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 01 April 2024.
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
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.
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,
So I gather that the previous visa on arrival for GCC residents from approved professions is still available. If I opt for that option do I still have to make hotel booking? I have family living in Qatar and I can provide the address proof if needed.
Hi Ansar, Yes, previous visa on arrival for GCC residents is still available. But the number of approved professions is only 50+. Usually they allow entry if you can provide local address proof and return flight ticket. However please confirm your profession as well as the accommodation requirement with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to avoid any surprises.
Hello,
Am i allowed to work in Qatar with the GCC Resident Visa?
Hi Ahmed, No, this is only for visit.
Hi,
I’m a GCC resident, however my profession is not included in the the list.
My Nationality is not eligible for Visa on Arrival either.
Only thing is I have a Valid USA tourist visa which I know I could use to apply for visa. Let’s say that It’s approved. Could I use it via land border or only via airport?
Hi Renz, With a US visa you can apply for Qatar ETA visa. Note that you need to apply for this in advance. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-eta-visa-online/
To confirm if this type of visa would be accepted at land border, please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi, I am a UAE resident with Indian PP. my Hayya is approved.
question: can we book any hotel in Doha or it must be discover Qatar only?
Hi Vishal, If it is GCC Residents Visit Visa you can book any hotel.
Hi im about to leave tomorrow and the Hayya is not yet approved. Is it possible for a GCC resident to enter without Hayya approval?
Hi Kristine, I am not an expert so I have no answer to your query but I would like to know if ever your status remains the same and you already headed there please share how it goes with you. Thank you and hoping to hear from you.
Hi Kristine, If your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival you can enter using that. If your nationality is not eligible your GCC Resident ID profession should be eligible for GCC Residents Visa On Arrival. Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm your profession’s eligibility.
Hi, thank you for the simple guide. I was able to apply my Hayya application last week and got it approved in two days. I am a GCC resident, I along with friends are planning on a visit to Qatar by road. All passengers are GCC residents among which one person received Hayya approval while the other 2 applicant one among who is primary and second is a dependent. Dependent Hayya application was immediately approved while the primary applicant is still with pending status (we have not reached the accommodation step for that pending passenger infact rest of us have surpassed accommodation step). Now it is 4th day since the application status is showing Pending. Kindly advise what is the best solution in this scenario. We plan to travel by 09-August. I am aware it requires 3 to 5 working days for application to be processed. Any advise on this matter is highly appreciated.
Hi Mat, Why don’t you complete the accommodation for the pending application?
Hi Dohaguides, thanks for the response! We already have the accommodation apparently there is no option to update or upload the hotel reservation. The tab or option in the primary application isn’t available but for dependent it was available and also updated. Is there a work around for this or do you think it maybe a glitch from the system? Please share any suggestions highly appreciate!
Hi Mat, The “Upload Booked Accommodation” option is on the home page. If you can’t find it could be a system glitch. You can also try from a different browser. For assistance you can contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
Hi
I am working in uae . My visa going to expired in 3months from now . I got a job offer in qatar .without cancellation of my uae visa , can I get qatar resident visa ?
Hi Raja, yes, you can have both visas.
Assalamualaikum,
I am an Indian citizen working in Saudi as house driver I am planning to visit Qatar with a visa sponserd by Hayya card holder please guide me how to apply for this and what other documents I need to bring if I am traveling by my mudeer/kafil car.
Adnan
Hi Adnan, If you are travelling with Kafeel, make a Hayya account and select “GCC Companion Entry Visa (A4)”. This is very easy to apply.
I have had previously entered and exited Qatar recently and I am re-applying for Hayya under GCC RESIDENT VISA (A2) category, what is the solution when this remarks shows up: “You cannot submit the application as you are already added as a guest in this account.”
Hi MJ, Please contact Hayya helpline 800 2022.
Hi am pakistani with saudi iqama holder for me and family. I planning a visit to Qatar as tourism in 3 weeks.
Can I get visa on arrival?
Hi Khurram, Visa on arrival is only for specific professions. It is safer to apply online on Hayya platform (see the article).
