
| Aquatic Specialist | Archaeological Director | Archaeological Prospector |
| Archaeological Researcher | Architectural Draftsman | Army Officer |
| Artist (Actor, Musician, Composer, Poet, Painter, Singer, etc.) | Assistant Engineer (All Specializations) | Assistant General Manager |
| Assistant Pharmacist | Astronomer | Auditor Accounts |
| Author | Aviation Guide | Aviation Technician |
| Aviation Trainer | Bank Manager | Bank Official |
| Banker | Banking Business Manager | Breeding Specialist (Animals/Birds/Bees) |
| Broadcasting Manager | Business Lady | Business Man |
| Captain | Captain of Ship/Cruise/Carrier/Steamship | Career Counselor |
| Chemist (All Specializations) | Chief Justice | Cinema Cameraman |
| Cinema Director | Cinema/Television Producer | Co-Pilot |
| College Dean | Commercial Broker | Commercial Manager/Business Director |
| Company/Factory Manager | Computer Programmer | Consultant (All Types) |
| Control Equipment Technician | Cooperative Society Manager | Correspondent (Newspaper/Radio/TV) |
| Cruise Ship Guide | Customs Clearer | Customs Specialist |
| Dental Technician (Fixing) | Diplomat (Members of Diplomatic Corps) | Director |
| ECG Technician | Economic Analyst | Electrical Manager |
| Engineer (All Specializations) | Executive Manager/Director | Executive Secretary |
| Farm Manager | Finance Manager | Financial/Economics Expert |
| Food Controller | Foodstuff Technician | Gardening Specialist |
| General Physician | General Professional Trainer (Industrial/Agricultural/Commercial) | General Supervisor |
| Geologist | Geology Technician | Golden Residency Holder |
| Ground Attendant | Head (All Types) | Head of Prosecution |
| Horse Breeding/Equine Technician | Hospital Manager | Hotel Manager |
| Housewife | Husband/Wife/Son/Daughter/Mother/Father (GCC Citizen) | Information Systems Expert |
| Institute Manager | Insurance Manager | Interior Designer |
| Investment Manager | Investor | Jeweler |
| Journalist | Judge | Lab Specialist |
| Lab Technician | Laboratory Manager | Land Transport Manager |
| Law Expert | Lawyer/Advocate | Lecturer |
| Legal Researcher | Library Manager | Maintenance Manager |
| Male/Female Nurse | Manager (All Types) | Manager/Director of Any Government Departments/Companies |
| Marine Traffic Controller | Marine Transport Manager | Maritime Controller |
The list is taken from the Ministry of Interior website (Reference Source). We have sorted the list in alphabetical order for your reference.
As the rules are subject to change without announcement, we suggest that you double-check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm your profession’s eligibility.
Part 2: Hayya Visa For GCC Residents
As per the announcement made in April 2023, residents of GCC countries and those accompanying them can apply for a 30-day visa to Qatar through the Hayya portal.
Eligibility Conditions
Qatar Visa For GCC Residents (A2) will only be issued if you meet all the below conditions:
- Your passport should be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.
- Your residence permit should be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.
- You should have a return ticket if coming by air. This can be waived off if coming by land border.
- You should have confirmed accommodation. This can be “Family and Friends Hosting” or “Other Accommodation” (hotel booking or rented apartment).
- You should travel from your country of residence.
- The visitor should have health insurance (as per the 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 fee 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. This can be extended for two more months by paying QR 200 per month.
How To Apply For GCC Resident Visa Through Hayya Portal
The following are the steps to apply for a GCC Resident Visa through the Hayya Portal:
Step 1: Go to the Hayya Portal
The website address is: www.hayya.qa
Step 2: Click on “Apply For Hayya”
The button is available in the centre of the 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, log in using your email and password.
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 Visa (A2)” category from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Select the Purpose of the Visit
You can select from leisure, sports events, business meetings, wedding parties, shopping, medical care, heritage tourism, friend visits, convention participation, event participation etc. You can also select “Others” and specify the purpose.
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.
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.
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.
Step 10: Select the Job Title
Select your job title from the available list of professions. 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”.
Since Saudi ID doesn’t have an expiry date, Saudi residents can upload Muqeem documents with an expiry.
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 the Hayya portal. In this case, select “Other Accommodation” and enter the accommodation name.
Step 13: Enter Contact Information
In 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 90 days from the date of issue.
After entry, you can stay in Qatar for 30 days, and extend for 60 more days, if required.
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 & Qatar ID or 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 your 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.
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.
Travelling To Qatar
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].
Here is a video explaining the above steps:
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 a GCC Resident 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 Resident 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?
A GCC resident 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 a 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 the job title on your Residency.
Can I bring along dependents with GCC Resident Entry?
Yes, you can add your dependent to your application. They must also be GCC residents. If the dependent is not a GCC resident, then a separate Tourist Entry (A1) application must be submitted.
Is an on-arrival visa still applicable to 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 a separate visa. If you wish to bring along your spouse, please have them apply as well.
Related Articles:
- Photo Requirements For Hayya Visa Application
- How To Apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit to Qatar
- Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
- Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide
- Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Duration, and Cost
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.
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, 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,
I want to call my brothers family from GCC IN A2 Category visa. His profession translated to english is first financial reviewer… can i chose the profession which is closest to his job title since exact match is not available?
also, Should the children under 18 be added as dependent or seperate hayya application is required for them also?
Hi Syed, Regarding profession, please contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022. For children, you can add as dependent.
Hi,
my boss is a pakistani passport holder, but uae resident. He’s visa profession is partner and inlcuded on the list of profession above. Is he qualified for visa on arrival. or what are the documents we need to prepare, he’ll gonna travel on thursday.
Hi Berna, For GCC Residents Visa on arrival, he will need visitor’s health insurance, and return flight ticket.
Since he is Pakistani citizen, please double check if Discover Qatar hotel booking is needed. You can contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
(Just to make sure because recently some Pakistani visitors were asked DQ booking even when coming from GCC countries.)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Hi Randa, You need to apply for visa online (as explained above).
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.
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.
Good day,
Is this Hayya visa for GCC resident extendable? For how long? Thanks!
Hi Mary, No announcement about extension until now. You can check with Hayya helpline.
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?
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.
Hi,
My son has no occupation in his residency id given that he is my dependent, shall I put others and none if so?
Hi Concon, There is an option for Son/Daughter. Hope that works. If not, you can give Others.
Hi
I submitted everything after showing please wait loading only
Hi Bilal, Please retry later. Sometimes the system gets too busy.
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
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.
What will happen after i can’t resubmit again? will i be able to create a new application
Hi Zane, After 5 attempts the system will not accept the same passport number. You can contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
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
Hi Ali, Please contact Hayya helpline on +974-4401 2022 as it is automatically rejected by the system.
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?
Hi LG, Yes, you can apply for this type of visa.
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.
Hi Lucas, Please contact Hayya helpline on +974-4401 2022 as it is automatically rejected by the system.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Hi Intzar, Please contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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?
Yes, they can come without pre-registration also.
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
Hi Ali, You can select “Others” and enter General Manager.
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.
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.