Dear sir
I Have Haya card going to doha next day, my ticket from UAE to Qatar is confirmed, should i have confirmed ticket from qatar to UAE also , i may come by car my travel date is not clear, so what should i do
Thanks
Hi Hazrat, Usually a return flight ticket will be asked during check-in (because you are a visitor). We suggest that you book a ticket and later cancel if you decide to come by car.
If I am holding a resident visa in Bahrain, can I entre Qatar through the boarder between Saudi and Qatar? Or I can only come in through the airport?
Hi Amjad, You can come through Saudi border if you have an approved Qatar visa or you are eligible for visa on arrival.
Hi. My friend is lebanese and we are planning a trip to Qatar this weekend. She is a GCC resident but with a family residency ( إقامة إلتحاق بعائل ) can she get the visa on arrival?
Hi Tina, Since your friend is under family sponsorship, to get GCC Resident Visa On Arrival she should be accompanied by her husband. If she is coming alone she can apply for Tourist Visa online. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
how about with at least 18 hours transit from manila to saudi arabia? 18 hours transit. is it possible to go out still and visit some friends before taking my transit flight? i am filipino with gcc resident card holder from saudi arabia.
Hi Jon, One condition for GCC Residents Visit Visa is that you should be arriving from a GCC country. Since you are coming from Philippines, you should apply for Tourist Visa. Here are the details: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Dear!
I have Already received Haya card and Have visited Qatar once on A1 visa, But now I have applied again , should i add Accamodation again or no need for that?
Hi Ali, If it is host family and friends, you can try by applying with same accommodation. If it is hotel you have to do it again.
Good day.
Regarding Visa for GCC Resident (Hayya), my profession is not on the list, can I still get an approved visa?
If yes, is there any additional requirements compared to those professions that are on the list?
How long will it take to get the approval?
Please advise. Thank you so much.
Hi April, For those whose profession is not on the approved list they were asking for hotel booking. But we are not sure if that requirement still applies. Please contact Hayya Support at [email protected] or or (+974) 4441 2022.
I am travelling by car (I am the car owner), any requirements/document required in border for vehicle entry?
Hi Abdulati, If you are the owner, you only need the vehicle registration card. vehicle insurance can be taken at the border.
Hi Teams,
Yesterday i was applied from saudi arabia for hayya visit(GCC RES), but today i received mail that my application is rejected and the reason is need to upload GCC ID with profession and validity date, but the problem is no validity date in saudi ID …. so friends please let me how to solve this issue..
Thanks in Advance…
Get Muqeem document. It has validity / expiry of the iqama. Upload the same alongwith your residency permit / iqama.
Thanks Ehsan. We have added this to the article.
Hello,
I want to understand what if i have guests who are Pakistani nationals and GCC residents, and their profession is on the list. And i can Not host them under my accommodation in Hayya because i already registered a few guests who visited before.
Will they have to upload a hotel booking? And them being Pakistani nationals, do they need the hotel booking only from Discover Qatar?
Hi Arsalan, You can register them under any friend or relative who has QID. Regarding hotel booking, we are not sure because they have made some changes this week (the line which mentions about DQ booking has been removed from Visit Qatar page). You can check with Hayya Support at [email protected] or or 800 2022.
HI DG,
in your above post, you have mentioned as 4 may update that GCC resident of 5 countries require hotel booking and if profession is not listed then require hotel booking citing visit qatar website reference, however on visit qatar website under GCC Resident visa (A2) such conditions are not mentioned anywhere.. can you share the link to see where they have mentioned such conditions or can you recheck if this is a mistake from your side or perhaps such conditions might have been removed now?
Hi Syed, Thanks for sharing this. It seems the Visit Qatar page has changed. We have also updated the article now.
Hi,
Filipina here GCC residents in Kuwait,
I had the approved visit visa last week to Qatarvfrom Hayya, but I had confused regarding “the list of profession” of Hayya application, but I place the sales representave, thought was the same category. However, my job position here in Kuwait is Cashier, just now I realized that there is an option “others” is there any chance to correct it? Or reapply again? Because I am planning to visit tomorrow Friday until Saturday only. Please kindly response soon. Thank you
Hi Lani, Sorry we missed your query. Hope you were able to visit without any issue.